My Coast Guard boarding party

thedoctor · Jul 7, 2013

Required items / gear

It's been a decade since I've owned a 25' boat,,, what is required now? doc

Brian D · Jul 7, 2013

Never been boarded, but have been "observed" by Navy Security on fast movers in San Diego Bay. Then there was a CG helicopter that hovered overhead for about 30 seconds while I was sailing down to San Diego.

Sounds like you had a good experience. They are just doing their job and I have no qualms letting do what they do best.

25yearslater · Jul 7, 2013

Haven't been boarded yet. Might not need to worry though since these are my dock mates. The Homeland Security guys tell me I have the nicest looking old boat they have seen. I've got great security for YOT.

Doc_holiday · Jul 7, 2013

I'm not sure they approach and board sail boats as often as powerboats and party barges but it can happen. I suspect having the CG auxiliary do their annual free inspection and placing the sticker would reduce the chances even more. Oh we'll, even if they do, you'll be in compliance anyway.

sailaway78 · Jul 7, 2013

A couple of times

I have been boarded twice on my boat, and once on a friends boat, over the last ten years Never anything but professional and polite.

Barnacle Bill · Jul 7, 2013

If you get inspected and apply the sticker you get when you pass inspection, then the CG usually will not board you unless they have a reason. When they see the sticker, they assume you are in compliance. If you are doing something wrong, or they see something awry, they just might check you out. Also, in some areas, it is a USCG training area and so they board boats to train new coasties.

Ralph Johnstone · Jul 7, 2013

We'll Take Your Coasties Up Here Any Day

Our Canadian Coast Guard is mandated to search and rescue only and it's anybody's' guess who regulates the yahoos on the water. Our coastal waters are unregulated and it shows.

Alcohol is involved in 40% of all boating deaths on our waters.

Most power boaters don't think their engines will start until they've had at least two drinks.

About 1/4 of all boats in our marina do not have a vessel license number (and they're certainly NOT registered). Have one of these drunken idiots slam into you and run and there's no way of reporting them for insurance purposes. Not having a license carries a $250.00 fine but not too many people are worried about it.

In Canada, we have a requirement for a minimum proof of competency in the form of a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. About 1/3 of all boaters in this country have proof of competency according to Transport Canada.

Almost all pleasure power boaters believe that size dictates right of way.

The concept of right of way while under sail is meaningless to most power boaters.

What amazes me is the number of yahoos that DO make it back to the marina after going out on the water. Accidents and death on the water never amaze me. Drunk, incompetent, and no safety gear and yet they still manage to come through.

The sight of overloaded power boats, along with young children, and not a life jacket in sight is all too common here on our coastal waters.

As Abraham Lincoln once said “laws without enforcement are just good advice” .

I do apologize for the rant, but our waters up here in the Pacific Southwest are some of the most beautiful in the world, however too many of our boaters are also the biggest idiots in the world.

chp · Jul 8, 2013

Ralph Johnstone said:
Our Canadian Coast Guard is mandated to search and rescue only and it's anybody's' guess who regulates the yahoos on the water. Our coastal waters are unregulated and it shows.

Alcohol is involved in 40% of all boating deaths on our waters.

Most power boaters don't think their engines will start until they've had at least two drinks.

About 1/4 of all boats in our marina do not have a vessel license number (and they're certainly NOT registered). Have one of these drunken idiots slam into you and run and there's no way of reporting them for insurance purposes. Not having a license carries a $250.00 fine but not too many people are worried about it.

In Canada, we have a requirement for a minimum proof of competency in the form of a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. About 1/3 of all boaters in this country have proof of competency according to Transport Canada.

Almost all pleasure power boaters believe that size dictates right of way.

The concept of right of way while under sail is meaningless to most power boaters.

What amazes me is the number of yahoos that DO make it back to the marina after going out on the water. Accidents and death on the water never amaze me. Drunk, incompetent, and no safety gear and yet they still manage to come through.

The sight of overloaded power boats, along with young children, and not a life jacket in sight is all too common here on our coastal waters.

As Abraham Lincoln once said “laws without enforcement are just good advice” .

I do apologize for the rant, but our waters up here in the Pacific Southwest are some of the most beautiful in the world, however too many of our boaters are also the biggest idiots in the world.

Its the same here in Ontario. Usually see lots of overloaded boats with kids. Large boats making huge wakes and I don't want to even start with the PWC's and the idiots who operate them. Seems to be less and less enforcement every year.Only seem to see the police on the water during the week, hardley ever on the weekend when the idiots are out.

Squeezie · Jul 8, 2013

New York Harbor and the Aircraft Carrier

Sailing through New York Harbor about 20 years ago, we found ourself in formation with the J.F. Kennedy Aircraft carrier. I kept a safe distance, maybe 200 yards. The cameras came out and all aboard enjoyed a chance to record the event. All of a sudden, a Huey Helocopter came at us out of nowhere. He hovered about eye level with me at the helm and then turned to expose a sailor behind a 50 caliber machine gun aimed right between my eyes. Got the message rather quickly and increased our separation to the maximum possible in the East River. (any further away and we would have been on second avenue.)

Brian S · Jul 8, 2013

We had a 5 boat raft up on the lake for the 4th of July. My friend peeled off early to head out for a sail. She pulled away just as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources enforcement boat was headed into the cove - and they went right up to her. I was concerned because they started blowing over to a lee shore. But, they finished up and she got the motor going before she grounded.

Anyway, it turns out they were checking her state registration, because her stickers were expired. She HAD the stickers, just hadn't bothered to put them on prior to spring launch (!) She did say that they were very nice and pleasant and were not giving her a hard time.

The next night she tied up to us for dinner, and she told me she was pulled over again earlier that day. I made her sit up on the bow and stick 'em on (which she had planned to do anyway.)

I guess the best thing to say is that at least the DCNR rangers were patrolling during the holiday weekend...

I could tell you stories from my 20's... We actually did do a good job of being responsible, and not acting like total yahoos, but there was one time... Let's just say sometimes I wonder how men survive their 20's...

Brian

IH82BL8 · Jul 8, 2013

I'm not sure how they can approach every vessel at an anchorage and say they're not out to "get" anyone. Just a thought.

Don't get me wrong, I very much appreciate the CG and the auxilliary and the DNR and all that they do for the sake of safety. I'm glad they're there.

IainB · Jul 8, 2013

In 30 years of boating between Lake Ontario, (Canadian side, but many visits into the US) and now in the Pacific North West, in the US but right against the Canadian border I have never been boarded. Always had all registration stickers etc displayed. I had a 25 ft boat on Lake Ontario with a 9.9 HP outboard motor which meant the boat did not have to be registered. And many don't realise that you need a harbour licence when in Toronto harbour. Also while at the Whitby Yacht Club on Lake Ontario the sergeant from the Marine Unit of the Toronto Police force was my dock mate. Here in Semiahmoo the coast guard and Border Patrol boats straddle my dock. Guess I just attract the wrong type of element

). Have never found these guys to be anything other than polite to myself, But I have also seen them basically rip apart a boat that they knew had drugs aboard till they found them. I also need to redo my marine craft operators card as I lost my original one in transit somewhere between Ontario and BC. it is in reality a joke anyone with a bit of common sense will pass it, but it does give Police a reason to keep 14 yr olds off PWC with screaming engines and more power than they can handle. I have also seen many small lakes banning these PWC or sea-do's. My biggest beef with all power craft is the wake these idiots leave often eroding fragile shore banks.

QuinnMcColly · Jul 8, 2013

DannyS said:
We watched them approach boats for 45 minutes so I had time to get all my paperwork ready and equipment out for inspection.

Second the question "what do you need." I think I have it all and then some have read the CA regs...
Current registration.
Proof of insurance (though not required)
life jackets for all (even for the dogs) easily accessable.
Whistle.
Fire extinguisher.
Flare gun/flares.
more 'I dont think required.' VHF GPS Compass First Aid Kit

What did they ask to see?

Rag Doll · Jul 8, 2013

thedoctor said:
It's been a decade since I've owned a 25' boat,,, what is required now? doc

You need your boats registration or documentation papers and they must be up to date. I aso have my insurance papers on board just in case they ask for them. Have your flare kit ready for inspection and make sure you have current dates on the flares. I keep older out dated flares as spares just incase I ever need to use them. Have all life jackets ready incase they want to look at them and with the auto inflatables life vests the CO2 cylinder needs to be up to date also. Know where all the placquers for trash/garbage, Oil and holding tank waste are located an posted. They may check your engine compartment and bilge for cleanliness/ free of fuel and oil. Fire Extinguishers may be checked for condition, full charge and date of expiration of service.

I was in the U. S. Coast Guard and they are only trying to ensure you are complying with the laws and requirements of different size boats. The Coast Guard Aux. Inspection is more thorough then a inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard and that is why having your boat inspected by the Aux. is worthwhile. Training is a big thing for the Coast Guard and if they are very active boarding in your area that probably means the new Coasties are learning the ropes.

If in doubt check your State and Federal requires for you size boat. Happy and Safe Sailing.

justsomeguy · Jul 8, 2013

dcande01 said:
I have been a criminal defense attorney for several years, but only a boat owner since last year. I am, quite frankly, absolutely horrified and disgusted at your remarks, at your willingness to throw away any right to privacy. I couldn't believe it when I found out that the Fourth Amendment didn't apply on the water. We need to fight for our privacy rights on the water, not just throw them away because "we have nothing to hide." Just shameful.

Read this 'n weep.

http://www.sailfeed.com/2012/10/coast-guard-boardings-and-your-fourth-amendment-rights-part-1/

weinie · Jul 8, 2013

DannyS said:
dcande01, go ahead and be "disgusted" at my remarks, but I'm on their side. I said it felt a bit over-reaching but again, to me, it was just a way of keeping people safe on the water. I don't know what the ramifications would have been had I not been in full compliance with not having the placards or expired flares, I'm guessing they would have just give a warning, but I'm happy to know that the other boats on the water are keeping their vessels in good working order and with the required safety equipment. In the long run, it protects me as well.

Don't want to politicize this thread too much more, but I prefer to worry about keeping my own family and myself safe, thank you very much.

My Coast Guard boarding party

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