In the boating world, when someone says they are a “captain”, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have some Napoleon complex on their boat and like to wear white visors caps that say “Captain” (although those people do exist).

It generally means that they have undergone complex studies and a rigorous exam to earn the title.  With an OUPV or “6-Pack”, you can legally take paying passengers out on a boat.  You can deliver boats for the owners or brokers. It may reduce your insurance rate, and carries weight when chartering.

You see the ads everywhere for local classes.  They are held in classrooms, online or by personal study…all to fit your schedule.  Winter is a good time to consider this as the boat is usually tucked away.  Here are couple local organizations but also check out the marine stores, yacht brokers, and boating magazines and the January Boat Show for references and schedules…

http://www.flagshipmaritimellc.com/

https://www.usmaritime.us/captains

https://www.marinerslearningsystem.com/oupv-sixpack-captains-license.html

The first of May is generally considered the opening of boating season in Puget Sound.  The weather warms and dreams of getting out on the water come to fruition.

The Seattle Yacht Club has a hosted an opening day event since 1913. The University of Washington hosts a rowing regatta in the Montlake Cut in the morning with a parade of decorated boats going through in the afternoon.  It is great family fun to watch from shore or from your boat moored along the parade route.

This year it will be held on Saturday, May 3rd. Get details here…Opening Day – Seattle Yacht Club

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide on April 22, to demonstrate support for environmental protection.  As boaters, with our close relationship to the water and its environs, this a great opportunity to review our boating habits and work with our neighbors to ensure that we all can enjoy cleaner water and air!

Some things to consider:

• Keep your boat engine tuned up and operating properly to reduce smoke and oil discharge
• Use environmentally safe soaps for cleaning the decks
• Use tarps and vacuums to keep boat maintenance debris out of the water
• Switch from zinc to aluminum anodes for your prop shaft/hull
• Report all diesel spills immediately to the office so they can quickly be contained
• Use the marina provided Haz Mat containers for old oil, gas, batteries, and coolant disposal
• Keep your car tuned up and fix oil leaks so they don’t make their way from the parking lot to the marina waters

History of Earth Day

Shilshole Required Best Management Practices and Flare Disposal