So, a Captain is a Captain no matter the craft ? ...

[dogtag]

To see this guy all decked out with his four stripes and
cabbage on his hat you'd think he was skippering a
Cruiser or an Aircraft Carrier - but no, it's a stupid little
duck boat - and even that he couldn't manage. Those
things are known to be dangerous in bad weather yet he
went out knowing a storm was imminent, and even told
his passengers not to bother with the Mae Wests.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...illing-17.html

If I owned a row boat and took friends out for a nice
afternoon on the lake, could I dress up like him or would
I be arrested for impersonating an officer ?
What are the parameters ?

[Vern Humphrey]

There is some discussion on the life jackets -- apparently most of the victims were trapped under the canopy where life jackets couldn't have helped.

[dogtag]

There is some discussion on the life jackets -- apparently most of the victims were trapped under the canopy where life jackets couldn't have helped.

And I guess no one carried a knife.
I've always carried one since my Boy Scout days.
Be prepared.

[Major Tom]

I just can't imagine one woman's anquish who lost 9 relatives including her own child. How horrible is that!

[dogtag]

I just can't imagine one woman's anquish who lost 9 relatives including her own child. How horrible is that!

Yes, I couldn't even read about it.

[Clark Howard]

A "duck boat" is a 70+ year old truck that was fitted with a hull and a marine drive to lighter cargo from a ship to an unimproved beach. It was not designed to carry passengers in any regard. They are easily swamped when loaded. I don't know who to blame or be sorry for. Regards, Clark

[dogtag]

A "duck boat" is a 70+ year old truck that was fitted with a hull and a marine drive to lighter cargo from a ship to an unimproved beach. It was not designed to carry passengers in any regard. They are easily swamped when loaded. I don't know who to blame or be sorry for. Regards, Clark

Well I do. I blame the Captain and I feel sympathy for
those who perished and their relatives who mourn.

[m1ashooter]

The man in charge is responsible that is the law of the sea. I will not second guess but as a old Boy Scout I would have directed the passengers to put their life jackets on.

Maybe in the future they should spend the money on the inflatable ones like the workers are wearing while raising the Duck. That way you make all your passengers wear them when underway and they are not big and bulky like the big orange ones.

[JB White]

If I owned a row boat and took friends out for a nice
afternoon on the lake, could I dress up like him or would
I be arrested for impersonating an officer ?
What are the parameters ?

You made me think about that. I wonder if it's a company uniform? A bit of glitz and glamor for the tourists. A little to ease their tensions on the water. Just enough to look qualified above and beyond the job of a bus driver. Not that I have anything against bus drivers mind you.

That poor poor woman. To lose so many loved ones while on a fun trip. An amusement ride. Bad enough for all when a mishap takes a life at any time. Losing nine in terror. The feelings of helplessness over the loss of her kids while she lucked out and survived. She will never adjust back to normal.

[barretcreek]

Even on that little tub he had a Master's License. (Very) Limited Tonnage, Limited Waters, but still in eyes of USCG Marine Safety Office he was in command. He was responsible.