Ahoy.
It's the day after Thanksgiving, and as you read the No. 1 boating
and harbor column in our local newspapers, OK so it is the only
column of this type in our local papers, I will be cruising off the
coast heading either for lunch in Avalon on Catalina Island or
Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach. I will see if the yacht's waterline has
moved up from my Mom's Thanksgiving dinner.
Then on Saturday, I will be shifting down the coast to San Diego
Harbor to teach a new boat owners class. These classes can be
hair-raising for the new boat owners who will be learning to dock
their new yacht for the first time while not leaving a scratch on
their yacht that costs more than an average home, or two in the
Midwest. So, next Friday I will let you know about any amusing
happenings. Recently, Deputy Pat Fergus with the Orange County
Sheriff's Harbor Patrol received national recognition from the
National Assn. of State Boating Law Administrators at its 43rd annual
conference. Pat was awarded California's Boating Law Enforcement
Officer of the YearA tribute to boating law enforcement officers, in
the November/December 2002 issue of Small Craft Advisory begins with,
"The responsibilities of today's boating law enforcement officers
encompass a wide diversity of disciplines. Boating officers are
responsible for much more than enforcing laws. They must also educate
the public, save lives, facilitate wildlife conservation, protect
citizens, among numerous other duties. Often officers go above and
beyond the call of duty." I could not have said it any better how the
nation's harbor patrols are adapting to all aspects associated with
managing our waterways.
Deputy Fergus, with more than 30 years in the Sheriff's
Department, is an expert in the aspects of operating a harbor patrol.
The Orange County Harbor Patrol, which covers three harbors and miles
of coastline, is the largest harbor patrol operation on the West
Coast. Pat is known throughout the waters as one of the best training
officers for patrol personnel and he develops much of the course
details.
Pat developed the Marine Fire Academy where he serves as the
senior instructor and trains not only his own deputies, but also
those from other harbors. It is great that Pat's dedication to the
profession is recognized. When you see him, thank him for all his
hard work.
Russell Sipe, who is a proud new boat owner and a journalist,
e-mailed me to sat that I never answered the question of the week in
my Oct. 14 column -- How is a boater supposed to pass Newport's
