[tevake]

After a lifetime of coastal ocean and off shore sailing in the big blue pacific,
I'm now in the process of getting a new to me 22' sailboat equipped and ready to do some sailing and gunkholeing in nearby lakes, rivers and inter coastal waterways, here in the south East states.
And will admit to being a little concerned at dealing with the challenges involved.

Lots have been mentioned here already, unpredictable boaters coming from all directions at what ever speeds, different AIDS to navigation, lots of mixed traffic, and very poor visibility in murky waters with shoals all around to get hung up on. Not to mention the mixed bag of local , state, and federal laws and enforcement, fishing lic. For each state, fresh and saltwater.

Oh my, makes sailing in the middle of the clear uncrowded pacific seem relaxing and simple. I guess it's all what you are used to.

This thread has brought to light very interesting info about the wide range of missions carried out by the Coast Guard. Thanks for sharing that.

Cheers Richard