The coastland times with which is combined the pilot and herald of Belhaven and Swan Quarter. [volume] (Manteo, N.C.) 1959-1973, 1960-12-23
By Capt. MARVIN w. HOWARD

| l would appreciate 1t very high
ly if you will enter this script in
your paper in order that the pub
lie will have information sort-o-
first hand by one of the masters
who operated the ferry "Sea Lev
ell" from May &c, 1860 to Septem-
Der 80, 1860. His views, his ex-
periences, knowledge and certain
amount of findings while thus en-
ployed. It appears that most ev-
eryone most inclined has written
in behalf of the ferry "Sea Levep
and / must say all the write-ups,
their pleas, etc., are to my mind
good. However, it also appears
that some of the assumptions as
set forth are really without too
solid a foundation or good judge
ment most especially regarding
the ferry, as to her qualifications
for ferry service. what are the
principals needed for good ferry
service?"
There are many good features
attributable to the ferry "Sea
Level" l personally believe the
Taylor Brothers had in mind when
they built the "Sea Level" some
thing real good, real fine, some
thing resembling the Good North
State, the people who desire to
travel on it. A ferry of which
North Carolina State, the Country,
and all who may travel would be
able and proud to acclaim as
worthy of a good name, not only
from looks, but for Accommodations
and conveniences that people from
all over the U.S.A. and foreign
lands would consider being happy
to ride the second and third time
or more, and while thus so riding,
feel happy and content.
Some say the "Sea LeveP is
not properly designed for this as
signment. l say, with few excep-
tions, the "Sea Level" is very
good. She has many features that
are of the first order. Where could
one find one vessel that has been
constructed perfect? I've never
really seen perfect boat or a
ship. know, as I'll explain later
who / am and you people can use
your judgement as to whether I
am capable of passing judgement
on the vessel.
Who wants to sit in their car
on a hot summer day for 21s to
Az hours in strong winds with
spray flying all over, no place to
lie down, no place to get a cup
of coffee, no place to bask in the
sunshine, no place to view the
surrounding waters in comfort, no
place for a sandwich or a soft
drink. The above it what you
don't have on ferries like the
ones now employed at Hatteras
Inlet, Oregon Inlet and Alligator
River and these are the convent
ences one has while riding the
ferry "Sea Level" Let me say
this, why not have something re-
ally nice as they do on the Ches-
apeake Bay, on Long Island
Sound, on Martha's Vineyard and
other places of travel. Go to Cam
ada and look at the ferries be-
tween st. Johns, New Brunswick
to Novia Scotia. See if they or
any of the rest are riding cracker
boxes, or a convenient vessel?
Stop and think as to whether the
operators are interested in ar
rangements for the general public
to ride in comfort or whether
they believe in the good old days
where no conveniences were avail
able. If the State of North Caro-
lima can build roads, for instance,
like the scenic highway in West
ern North Carolina, why then
can't we make our ferry service
scenic as well. Let's give the peo-
pie who pay the taxes and the
people from all over the world
who travel to see our unique Sea-
shore National Park 1.-THE only one
in existance) a decent, sea worthy,
up-to-date ferry to ride on. The
ferry "Sea Level" has the qualifi-
cations for this route-Ocracoke
to Atlantic or Cedar Island.
Another credit to the ferry
"Sea Level" is the service. All the
officers are presentable, they are
there for service. Each licensed
officer holds a first aid certifi-
cate and is able to serve the pub
lie. They are courteous. When one
feels nauseous the crew members
are ready and willing to dole out
Dramamine. If passenger gets
his skin torn or a slight cut thru
any cause he is treated properly.
The vessel "Sea Level" has the
Accommodations to secure peoples
automobiles in rought weather
and crew members patrol every
half hour or so to be safe. The
vaceol 10 s,v1av. dor,ry,,aY,f ow1 hao