Got My Uscg License Renewed!

[Phil Lilley]

Those that have gone to the trouble (and I mean trouble!) to get a USCG guide's license knows the hoops you have to jump through to get one.... and the cost in time and money.

I got my limited 6-pack license for the White River Chain of Lakes in November of 2008 and my Alaska Western Fresh Waters license on September of 2009. I had to take a test for each. Down here, I just went to St Louis and took the test, studied on my own but up north I took a class in Anchorage and took the test there.

The licenses are good for 5 years but my AK paperwork gave an expiration date of only 3 years, 2013. They give you a year after the expiration date to renew or you have to go through the whole process again.

To renew, you have to get a physical, drug test, Red Cross, document hours on the water and pay a fee.

I got it all done and sent in last September but there was some things they want to clarify - owner of the boat and my hours. They gave me 90 days to comply.

So the procrastinator I am, I waited till the last minute to get what I needed, then messed up on mailing it in, not thinking of the holiday off-days. I over nighted it but I knew it would be a couple of days late.

I don't guide much - may be 2-3 days a year. I take people fishing... but not for pay unless there's a shortage on a big group so the license wasn't a big deal if I didn't get it renewed. But still, it would be nice to have. The AK license I had gave up on. I don't really need it when I go up. The place I go - http://naknekrivercamp.com- is well staffed now, not like in the beginning when Jim needed help.

Well, I got my license book in the mail yesterday!! And to my surprise, they renewed my Alaska license too!

For once I can say thank you federal government for going beyond the call of duty!!

[dtrs5kprs]

Feds get a bad rap on that kind of thing, but I have found they try to work with you a little bit provided you made a legitimate attempt to comply. Not always, and I would not count on it, but often. Living in a predominantly government town we see a lot of it, know a lot of folks who are Fed employees.

[Phil Lilley]

Have to give them cuddos on this one.

Now the IRS... that's a whole different animal.

[Terrierman]

Good deal Phil. Happy to hear that you are Bona Fide.