Originally Posted by
robpage
From a purely practical point of view , the RNLI and the Royal Navy are often launching boats and helicoptors around our costs to rescue seafarers , all free of charge . To the four men involved I assume that to cross the atlantic they have some degree of professional skill , a Yachtmaster's certificate or whatever the equivalent is . I honestly believe that many of the problems around our coasts are caused by inexperienced yachtsmen and boat owners , who are so clever that they need no professional instruction at all , I would make some kind of licence and insurance a necessity before they set out . The worst here , in my belief are the inshore amateur fishermen , who set off , often with their kids , no life jakets , no communications , no charts , and no idea
