The Griz is not allowed to continue Guiding...

[pikedreams]

I've been through the process and have my captains license. The classroom part of it is a challenge but not overwellming. The major hassle is all the red tape! Your dealing with three different government agencies; the Coast Gaurd, the FBI and Homeland Security. So that tells you that the process is slow and there's way too many buerocrats are involved.

Once you finnish the class and produce all the documents you need then jump through a dozen more hoops it's typically a 4 to 6 month process. So unfortunatly the Griz and others may not see the river again till spring.

[Alagnak]

Yeah its the same thing for the lodge I work for in Alaska. I'm 30 miles from a port and have nothing to do with one yet I had to just get the TWIC card ($137) to add to my coast guard license too along with all the [PoorWordUsage] mentioned (proof of sea service, cpr, first aid, current physical, drug tests, etc). I don't fish ANY salt water-only rivers not any bigger than the MN but it is what it is and if you have to have it you have to have it. It sucks but....... most of these guys were well aware of the requirements but just chose to assume it would not get enforced here. Sorry but I don't have any sympathy wether you're 20 or 68 years old or how long you have been guiding. Funny thing is the 2 people I have worked with over the years that are dead from drowning did NOT have their CG license because they only did raft trips and not power boats.

Do you hire a licensed or unlicensed tax guy, plumber, auto mechanic, DR., contractor, etc??????????????

[jigginjim]

Gregg, Did you go through the same class as Griz? Call me, I'm home every day, unless fishing, trapping or working on my taxidermy items. I have my cell number on here, would like to know more about the class, I have my boat hours documented, and most everything else just need the money now.

[Sutty]

This whole deal is complete hogwash. A legislator worth a hoot would get this straightened out. There should be no difference licensing guides on Mille Lacs, Mississippi, Minnetonka, or any other lake in the state. If you need to have more safety equipment, cpr training etc. for one lake it should be required on all lakes. And it should make sense for our state not making guides learn about 100 foot ocean going vessels.