Gen. Jubal A. Early grounded on the Potomac?
September 20, 2006
CROSSING THE POTOMACMutinous Ferry Roils the WatersWhite's Ferry is somewhat of a historical landmark on the Potomac River carrying commuters back and forth between Loudoun County and Montgomery County, Maryland. It's a great alternative to the long commutes to the beltway or north across the bridge at Point of Rocks on Route 15 (a two-lane historical byway that has become the de facto "outer beltway"). I know. I used the ferry for almost four years in my corporate life.
Boat Owner Entangled in Licensing Dispute Ignores Coast Guard's Order to Shut Down
By Fredrick Kunkle
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 15, 2006; Page B03
True to its Confederate namesake, the Gen. Jubal A. Early ferryboat yesterday defied orders by the federal government to halt operations because of a licensing dispute and instead kept chugging back and forth across the Potomac River carrying hundreds of commuters.
More to this story...with photos.
The ferry transports about 500 vehicles a day. That's 500 less on the major commute corridors out of Loudoun County. But, the Coast Guard doesn't seem to care. On the other hand, safety and a knowledgeable, licensed captain are extremely important. I've experienced many "hard landings" on the ramps, one that damaged my car.
The owner has run the ferry since he purchased it in 1946. He is well aware of the rules. Mr. Brown: get it inspected and keep your "captains" licensed. We need you. We need the ferry. We need it to be safe.
Coast Guard: This isn't an ocean going vessel. It's a raft on a cable. Don't be so punitive. Be part of the solution. Reasonable people will act reasonably.
In case you are interested you can...read more.
The ferry carries about 21 average sized vehicles and makes a round trip in about 15 minutes, loading and unloading at each end. It is basically a metal raft guided by cable across the river. As a maritime vessel, the Coast Guard has vessel inspection authority and requires a licensed captain to operate it.
Seems as though the Coast Guard performed a recent check and found the vessel did not have a required inspection certificate and was operating without a licensed captain. The Gen. Jubal A. Early was ordered to cease operations, and threatened with significant fines. The owner who has run the ferry since 1946 defied the order and continued operation. The ferry carries about 21 average sized vehicles and makes a round trip in about 15 minutes, loading and unloading at each end. It is basically a metal raft guided by cable across the river. As a maritime vessel, the Coast Guard has vessel inspection authority and requires a licensed captain to operate it.
PS: As of this writing the ferry is still operating.
Seems as though the Coast Guard performed a recent check and found the vessel did not have a required inspection certificate and was operating without a licensed captain. The Gen. Jubal A. Early was ordered to cease operations, and threatened with significant fines. The owner who has run the ferry since 1946 defied the order and continued operation. The ferry carries about 21 average sized vehicles and makes a round trip in about 15 minutes, loading and unloading at each end. It is basically a metal raft guided by cable across the river. As a maritime vessel, the Coast Guard has vessel inspection authority and requires a licensed captain to operate it.
PS: As of this writing the ferry is still operating.
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