The sea fog is rolling in this morning in Port Arthur, Tx and my dispatcher wanted me to "Light Boat" up to Beaumont, Tx. Seeing the visiblity as it was, and knowing the equipment that I had, I decided to give it a try. After a 1/2 mile, the fog got worse, and I was having trouble determining how fast this little 60 ft boat was swinging. I decided that it was NOT worth my license, or my crew's lives, and came back to the dock to wait for the fog to lift.

It can easily be said that I never should have left the dock in the first place and that "armchair quarterback" would be right. It can also be said that this fog was a lot lighter a mile up the river and they might be right. I went, checked it out, and found it was too dangerous to proceed; so it was time to tuck my tail between my legs and get back to safety.

The wonderful thing about making a decision, if it turns out that some of the premises that the decision was based upon were false; there is usually time to recognize that fact, and do what's needed to correct the error,,,,

If one is paying attention and remembers to be a little humble!

Wildman,

If the fog down towards Beaumont was anything like the north side of Houston this morning you made a good call. When I woke up this morning I couldn't even see the house across the street! I hadn't seen fog like that in 2-3 years.

How long will you be stationed in Port Arthur?

-Blast

I'll be working here until a certain very large Marine Transportation Inc, based in Houston, decides I am needed elsewhere.
I am retired now and this ain't for the love of God and country anymore!