I am curious to know if you are the Robert from Calgary who the article "Common Sense on the Water" from the latest issue of GAM (my first issue too).
If so, a follow up question shall be posted soon.

I am the same person.

Did you experience those events, did someone tel you, did you actually see them happen, or did you just make them up?

By the way, I bought GAM because I knew you were writing articles for it.

I witnessed all of those events except for one. About 2 years ago a sailor wrote into GAM Magazine's "Letter to the Editor" section, complaining that the captain of the Toronto Ferry had deliberately tried to run him over. He assumed that because he was in a sailboat, he had the right-of way over the Toronto Ferry because it is a "Power" boat. BUT any competent sailor would know that a commercial vessel has the right of way over a recreational vessel. This guy was determined to hold his course and 'push his rights' on the Toronto Ferry. Had it not been for quick action by the ferry boat captain, tragedy would have ensued. Obviously this could have been a deadly mistake and that was the whole point of the article. Something has to be done to ensure that boat owners are properly educated about the safe operation of their vessel. Needless to say the original writer was raked over the coals in follow-up letters for a few months.

I really appreciate you buying the magazine as it's nice to know that some people actually take interest in my work. On a few occasions now, readers have written a "Letter to the Editor" commenting on my articles. It's a good feeling.

I have been writing regularly since 1996 and am now attempting to focus my writing on more "thought-provoking" pieces rather than "glorified log-books". My work is published sporadically as I am a "freelancer" and not regular staff.
But over time, Karin Larson and I have built a really good working relationship which allows me to head in that direction.

FYI I also have a piece in the Fall edition of "Ontario Sailor" and the Aug.2002 edition of Canadian Yachting Magazine.

Thanks Again!!!

Tell us when you publish it.

Good Luck

But does that include small 16 ft boats sailed in remote parts of Canada?
I also thought that it was in effect now.

Just goes to show you how little I know.

see attached http://www.boaterexam.com/?id=46

I followed the advice of my own ramblings and wrote the exam for the Pleasure Craft Operators Certifcate. The exam was issued by the ASM Safe Boating Program at the Calgary Boat and Sportsmen's Show. If anyone else is interested in writing the Canadian Coast Guard Approved Test, their toll free number is 1-888-837-2628.