SIGH of RELIEF (Captain)

Just call me "Captain Scott".

Believe it or not, it's been pretty stressful around here the past couple of weeks...

We didn't want to tell you about it, because - well, this is a happy blog - but now that everything is okay, we can let the cat out of the bag... 

Scott has FINALLY been issued his 100 ton Master Captains License by the United States Coast Guard.  In fact, he now actually carries the 200 ton license.  

So...Why was this stressful?  

He almost didn't get it.  

Which meant he almost lost his incredibly amazing job as a boat captain with Island Windjammers.

I've mentioned that getting your captain's license is no easy feat - and after the last few weeks I think getting into Law School might be easier...(okay, maybe not). You see - Scott's situation was very unique (and very lucky):  he actually had a job before he got his license.  For those of you who don't know, that is usually not the way things work in the maritime world.  People usually get their license, and then have to find a job.  So Scott got his cart before the horse.  Which was awesome.  Until we found out that there were a few minor "issues" with his credentials (namely, he qualified for the 50 ton and not the 100 ton, which he needed*)...Getting your OUPV 6 pack?  Not so hard.  Getting your 100 Ton Master?  More complicated!

I don't want to bore you with the particulars - but suffice it to say that it was a whirlwind of phone calls, faxes, emails, and inquires coupled with an actual mountain of paperwork.  The clock was ticking (he is taking control of s/v Diamant on December 17th) and his (incredibly understanding) boss was eager to know if and when she had to hire another captain.  I don't think I need to explain to you that government run organizations aren't known for their "speed" in paper processing, and the USCG (as wonderful as they are!) is no exception.  It was crazy, and for a little while there we thought it wasn't going to work out.  We were getting down to the wire, and it became a real nail-biter of a waiting game.  We were devastated.

But it DID work out and we got the ultimate Christmas present! Scott (who, I must mention, never lost hope or site of his goal) is now officially a USCG certified Captain! I am so proud of him and know that he is going to be fan-tastic.  Not to mention this will really help our cruising kitty.

I would like to give a shout-out to Boatwise.  If you or someone you know is looking to get their USCG Captain's License, you would be wise get in touch with Captain Rick and Captain Sue.  They are a wealth of knowledge and both of these lovely people went above and beyond acting as advocates for Scott, helping him sort through his credentials and double-checking rules and regulations for him (there are a LOT of them, and they change quite a bit). 

So there you have it! It's official!  My husband is a proper, certified Merchant Mariner.  Not going to lie, I really like the sound of it...I could not be more proud!

* He actually was qualified for the 100 ton, but needed to fix a few things on his paperwork.  Note to mariners looking to get your captains license:  make sure you know the proper formula to calculate TONNAGE of a boat (this is NOT weight and depth is NOT draft) and make sure to be very specific about your job on a boat.  "Race crew" only counts for 50% of the time so make sure to specify "deck hand" or "helmsman" if/when you can.  Also, start tracking that sea time!