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Originally Posted by Rick
Airwaves you are correct--my mistake. As long as I continue my commercial license I am exempt from the recreational license. But if I give up the commercial license I must then take the recreational license test. The commercial test is more involved than the recreational test so I find it strange that a commercial operator would need to take the recreational test once they no longer hold a commercial license.
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WinniChris seems interested in local operations and doesn't have the time to go to USCG or others. As people of the new millennium we want instant gratification and WinniChris can have it too. This is New Hampshire and it is never simple. One thing that is simple is the ability to obtain a commercial license for boating. A $4.00 application fee and a bit of studying from the information supplied by NH Safety Services, i.e. Marine Patrol, will get anyone from a camp councilor from Australia to an island taxi driver ready for a test. Comprehensive knowledge of the Boater's Guide of NH and the Boat NH Course Guidebook is necessary and again, those docs are easily obtained from the kind folks at Marine Patrol at no additional charge. Often a test can be arranged within ten days of obtaining course materials and that can be done in Glendale. If it is a summer camp with several candidates the MP may even be able to go to the location to administer the tests. Upon successful completion of the test (70% or better on 60 questions I believe) a certificate is immediately issued and good for two years. If the holder does not renew their commercial standing in two years and wants to continue to boat in NH they must take the 'civilian' course to obtain a lifetime certificate. Sounds silly? Consider that laws change and that some of those commercial licenses were for folks who will never operate in NH waters again.
If WinniChris moves down the river to pursue commercial ventures in coastal waters then is the time to make the investment in the other courses offered. Rest assured that anyone that has had those more extensive courses since 1996 will be welcomed as certified operators by the state of NH, however, there is nothing like a little refresher for the nav aids, safe passage, etc. laws of NH whether self taught or by auditing a boating ed class.
Oh and "Will", it is OK to "have the Marine Patrols play license". As long as you respect the laws and navigation rules. Some of those who have the "the real captains license" may never know the difference as they arrogantly plow by the in their multi-ton cruiser because the one with the play license will have seen Captain Chump bearing down on him for some distance. I never realized we had a hierarchy of boating castes except when it comes to the right of way.