NEW TAKE THE BOATING IQ FOR WEEKEND BOATERS
WELCOME TO MMCA
The Bar Has Been Raised !
MMCA membership skyrockets as the public gets educated.
MMCA members now in High Demand !
Captain's call for an end to "paper captains".
Not All Captain's Are The Same. MMCA member Captain's
ARE the Best of the Best.
They ARE the elite professional Captain's. Next time you take a charter boat, ask for an
MMCA certified Captain.
Captain's Apply For Jobs, MMCA Captain's Are Hired!
Captains,Crew and Employers Join The MMCA Now !
YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK!
MMCA TAKES CHARGE OF SEARCH AND RESCUE FOR MISSING NFL PLAYERS
Through public and private donations the MMCA launches their Search and Rescue Vessel
to assist the families of missing NFL players in continuing the search.
HELP US CONTINUE TO SAVE LIVES. DONATE TO MMCA SEARCH AND RESCUE! MMCA HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE BOATING INCIDENT AND
ACCIDENT RATES IN EVERY AREA THAT IT IS PRESENT!
GETTING RID OF YOU BOAT?
WHAT WE NEED THE MOST IS A 27 to 40 FOOT MAIN VESSEL USED STRICTLY FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE OUR MAIN VESSEL IS DONATED
BY A CHARTER CAPTAIN AND IS NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE.
All Captain's donate their time, expertise, vessels free of charge
but to continue to keep the rescue boat out their MMCA needs supplies,
fuel, and much more.
DONATE NOW TO SAVE A LIFE
Mail your donated item to:
3398 Dryer Ave Suite 2
Largo, Florida 33770
**SPONSORS A SEARCH OR RESCUE, HELP SAVE A LIFE**
-WE NEED FUEL AND CASH DONATIONS FOR SUPPLIES.
Read our open books policy below.-
CASH DONATIONS ARE USED STRICTLY TO PURCHASE LIFE JACKETS TO HAND OUT AT SCHOOL AND BOATERS. IT IS
ALSO USED FOR FLARES, RADIOS AND MARINE LINE. ALL CASH DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TO SUPPORTING THE VESSEL.
OUR NEW DONATION PAGE WILL TELL YOU WHERE YOUR CASH DONATION WENT AND WHAT IT WAS USED FOR.
100% of Your Donation Goes Towards Supporting the MMCA Search and Rescue Vessel.
ALL Captain's are volunteers!
TO Donate Fuel or Money FOR SUPPLIES Click The Donate Button Below.
WE DON'T JUST RESCUE THE BOATERS!
When we go out to a mariner in distress and board the vessel, we also check to see if they meet the USCG carriage
requirements. This means we ask if they have enough life jackets, flares and other emergency gear. If they don't we
give them a few (with our sponsors sticker on them) and direct them to the sponsor. We then take the opportunity to
make sure ALL boaters have a copy of Rules Of The Road and talk to them about boat safety ESPECIALLY if they have children
on board. Too many boaters purchase a vessel and put the keys in and go, never bothering to take a boating class. This
makes the water dangerous for all their passengers (including their kids) as well as the rest of us. We know you have
seen what we professionals refer to as "Joe Blow Boater" out there. We ask them three BASIC boating questions, which come
from boating 101. If they can't answer it we recommend a boating class to them and give them a coupon for it. We then give
them a package with all our sponsors business cards or flyers in it and let them know that these businesses sponsored us
coming out to get them. We give them what they need to get underway. We also carry trained vessel repair individuals
with us. If it can't be repaired then we tow them to the nearest dock.
The USCG asked the MMCA if our rescue
vessel would be available for searches as well. MMCA answered the call. As you can imagine a "Search" holds
no guarantees that we will find the missing boater or diver which burns A LOT of fuel. There are other times
when the call was bogus to begin with but we never know. The Senior Master Captain of the Search and Rescue Boat
is a USCG Instructor who has trained hundreds of Captain's across the country. The Senior Captain is also an expert
navigator. You can walk on the boat and break all the equipment including the compass and they can still get home. They
are also an expert at calculating "set and drift" and triangulating a position which is VITAL in finding a mariner where
there is no location is given. However, this is still NO guarantee that they can find them.
That's why we NEED your help to "SPONSOR A SEARCH". All of your financial donations are put directly in the
fuel tank. Without the wonderful support of our sponsors we could NOT assist boaters or divers in trouble. If you
can not Sponsor a Rescue than please show your support by doing business with our sponsors.
BUSINESSES GET YOUR ADVERTISEMENT ON OUR SEARCH AND RESCUE VESSELS AS A SPONSOR AND
YOUR BUSINESS CARD HANDED OUT TO ALL RESCUED BOATERS!
That is tons of free advertising for your business as our vessels operate 24/7.
Plus, your business gets free advertising on our web site and
our crew hands out your business card or flyer to boaters who we have rescued.
Our boats are on the water 7 days a week.
We work with VERY closely with 2 Sectors of the United
States Coast Guard. ALL of our crew are volunteer Captain's who are
licensed and professionally trained.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORING OR FREE ADVERTISING VISIT OUR RESCUE PAGE BY;
MMCA is here to support you. As an MMCA Captain there are plenty of benefits. MMCA is Captain's
around the United States sticking together to share knowledge, solve problems, help each other in
disasters and much more. See your benefits below!
CAPTAIN'S
YOU TOO CAN APPLY TO VOLUNTEER ON OUR SEARCH AND RESCUE VESSEL.
For Information on Joining Us or Joining Search and Rescue Call (727) 851 - 0286
Those Captain's that make sure they operate safely, check their supplies,
make sure their safety gear is up to par, operate at a safe speed and don't
overload the boat are OFTEN CALLED UN COOL OR A PRUDE CAPTAIN.
MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT, the Captain ignoring the weather and saying
"oh, I got it" or drinking on duty or using excessive speed or para sailing
in heavy winds, or not checking his safety gear, ignoring small craft warnings is not only UN COOL
HE IS AN IDIOT THAT KNOWS BETTER. No offense, if thats you, we just want you to
know the PRO'S DO NOT SEE YOU AS COOL OR EVEN AS A SKILLED CAPTAIN.
Ask these people if they think their Captain is "cool" now. Ask them if the extra trip
money was worth it.Oh wait, you can't they are dead.
ONE OF MMCA OBJECTIVE IS TO TAKE THE LACKS CAPTAIN AND MAKE HIM A PRO!
Do you need to step it up a notch, become a professional Captain? Have you forgotten
how to chart, what is required on your boat or most of what you learned in Captain's class?
Call us, we don't judge, we
don't report you. We are here to help you get your boat up to par and help you review how to bring
your people home all the time every time ALIVE and Unhurt. You got the license NOW be a Pro. We also offer you 24/7 hotline if you have a question about what's required, whats your liability,
or any other question. Call The Captain's Hotline For ANY Question
GOING ON A CHARTER BOAT - CHOOSE AN MMCA CAPTAIN OR BOAT AND HERE'S WHY!
What's the Safety Record of The Captain You're Riding With?
Do you know anything about the Captain you are trusting your children's life with?
Many families come to the Tampa Bay area for vacation. They take dolphin rides, go on fishing charters,
dive charters or take a ride out to a casino boat and never
think to ask about the safety record or training, professionalism of the Captain or of the vessel they are on.
Even if you did ask how do you know for sure?
That's easy! If the Captain is a member of
the Merchant Marine Captains Association (MMCA) then you know that we have checked their
safety record and verified their experience.
Our members must be Master Captains with a
clean safety record. Our members are the professionals of the industry, they are dedicated,
knowledgeable and they have years of commercial experience on the water and behind the helm.
They must
also adhere to a Code Of Ethics and a Professional Safety Standards. We do our best to
ensure that our Members (Captain's) are the
BEST OF THE BEST.
The Next time you take a boat ride, ask the business representative
"Is your Captain a member of MMCA"?
If the answer is no , then there is no way for you to know the quality or safety of that Captain.
We are here to help educate the public on what training a Captain really has to go through to
take your family out on a boat, to eliminate paper Captain's, educate the public on boating
safety and ensure the integrity of our profession.
Click on "What The Public Should Know" button at the top and find out what you don't know but
should.
Keep in mind, that MMCA is setting a new standard. Many Captain's have called for an end to
paper Captain's (explained in what you need to know), many local Captain's are demanding
more professional Captain's.
That is what MMCA is all about.
CONTACT US
ON CHANNEL 16 - HAIL "MMCA SEAHAWK"
The MMCA Search and Rescue Boat is also used as a "Good Samaritan" vessel to warn
the average
boater and Jet Skier if they are engaging in boat operations that are dangerous or that are severely
interfering with commercial traffic.
When the MMCA Search and Rescue vessel ask to stop and talk to you PLEASE STOP.
THE MMCA SEARCH AND RESCUE VESSEL Search and Rescue Vessel Donated By:
Gulf Beaches Fishing (727) 647 - 6919 Run by our Second In Command Of Search and Rescue
"Capt Dane Karcher"
MMCA WORKS CLOSELY WITH 2 USCG SECTORS AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
TO HELP VESSELS
IN DISTRESS AND ASSIST IN SEARCHES FOR MISSING VESSELS AND DIVERS.
IF YOU ARE IN ON YOUR BOAT AND NEED ASSISTANCE WHERE A LIFE
IS NOT IN DANGER AND YOU ARE IN THE TAMPA BAY TO CLEARWATER AREA
AND YOU DO NOT ANY TYPE OF TOW INSURANCE CALL US; WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CALL
YOUR TOWING COMPANY IF YOU HAVE ONE.
CONTACT US
ON CHANNEL 16 - HAIL "MMCA SEAHAWK"
PLEASE TIP THE CREW! If you can.
ALL OF OUR CREW ARE VOLUNTEERS. OUR
CREW ARE ALSO PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED AND LICENSED.
They will
hand out free
material, safety items donated by our sponsors and give you some tips from the pro's, suggestions on how to safely navigate
your vessel in that area and help you with the Rules Of The Road to prevent you
from being fined by Law Enforcement. All give away items are donated by MMCA sponsors.
However, if you choose to ignore their SUGGESTIONS on how to safely operate in John's Pass
and your vessel continues to engage in IMMEDIATE life threatening operations or you
continue to pose a real risk to commercial vessels,
the Search and Rescue Boat will notify the USCG or local Marine Law Enforcement.
THE MMCA WILL ALSO ASSIST THE COMMERCIAL VESSELS WHEN THEY DOCK OR COME THROUGH THE BRIDGE BY
DOING THEIR BEST TO MAKE SURE THE WAY IS CLEARED FOR THEM.
To assist the USCG and Law Enforcement in any way possible with our resources to bring the endangered mariner home
To Educate Pineallas recreational boaters.
Bring ALL Captain's up to the MMCA operating standards- This means customers know that by comming to John's Pass,
the can be assured that they are riding with experienced, prudent Captains who are the best of the best. This includes
six pack Captain's.
MMCA is using this opportunity to help the average boater operate his or her boat safely.
The MMCA Search and
Rescue vessel is manned by Master Captain's and at least one USCG approved instructor.
ALL have additional training in basket rescue, advanced Red Cross Rescue and much more.
After many deaths, interference with and endangerment to commercial vessels,
many very close calls between "Joe Blow Boater" and the local professional Captain's
have determined that some form of "monitoring" is necessary before any more deaths occur.
Employers
Are Looking For Your Business To Stand Out?
Do you want to bring customers to YOUR boat and make your Business stand out?
When you join the MMCA you get permission to use our logo on YOUR advertisements. This tells your potential customers that
you won't hire just any Captain. Many employers have increased their income by this fact alone.
Are You Looking To Reduce
What Your Company Pays In Vessel Insurance? Are You Looking To Reduce Your Liability?
Are you looking to bring customers to you through FREE advertising?
Then you have come to right the place.
MMCA can help your business save thousands on vessel insurance, reduce
exposure to liability and more.
CHARTER VESSELS AND EMPLOYERS certified by MMCA stand out to customers.
Your customers will know that your vessel, crew and Captain's safety
record and professionalism has been checked. You get an MMCA Sticker for
your vessel which the local USCG is familiar with. You also get to use the MMCA logo on your advertisement
for free once your business has been certified.
CALL US TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS/CHARTER BOAT CHECKED
(727) 851 -0286
VISIT OUR "SPONSOR NEEDS" PAGE BY;
CLICKING HERE
AND SEE HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAN GET FREE ADVERTISING ON
OUR VESSELS.
PLUS, MANY OF YOUR SPONSOR GIFTS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
CALL US TO BRING MMCA , USCG APPROVED INSTRUCTORS
TO YOUR BUSINESS FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, Boat Checks, and more.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE OR A COMPANY THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR US? PASS OUR SPONSOR
LETTER AROUND AND GET FREE ADVERTISING FOR YOUR BUSINESS! Make sure you put your business stamp or name on the letter so, we know
who recommended us.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR SPONSOR LETTER
Tell Them To Mention Your Business And Your Business Gets The Same Perks That Their Donation Gets For Their Business
- WE NEED YOUR HELP. HELP US HELP THE MARINERS IN DISTRESS THAT USCG
IS NOT MANDATED TO ASSIST SUCH AS; VESSELS OUT OF FUEL, GROUNDED, ETC. WE CAN ONLY CONTINUE
THIS SERVICE WITH THE HELP AND SPONSORSHIP OF THE COMMUNITY AND OTHER BOATERS.
We also do boating safety classes at such places as "Bill Jackson's", "West Marine".
Donate Money (Please if you can not donate $10.00 dollars donate $1.00).
To Donate Items see "Sponsors Need" page link on the left. We know the
stranded vessels we help will be VERY grateful.
Mail your donated item to:
3398 Dryer Ave Suite 2
Largo, Florida 33770
Meet Our Search and Rescue Mascot
"Sampson" doesn't just work the boat but you will also find him at local schools promoting life
jacket and boat safety to kids!
His life jacket was donated by Animal Hospital of West Bay "Sampsons" personal vet.
THANKS TO ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST BAY - OUR PIC FOR A VET FOR OUR MASCOT (727) 585 - 0549
"Sampsons" trainer has recently moved and he could use trainer to continue his training.
If your an experienced dog trainer, please call us!!
Sampson Training For Rescues
Getting Ready For Work Sampson off duty with best friend
Passengers don't need to wonder anymore about the safety record of the Captain they are riding with,
just look for the patch.
When you see a Captain wearing the patches below you can feel reassured that they are a skilled,
professional Captain with a clean safety record.
Only worn by the Best of The Best !
CAPTAINAQUATIC.COM Take The ONLY Boating IQ On The Internet - Audio Version
GET YOUR CAPTAIN'S LICENSE ! GET FREE ONLINE COURSES AND FREE SAMPLE QUIZZES
FROM THE LARGEST MARINE RESOURCE ON THE NET -
**SPONSORS A SEARCH OR RESCUE, HELP SAVE A LIFE**
Largest Marine Resource
On The Net !!
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE OR A COMPANY THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR US? PASS OUR SPONSOR
LETTER AROUND AND GET FREE ADVERTISING FOR YOUR BUSINESS! Make sure you put your business stamp or name on the letter so, we know
who recommended us.
Meet Our Search and Rescue Mascot
"Sampson" doesn't just work the boat but you will also find him at local schools promoting life
jacket and boat safety to kids!
Getting Ready For Work 
Sampson off duty with best friend
