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The current weather in Culebra
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Security at Sea
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.103.49.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   03-10-05 13:26

In my very own personal opinion, any vessel less than 20foot, is not capable of transporting more than 4 people safely, unless in VERY calm seas/waters, and short distances, regardless of what the manufacturer says.
More over, USCG regulations DOES NOT PERMIT the transporting of more than 6 paying passengers on ANY uninspected vessel ( you should ask for the USCG INSPECTION PLATE when you see more than 6 paying passengers), ( this plate must be visible to everyone on board, and MUST indicate number of passengers allowed, type of license required for the captain, and any MATE if required. Also, a Marine Radio Operator Perimt ( MROP ) MUST be posted close to the VHF radio, along with emergency call signs, and procedures for operating a VHF frequency during emergency calls , also a licensed radio operator must be onboard ( most of the time the MASTER is required to hold an MROP ).
These regulations include ALL VESSELS, regardless of manufacturer specifications, LOA, ( LENGHT OVERALL ) , beam, draft, and captain capacity, all this for SECURITY reasons, and public transporting purposes.
To finalize, you MUST ask for a valid/not expired CPR/FirstAid Certificate, hold by either the captain or the mate, along with a good first aid kit, type B/C fire extinguisher, and most of all TAKE ENOUGH DRINKING WATER.
There is not time for excuses, when you are at sea, things happen when you less expect them.

22 years of experience.

Capt. J.Guzman
USCG 100GT
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Re: SECURITY AT SEA
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.103.76.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   03-10-05 15:12

If you get to rent a boat, do not settle for anything less than a VHF radio, celular phones do not work good, or anything at all while at sea.
Ask for VHF radio with a good antena, call signs and procedures, they may help save your life.
Anybody can ask for a VHF radio check with VI radio on channel 85, or even 16. Wait for an answer, if an answer is not received after two tries, wait 5 minutes and repeat you call.
Example VI radio, VI radio, VI radio, THIS IS " YOUR NAME or VESEL REG. ID " RADIO CHECK PLEASE...
When answered say ... THANKs THIS IS " YOUR NAME / VESSEL NAME " and STAND BY ON CHANNEL 16 or 85.
Also ask for a set of Flare gun with not expired set of at least three flares.
A first aid kit, with aspirin, acetaminofen, BENADRYL, SUN BLOCK, GAUZES, Band/Aid, a cooler with ice, water, insect repellant, and very important... an all around white light, or a flash light, as they may be of great importance should any emergency occur.
SMOKE, LOUD SOUNDS of more than 4 blasts AT TWO OR THREE MINUTES INERVALS, A FLAG HOISTED BACKWARDS, HANDS WAVING, RED FLARES, A SUN SHINNING OBJECT, are indication of distress.
I might be willing to post more on security as long as these are needed.

Capt. J.guzman
USCG 100GT
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Re: SECURITY AT SEA
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.103.76.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   03-10-05 15:14

Oh ! Thanks to all of you, who have encourage me to posts these security statements, for the benefit of our visitors.

J.Guzman
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Re: SECURITY AT SEA
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.110.112.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   03-10-05 18:18

Another item required by LAW ( CFR ) ( Code Federal Regulations ) on ALL charter boats, are TYPE I Personal Flotation Devices, look for the label.
ALL PFD's are USCG approved, if not they could not be sold as PFD's.
The main difference between a Type I and a Type III, is the quality, and the volume, though they may look alike, and can provide for HEAD OUT OF THE WATER.
Type III is a cheap item ( not more than $10.00) , designed to provide flotation means in areas where any rescue is minutes away, Type I, is the one required on ALL passenger vessels, including big cruisers, and they are designed to provide flotations means for prolonged periods of time.

Other consideration... In Puerto Rico a Public Service Commission permit is required by local laws, this permit is required by insurance companies in order to issue their coverage.
Without this permit, it is most possible that paying passengers are not covered by insurance.

Good information for our visitors, SAFETY ALWAYS FIRST.
Will keep posting while it is necessary.

Capt. J.Guzman
USCG 100GT
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Re: SECURITY AT SEA
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: culebra boat rental (---.proxy.aol.com)
Date:   03-11-05 05:36

Culebra Boat Rental (http://www.culebraboatrental.com) rents motorboats; we do not provide captained or guided charters or tours for passengers. Culebra Boat Rental carries liability and collision insurance.

Boat renter/operators must be qualified. They must be at least 25 years old and have experience in small motorboats and in basic coastal navigation. Also, Puerto Rico statutes require that motorboat operators born after July 1, 1972 must have completed an approved motorboat operation course. (Courses offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and by the US Power Squadron are approved courses.)

Culebra Boat Rental emphasizes safety and convenience. The motorboats meet Coast Guard regulations. Equipment on board includes: life jackets for all, bow and stern anchors, bimini for protection from sun and rain, swim platform and ladder, cooler, cellular phone with emergency numbers, flares, whistle, flashlight, multi-tool, paddle, operating instructions for the motor, and a laminated chart of Culebra. The chart shows moorings and anchorages at coral reefs and beaches and it has photos of the seaward approaches to those areas.

The cell phone service is reliable. For details, see “Cell phone signals” in this forum.

Butch Pendergast
Culebra Boat Rental
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Re: SECURITY AT SEA
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: JoseGuzman (---.87.104.148.netdial.caribe.net)
Date:   03-11-05 12:52

Though I was not refering to you and your vessel operation in Culebra, I'm glad of your response.
My Son's last name is Guzman, my nephew last name is Ramos, and they both work for USCG, in Puerto Rico.
I have invited them for a trip to Culebra in the next few weeks.
I know you all be glad to have me, and my family pay a visit to the island, and maybe be a guest in any of your good guest houses and hotels, around.
Look forward to greet you, and any others who will give us a welcome in our island.
See you soon,

Capt. J.Guzman
USCG 100GT
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