[ve-l] When to Issue The Decal (was: Display of documented number)

[Rick and Lisa Marinelli]

Sorry, but I don't think such a rigid attitude promotes boating safety in
general.

I must assume that you carry a ruler and measure every set of documentation
numbers to be sure they aren't 1/16" below the minimum 3" height, and
withhold the decal if they are.  I know that I can't tell without a ruler.
Or do you eyeball the numbers and figure "close enough?"

Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: KevinR [mailto:kfredden at verizon.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:21 PM
To: lisa.rick at comcast.net
Cc: ve-l at usps.org
Subject: When to Issue The Decal (was: Display of ducumented number)


>----- Original Message --------
> So, while I don't cut any slack on lifejackets, fire extinguishers,
> visual distress signals, bilge blower, etc., on non-safety items
> my policy is to fully inform the boater that the number display
> is not quite correct, or that the 3" hailing port lettering is
> not quite big enough, etc., and that someone who has to power
> to issue a citation could interpret the requirement strictly. 

Since when did the rules of the VSC program get changed to allow a VE to
make up their own rules and decide what they would include and what they
could ignore in giving out the decal? If each VE were to take it upon
themselves to decide the rules of the program, the value of the program
would disappear.

A VE who does not follow the book and instead awards the decal while knowing
that the boat doesn't meet the requirements is doing both the program and
the boater, their customer, a disservice. This is not about trying to be a
nice guy and give someone a decal even if the boat doesn't qualify, it is
about helping boaters get a boat that meets ALL requirements, not just the
ones an individual VE thinks are important.

If you are going to do the job of a VE - do it right, as outlined in the
manual.

Kevin