Thats it throwing in the towel

[Betty Boop]

I have had it and am throwing in the towel, I quit, retire or what ever you want to call it. The BA$TARDS from Transport Canada, Coast Guard or Oceans and Fisheries are not going to get another dime out of me! I don't need this hasel in my life, so the boat will be up for sale soon.
My web page is still up and yellow pages are still active so any one want referals? I will give out referals the same as the SOOKE CHARTER BOAT ASSOCIATION used to do $50 per referal. The first three to regester with me will be the first ones that I will call, I have a few right now waiting to be placed.
E-mail me at: rkeegan@shaw.ca

 

[Bassblaster]

Sorry to hear about your decision regarding closing the doors of your charter company, but definitely understandable. The government cannot even read it's own statistics regarding business; punishing and pounding small business, the number one job creator and largest employee base in the country, and instead passes out permits, hands over resources for free, and gives huge tax breaks to big business under the guise of job creation.

I'm finally calling bullsh#t! I am so sick of hearing about yet another small business person put out of business by government ineptitude, fees, charges, and blatant favouritism that I'm ready to go live with Holmes! I would bet that if we posted a thread regarding people we know who have been crushed business and tax wise by our caring government that there is not one of us on here that does not either have a personal experience, or know someone directly effected.

When is it going to finally be enough?

Again BB, sorry to hear of your decision. All the best with whatever you decide to move forward with.

 

[Charter Tofino]

Its a heavily regulated world and getting worse everyday. It sucks but the fact is its not going to change it will likely only get worse. The fishing industry is definately not immune.

 

[lorneparker1]

I feel quite bad that you have to jump through a few hoops to be able to get people to pay you to go fishing and spend your working days fishing.

Lorne

 

[-steelhead-]

I feel quite bad that you have to jump through a few hoops to be able to get people to pay you to go fishing and spend your working days fishing.

Lorne

Sarcastic much? :O

BB- I totally see how you can be totally PO'ed at the govt!! But if you can still make money while fishing for a living, then why give it up?

 

[Labman2]

Over a couple of hundred bucks, sorry it turned out bad for you. The only good thing that came out of this, is now I know to register my boats as Passenger/Charter and not Fleet/Fishing, but I think the ladies told me that when I applied for my MMSI # as well.

 

[searun]

Sorry, I respectfully disagree. The Small Commercial Vessel Program on the whole is a good thing for tourism and the fishing charter industry. Yes, it is a hassle. Yes, they keep changing the rules. Yes, it costs a lot of money and time getting your vessel to comply and your training. However there are a number of benefits for both the customer and industry operators. For example, compliance to the program will improve customer service and safety. The program will ultimately lead to better trained crews, higher degree of competency etc. Further, if we have this program in place and if there was an accident, there is less chance government will be looking at a knee jerk regulatory reaction to respond to public pressure. On the whole this will be better for the industry in the long run - yes, gone are the days when a guy will be able to charter in a substandard boat with no training, insurance or professionalism....is that a bad thing?

 

[cheech]

I'm not so sure I am any wiser regarding the operation of my vessel because I have SVOP, Med A3, ROC-M and F/A.
The training was not even 'hands on'. I could have done just as well if TC had told me the regs I am required to operate within and mailed in a test/declaration stating as such.
It sure as $hit ain't gonna help a 'stupid' tourist and, I did not get a break on insurance because of a few certifications.
That said, I am not chartering my boat this season as these few pieces of paper make me a commodity in short supply regarding the lodges still in operation. So, I am going to burn someone (else's) gas this season.
SEE YA in Sept!

 

[searun]

I'm not so sure I am any wiser regarding the operation of my vessel because I have SVOP, Med A3, ROC-M and F/A.
The training was not even 'hands on'. I could have done just as well if TC had told me the regs I am required to operate within and mailed in a test/declaration stating as such.
It sure as $hit ain't gonna help a 'stupid' tourist and, I did not get a break on insurance because of a few certifications.
That said, I am not chartering my boat this season as these few pieces of paper make me a commodity in short supply regarding the lodges still in operation. So, I am going to burn someone (else's) gas this season.
SEE YA in Sept!

Well Cheech, the effort was clearly worth it....you are a desired commodity. Fly by nighters will soon be a thing of the past. Operators like you are not the target. Rather, its guys who haven't either got a clue or don't care about safe operation. We have all seen their boats. Regulation and standards along with enforcement will change the landscape over time. There have already been sting operations on the water - minimum T.C. fine is $5,000 per occurrence.

 

[GLG]

BB don’t give up your business because of the Government. Many of us have been setback by taxes and regulation. We have been there and overcome. Currently there are a lot of good people fighting for the recreational industry. With work we can remove the restraints that have been imposed and you will find that it will be once again be a growth industry.
GLG

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Thomas Edison

 

[searun]

BB don’t give up your business because of the Government. Many of us have been setback by taxes and regulation. We have been there and overcome. Currently there are a lot of good people fighting for the recreational industry. With work we can remove the restraints that have been imposed and you will find that it will be once again be a growth industry.
GLG

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Thomas Edison

x2 - stick with it. The T.C. rules, training etc. are not a big deal.

 

[Betty Boop]

I have MED1, SVOP, FIRST AID, RADIO, I was probably one of the first to become totaly compliant with TC and whatever else that TC requires, but I am refusing to pay the user fee for markers and bouys Coast Guard is after me for. Now Colections are under way by Fisheries and Oceans. Its not the $227.13 thats nothing compaired to what I spend on equipment, bait, insurance, moorage and fuel. Its more like I am taking a stand and will not back down. The BA$TARD$ ARE JUST NOT GETTING ANOTHER DIME OUT OF ME. Just watch there will be a bunch of new stuff that they will be into your pockets for every year. At this stage in my life I don't need the agravation. I have given up my morrage spot that I have had since 1990, cancelled my insurance, am cleaning up the boat ready for sale.

 

[wolf]

Ron I sent you an pm call me...

Wolf

 

[Duffer]

Has everyone got a bill from the Coast Guard? I havent recieved any in the mail and if I do not sure if I would pay it either unless everyone that uses the Ocean does thats for sure. I dont think the Coast Guard is only there for Guides.

 

[lorneparker1]

I have MED1, SVOP, FIRST AID, RADIO, I was probably one of the first to become totaly compliant with TC and whatever else that TC requires, but I am refusing to pay the user fee for markers and bouys Coast Guard is after me for. Now Colections are under way by Fisheries and Oceans. Its not the $227.13 thats nothing compaired to what I spend on equipment, bait, insurance, moorage and fuel. Its more like I am taking a stand and will not back down. The BA$TARD$ ARE JUST NOT GETTING ANOTHER DIME OUT OF ME. Just watch there will be a bunch of new stuff that they will be into your pockets for every year. At this stage in my life I don't need the agravation. I have given up my morrage spot that I have had since 1990, cancelled my insurance, am cleaning up the boat ready for sale.

Just so im clear, you are shutting down your business and what i percieve to be a pretty damned good job because of $227.13?

Sweet man