they're using their own vessels. it's a risky business for their boats, here you go. right on the florida-alabama state line, nearly 3,000 boats packed with commercial fishermen and charter boat captains like brian watts are working as part of the coast guard's vessel of opportunity program. >> we didn't have any other choice. our fishing, you know, was shut down. we had to have some way to have a source of income. >> crews are trained to lay booms. they scoop and then bag up b.p. oil and haul it to shore. captains are paid $1,200 per day for boats up to 30 feet long. and $3,000 for boats 65 feet and longer. sure, that's good money. but thick, oily water can ruin a $20,000 engine and some insurance companies are telling boat owners flat out, they will not pay for the repairs. >> that stuff might cover your boat. we're not paying for it. if you're going to put yourself out in that, you're purposely