General Mariners Rule Helping Others On The Water
Everyone needs a helping hand sometime and sailors are no exception.
As a mariner we know the rules change when on the water. There is
considerably more danger when on the water than when you are on land.
Sometimes if assistance is not provided right away you or another
sailor may subject to fatal penalties.
In Washington State if we leave the scene of the collision on the
water without rendering all practical and necessary assistance to the
injured person we may be charged with a felony! This is the attitude
that sailors have towards each other.
We must help each other if we can.
We spend countless nights on guest
beds, couches, and boats when racing or cruising out of town on a low
budget. We loan each other sails, gas, masts, lines, and equipment if
it breaks at a race or on a distant island. We let other boats raft
up to us even if it will make it harder for us to get out. We find
jobs for each other and even provide a place to live when necessary.
That is how our community works.
This week I am flying to Kona, HI to sail on some cruising cats that
my buddy now owns along with his charter company for the next month.
Only six years ago he was sleeping on my couch in LA when he was
taking his instructor certs. Sailors help you out when you help them.
(if you are in HI come out and sail with us!)
This season I encourage everyone one of us to reach out to someone
around us and help them when in need. As sailors it is our law, it is
what we stand for, and it pays off.