More on Bogus Bob

The extent some people will go to in perpetrating a fraud never ceases to amaze us. Take, for example, the case of Boguslaw ‘Bob’ Norwid, who is now the focus of scrutiny by the maritime authorities of several nations.

Regular readers will recall our recent reports on the widespread search for Norwid’s sail training vessel Columbia — supposedly a British-flagged vessel — which ended last month when she limped into Coquimbo, Chile, nearly six weeks behind schedule. She had been completely incommunicado throughout her 86-day offshore voyage, which caused great concern among relatives of the three paying Yachtmaster’s course candidates on board, and led to both government and media scrutiny of Norwid and his operation.

We’ve yet to hear the result of the Chilean government’s investigation of Norwid’s activities, but British authorities have made it perfectly clear that Norwid had no business operating as a commercial UK vessel or operating Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster courses. Enforcement Officer David Lee of Britain’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency explains: "SS Columbia has never been registered as a ‘commercial vessel’, and by taking fee-paying crew, the owner has breached legislation made under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

"From what I have learned, this vessel did not carry a liferaft or minimum LSA (SOLAS lifesaving gear). . . In addition, the skipper does not appear to have any UK or equivalent certificates of competence. Former crew members have said that he frequently bribes officials in South America, etc. and I have made the Chilean maritime authority aware of this. I have also informed Canadian, Australian and North American maritime authorities, including USCG. His bonafides are doubtful and the French (Norwid claims to be a French citizen) are aware of his actions."

According to past clients, Norwid has been operating under shady circumstances for years and has allegedly also given out phony Yachtmaster’s certifications. It now looks as though his operation may finally be shut down. In the meantime, this whole fiasco should serve as a strong warning to all who seek crew positions — whether paying for sail training or not — to carefully scrutinize the equipment and credentials of a boat’s operator, before you step aboard. Norwid, by the way, advertises that "Beginners are preferred." And no doubt, naïve beginners are his highest preference.