I was stopped and boarded by the Coast Guard last weekend, 1st time in 4 years of boating {in Florida}. They called it a safety inspection and were very polite and professional. The first question they asked was, Do you have any weapons? I guess they expect criminals to be honest about that. Seriously, it took about 20 minutes, they checked for a waste/trash discharge sign, checked out the plumbing, bilge for oil and the regular stuff like, lifejackets, flares and so on. At the end of the inspection I received a receipt and if I am stopped again within 6 months I can show the receipt and be on my way. Anyone else boarded lately? How often? Again, I was quite impressed with their professionalism. Jack
Boarded by the Coast Guard
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I came into the marina late one Friday night
and they were asking every incoming boat to pull to the harbor patrol dock for a safety inspection. They waved me thru when they saw my current safety inspection sticker, I assumed they were training crews for boarding in preparation for a busy weekend.
and they were asking every incoming boat to pull to the harbor patrol dock for a safety inspection. They waved me thru when they saw my current safety inspection sticker, I assumed they were training crews for boarding in preparation for a busy weekend.
Big Brother
Hi Guys, I sail in England and also in Europe and am surprised that the Coastguard can board you for such inspections as described above. It reads as if you have mandatory conditions where the boat has to carry up to date flares and liferaft etc, and that your life-jackets may have to carry a sticker to say they have been checked within the last "X" years etc. Plus your boat must be labelled regarding oils & fuel spillages and discharges. Is there a requirement yet for skippers to be qualified else the boat is not allowed to leave port? We have similar conditions but, quite rightly, these are only requirements for charter boats. In UK the Royal Yachting Association (the national authority for sailing = US Sailing) constantly struggles against red tape and maintains the individual's right to go out and drown himself! We say education is better than legislation. How is it in USA? Don Alexander - Europe - Land of the Free.
Hi Guys, I sail in England and also in Europe and am surprised that the Coastguard can board you for such inspections as described above. It reads as if you have mandatory conditions where the boat has to carry up to date flares and liferaft etc, and that your life-jackets may have to carry a sticker to say they have been checked within the last "X" years etc. Plus your boat must be labelled regarding oils & fuel spillages and discharges. Is there a requirement yet for skippers to be qualified else the boat is not allowed to leave port? We have similar conditions but, quite rightly, these are only requirements for charter boats. In UK the Royal Yachting Association (the national authority for sailing = US Sailing) constantly struggles against red tape and maintains the individual's right to go out and drown himself! We say education is better than legislation. How is it in USA? Don Alexander - Europe - Land of the Free.
Times have changed
I don't mind them boarding you if you are doing something wrong, like operating while intoxicated, but in our neck of the woods they are constantly boarding boats. (A safety inspection I think they call it.) I have heard plenty of horror stories regarding their techniques. For example, a family was out sailing with young children on board. On their way back into the harbor they were stopped and boarded. The same question was asked in regards to weapons, etc. The young children on board were terrified. Here they were being boarded by men carrying weapons who were asking questions about weapons. That would be enough to scare any young child. Needless to say, it was not an enjoyable experience for the children or the father/captain. The pleasure of a nice day of sailing was lost to an unnecessary boarding. I understand they are here to protect us, but I don't always agree with thier tactics. And one more question, what ever happened to the Coast Guard offering assistance to boaters in distress? Unless you are sinking/taking on water, or in a life threatening situation, they will not come to your aide. A lot has changed in the last 5 years or so. Some for the better, some for the worse..... in my opinion.
I don't mind them boarding you if you are doing something wrong, like operating while intoxicated, but in our neck of the woods they are constantly boarding boats. (A safety inspection I think they call it.) I have heard plenty of horror stories regarding their techniques. For example, a family was out sailing with young children on board. On their way back into the harbor they were stopped and boarded. The same question was asked in regards to weapons, etc. The young children on board were terrified. Here they were being boarded by men carrying weapons who were asking questions about weapons. That would be enough to scare any young child. Needless to say, it was not an enjoyable experience for the children or the father/captain. The pleasure of a nice day of sailing was lost to an unnecessary boarding. I understand they are here to protect us, but I don't always agree with thier tactics. And one more question, what ever happened to the Coast Guard offering assistance to boaters in distress? Unless you are sinking/taking on water, or in a life threatening situation, they will not come to your aide. A lot has changed in the last 5 years or so. Some for the better, some for the worse..... in my opinion.
Hey Jack they were conducting
exercises out of St. Pete. Where you motoring or under sail? as they are usually reluctant to pull a vessel over when under sail. It's a hassle for them as well as for the boat's crew. We were out there leaving the Vinoy Basin on an H320 when we saw their go-fast inflatable head in our direction; we had sailed off the anchor so we already had the main up and unfurled our jib as they approached. We gave them the "wave" and they turned and headed off. They were giving notice over the VHF about conducting training exercises. Regarding the question about guns; it is SOP for their own safety as also they can check to see if you are lying. They usually will not let you down into the cabin as they conduct their inspection to avoid any incidents. I have a nephew in the Guard flying out of Ft. Laudardale so I know these boys are very proffesional.
exercises out of St. Pete. Where you motoring or under sail? as they are usually reluctant to pull a vessel over when under sail. It's a hassle for them as well as for the boat's crew. We were out there leaving the Vinoy Basin on an H320 when we saw their go-fast inflatable head in our direction; we had sailed off the anchor so we already had the main up and unfurled our jib as they approached. We gave them the "wave" and they turned and headed off. They were giving notice over the VHF about conducting training exercises. Regarding the question about guns; it is SOP for their own safety as also they can check to see if you are lying. They usually will not let you down into the cabin as they conduct their inspection to avoid any incidents. I have a nephew in the Guard flying out of Ft. Laudardale so I know these boys are very proffesional.
In 2002 we were boarded at 2:00 am
I am from pittsburgh and sailed Florida about 2 weeks everyother year. In 2002 we sailed from Marathon to FT. Jefferson in the Tortugas. On our way back we anchored in Boca Chita and at 2:00 am the Coast Guard boarded us. I have to say they were gentlemen! I was awake as usual because my father anchored.( see other responses about my dad and his methods of anchoring) I was making sure we had not moved. I saw a flashing light in the distance and thought what is that. I then realized it was an authority headed directly for our boat. I started for the hatch to let everyone below know what was going on when over a loud speaker the Coast Guard said " stay topside! I greeted them as they pulled up along side. They explained that they had a report from the shore that they had heard screaming. Well the wind was blowing about 20 knots and we could not hear anything. The funny thing was that the wind was blowing from the main land..... They explained that they were awakened at 1:30 to respond. We, the Coast Guard and the six of us on board, agreed that we should get this over so we could all go back to sleep. They did board us at that point, Only checking the position of the sanitation valve. The thing I respect was the officer boarded leaving his firearm on his boat. If you have nothing to hide, honor the men boarding you by respecting the situations they have to encounter. These men have put their lives on the line for your protection. This includes the guys up north from the maple leaf country. Sorry that you were put out but glad to see something is being done. r.w.landau
I am from pittsburgh and sailed Florida about 2 weeks everyother year. In 2002 we sailed from Marathon to FT. Jefferson in the Tortugas. On our way back we anchored in Boca Chita and at 2:00 am the Coast Guard boarded us. I have to say they were gentlemen! I was awake as usual because my father anchored.( see other responses about my dad and his methods of anchoring) I was making sure we had not moved. I saw a flashing light in the distance and thought what is that. I then realized it was an authority headed directly for our boat. I started for the hatch to let everyone below know what was going on when over a loud speaker the Coast Guard said " stay topside! I greeted them as they pulled up along side. They explained that they had a report from the shore that they had heard screaming. Well the wind was blowing about 20 knots and we could not hear anything. The funny thing was that the wind was blowing from the main land..... They explained that they were awakened at 1:30 to respond. We, the Coast Guard and the six of us on board, agreed that we should get this over so we could all go back to sleep. They did board us at that point, Only checking the position of the sanitation valve. The thing I respect was the officer boarded leaving his firearm on his boat. If you have nothing to hide, honor the men boarding you by respecting the situations they have to encounter. These men have put their lives on the line for your protection. This includes the guys up north from the maple leaf country. Sorry that you were put out but glad to see something is being done. r.w.landau
Hi Benny,
The boat was named "Cortez" and I was motoring in the intercoastal by Anna Maria Island. Now that I think about it, it may have been a training excerise, there were about 6 officers/coastguardmen on a 28 foot or so inflatable with twin honda 250hp engines. Only one officer boarded my boat. I can say nothing bad about them or the experiance, like I said before, they were very polite and professional. I guess having a large cooler strapped to the cabin roof wasn't such a good idea! Jack
The boat was named "Cortez" and I was motoring in the intercoastal by Anna Maria Island. Now that I think about it, it may have been a training excerise, there were about 6 officers/coastguardmen on a 28 foot or so inflatable with twin honda 250hp engines. Only one officer boarded my boat. I can say nothing bad about them or the experiance, like I said before, they were very polite and professional. I guess having a large cooler strapped to the cabin roof wasn't such a good idea! Jack
Dan B, pretty rough response ....
for guessing Tim's situation. Remember that not all servicemen are polite! I think you could have taken the time to question Tim instead of outright bashing him.Did something go wrong at work today or what? Tim, I do question the boarding with a weapon. I do not think that this is the norm. Tim your accusations against our servicemen kind of asked for Dan's response. r.w.landau
for guessing Tim's situation. Remember that not all servicemen are polite! I think you could have taken the time to question Tim instead of outright bashing him.Did something go wrong at work today or what? Tim, I do question the boarding with a weapon. I do not think that this is the norm. Tim your accusations against our servicemen kind of asked for Dan's response. r.w.landau
boarded twice
The first tiem I hailed them for an emergency tow. The obliged reluctantly asking if we could wait for a tow. A six to seven hour wait. Then they told me to shut up and do things their way, which I knew to be wrong, but I obliged. A few times the chief goofed up and one crew told me in an aside, it was their first tow of a vessel this size, which explained a lot. The chuckled at the amount of fire extinguishers I have on board. Somewhere around 10. And flares too. Two kits with flare guns, and about a dozen loose ones. They searched the bilge under the diesel and everyone had to take a look. They asked me to start the motor, which I did. They kept looking and didn't see anything amiss. Turned out I just cleaned it two days before and it was spotless. Lesson learned. Same for the main bilge. The second boarding was a routine to them stop. They block the river enterance and board every boat, sail or otherwise. I had an open beer container so I had to go thrugh a sobriety check, which is what the whole thing was for. It was in the papers and news beforehand, and I had no choice but to go through the gauntlet to get home. This time they checked for life jackets (15 on board), flares (only needed to see one current package) and one up to date fire extinguisher. They were amazed I had a survival suit and wet suit on board, along with a current 6 man liferaft and two man liferaft. Neither was a bother I guess. I didn't get gigged anyway.
The first tiem I hailed them for an emergency tow. The obliged reluctantly asking if we could wait for a tow. A six to seven hour wait. Then they told me to shut up and do things their way, which I knew to be wrong, but I obliged. A few times the chief goofed up and one crew told me in an aside, it was their first tow of a vessel this size, which explained a lot. The chuckled at the amount of fire extinguishers I have on board. Somewhere around 10. And flares too. Two kits with flare guns, and about a dozen loose ones. They searched the bilge under the diesel and everyone had to take a look. They asked me to start the motor, which I did. They kept looking and didn't see anything amiss. Turned out I just cleaned it two days before and it was spotless. Lesson learned. Same for the main bilge. The second boarding was a routine to them stop. They block the river enterance and board every boat, sail or otherwise. I had an open beer container so I had to go thrugh a sobriety check, which is what the whole thing was for. It was in the papers and news beforehand, and I had no choice but to go through the gauntlet to get home. This time they checked for life jackets (15 on board), flares (only needed to see one current package) and one up to date fire extinguisher. They were amazed I had a survival suit and wet suit on board, along with a current 6 man liferaft and two man liferaft. Neither was a bother I guess. I didn't get gigged anyway.
All they want...
I suspect that for every sailboat they check out, they have already boarded and checked several powerboats, and that's fine with me. We usually don't hear about their finding someone in a Donzi under the influence, but I'm sure it happens, and every boat they pull off the water for alcohol or safety infractions makes it that much safer for the rest of us. A few might be flexing their official muscles a bit much, but most are very professional and we should remember they don't know what to expect from the next boat they stop, especially off Florida. We'd all be a little on edge in those circumstances, as evidenced by the "stay topside" command Capt. Landau received.
I suspect that for every sailboat they check out, they have already boarded and checked several powerboats, and that's fine with me. We usually don't hear about their finding someone in a Donzi under the influence, but I'm sure it happens, and every boat they pull off the water for alcohol or safety infractions makes it that much safer for the rest of us. A few might be flexing their official muscles a bit much, but most are very professional and we should remember they don't know what to expect from the next boat they stop, especially off Florida. We'd all be a little on edge in those circumstances, as evidenced by the "stay topside" command Capt. Landau received.
I have been observed several times...
First time was making a trip down the coast. I was approached by a CH53 Coast Guard helicopter. He was moving pretty quickly down the coast when all of a sudden he started to hover a couple hundered yards off my port side. Couldn't see the pilot that well, but the crewmen in the door was very vible. Stayed for a few seconds then left. About an hour later, he came back, this time on my starboard side, and did the same thing. I waved and they waved back and vanished again. Probably just a practice more than anything else. In San Diego bay, we get a lot of Navy Seals on Zodiak patrol boats. They always seem to travel in packs of three. They don't speed past you and it is usually the command boat that does the observing. I usually render a quick salute and I receive one in kind. We see more Harbor police and Navy Seals than Coast Guard. I respect what they do and will comply 100% all the time. They never know who they are approaching and I will give them no cause for suspicion.
First time was making a trip down the coast. I was approached by a CH53 Coast Guard helicopter. He was moving pretty quickly down the coast when all of a sudden he started to hover a couple hundered yards off my port side. Couldn't see the pilot that well, but the crewmen in the door was very vible. Stayed for a few seconds then left. About an hour later, he came back, this time on my starboard side, and did the same thing. I waved and they waved back and vanished again. Probably just a practice more than anything else. In San Diego bay, we get a lot of Navy Seals on Zodiak patrol boats. They always seem to travel in packs of three. They don't speed past you and it is usually the command boat that does the observing. I usually render a quick salute and I receive one in kind. We see more Harbor police and Navy Seals than Coast Guard. I respect what they do and will comply 100% all the time. They never know who they are approaching and I will give them no cause for suspicion.
Terrified Children
First, I too think Dan's response was over the top. However, as I read Tim's post, I was thinking about how some people take something like a boarding, and allow it to be one thing, while others can use it as a "teaching moment." I take my grandkids saling frequently. It's always on the lake, so we don't deal with the CG (even though I've been stopped once the Texas Parks and Wildlife dept.). But, if I were ever stopped by the CG with young ones on board, I'd be telling them what to expect long before the boarding took place. ==== Kids, those men on the boat behind us are going to come on board. They're going to look the boat over and let us know if there are any problems we need to take care of. They may have a gun, just like a policeman, but the guns are for the bad people, not us. They're here to help us. ===== I can't imagine a responsible adult letting a boarding ruin a day of sailing.
First, I too think Dan's response was over the top. However, as I read Tim's post, I was thinking about how some people take something like a boarding, and allow it to be one thing, while others can use it as a "teaching moment." I take my grandkids saling frequently. It's always on the lake, so we don't deal with the CG (even though I've been stopped once the Texas Parks and Wildlife dept.). But, if I were ever stopped by the CG with young ones on board, I'd be telling them what to expect long before the boarding took place. ==== Kids, those men on the boat behind us are going to come on board. They're going to look the boat over and let us know if there are any problems we need to take care of. They may have a gun, just like a policeman, but the guns are for the bad people, not us. They're here to help us. ===== I can't imagine a responsible adult letting a boarding ruin a day of sailing.
Here on Lake Erie,
off Cleveland specifically. The Coast Guard and State watercraft regularly board vessels. Generally motorboats, both with sticks and without
. Only time they have boarded me is when I have asked for a safety inspection form the C.G.Aux guys. Been boarded lots of times on my bro-in-laws chriscraft though. The CG kids have always been polite, professional, courteous and forthrite about what they are doing and why. They have also always been armed, at least the one of them anyway. When kids have been on board they have always made an effort to speak to them and be quite nice. Most boardings are to ensure the operator's sobriety. Here anyway. Although they regularly have training, but they don't do any training stuff durng weekends or holidays. Then it is strictly business. Board, see what they gotta see, ask what they gotta ask, reboard their boat and off they go. Only semi-discourteous leo I have seen here is one of the women watercraft officers. She is both short and kinda dumpy, probably just trying to assert her authority to make up for that, I guess. Other than that, pros everyone. In all sorts of circumstances from sinkings to drownings to safety inspections. Charlie
off Cleveland specifically. The Coast Guard and State watercraft regularly board vessels. Generally motorboats, both with sticks and without
. Only time they have boarded me is when I have asked for a safety inspection form the C.G.Aux guys. Been boarded lots of times on my bro-in-laws chriscraft though. The CG kids have always been polite, professional, courteous and forthrite about what they are doing and why. They have also always been armed, at least the one of them anyway. When kids have been on board they have always made an effort to speak to them and be quite nice. Most boardings are to ensure the operator's sobriety. Here anyway. Although they regularly have training, but they don't do any training stuff durng weekends or holidays. Then it is strictly business. Board, see what they gotta see, ask what they gotta ask, reboard their boat and off they go. Only semi-discourteous leo I have seen here is one of the women watercraft officers. She is both short and kinda dumpy, probably just trying to assert her authority to make up for that, I guess. Other than that, pros everyone. In all sorts of circumstances from sinkings to drownings to safety inspections. CharlieIt was a feel good story
I think Dan B is out of line. What ever happened to manners. Please be NICE! I respect Tim's comments even though I may have a different feeling towards the coast guard. I have been intercepted and questioned by them at night. It did scare me a bit but I found them very professional. Like most of the readers, I too appreciate them looking out for us. The number of stripes or leafs on their flag makes no difference to me. We lost four mounties to a NUT with guns last year. I have made it a point to say THANKS for just being in our service when I am around one of them. Thanks Jack for the post.
I think Dan B is out of line. What ever happened to manners. Please be NICE! I respect Tim's comments even though I may have a different feeling towards the coast guard. I have been intercepted and questioned by them at night. It did scare me a bit but I found them very professional. Like most of the readers, I too appreciate them looking out for us. The number of stripes or leafs on their flag makes no difference to me. We lost four mounties to a NUT with guns last year. I have made it a point to say THANKS for just being in our service when I am around one of them. Thanks Jack for the post.
Second note:
I don't think that anyone from the Coast Guard that boards your vessel is wear/carrying/packing a gun. Yes, the guys that stay aboard their boat are packing, but I think the guys that board risk their lives and don't carry. I think this is an act of being polite by the Coast Guard. r.wlandau
I don't think that anyone from the Coast Guard that boards your vessel is wear/carrying/packing a gun. Yes, the guys that stay aboard their boat are packing, but I think the guys that board risk their lives and don't carry. I think this is an act of being polite by the Coast Guard. r.wlandau
Coasties
I have only been boarded a couple of times, but they have always been very courteous and professional. Have no complaints about their behavior.
I have only been boarded a couple of times, but they have always been very courteous and professional. Have no complaints about their behavior.
Boarding
We had one weekend over the whole summer to spend on the boat.We had just left our mooring on Milwaukee's southside.As we were leaving the breakwater to see the the evenings fireworks ,a Coast Guard rib came out of nowhere.There were 4 young men probably in their twenties on board.None of them smiled.Two gabbed onto our boat and held it while the third climbed onto ours.He asked for registration,fire extinguishers,life jacketsand so on.It seemed the the more I had my ducks in a row the more he wanted to see.The girlfriend was not at all pleased with the whole experiance.After 20 minutes or so he found one of my bow lights worked intermitingly.I couldn't get it to stay on so we were turned back to the mooring.All in all very professional.We also got a sticker and a checksheet stating that we had passed an inspection.The checksheet ended up getting us a discount on our insurance .
We had one weekend over the whole summer to spend on the boat.We had just left our mooring on Milwaukee's southside.As we were leaving the breakwater to see the the evenings fireworks ,a Coast Guard rib came out of nowhere.There were 4 young men probably in their twenties on board.None of them smiled.Two gabbed onto our boat and held it while the third climbed onto ours.He asked for registration,fire extinguishers,life jacketsand so on.It seemed the the more I had my ducks in a row the more he wanted to see.The girlfriend was not at all pleased with the whole experiance.After 20 minutes or so he found one of my bow lights worked intermitingly.I couldn't get it to stay on so we were turned back to the mooring.All in all very professional.We also got a sticker and a checksheet stating that we had passed an inspection.The checksheet ended up getting us a discount on our insurance .
So, That's why I get a sticker every year
when the local Aux. can do it in daylight at my convenience, not at the end of a very long day's sail home. Donalex, no licensing requirements here for recreational boating, if you do ANYTHING for pay it requires Coast Guard license. Some states are now enacting legislation regarding operators age for powered craft capable of speeds. It annoys my wife, she finds it illogical to require drivers licenses for a car but nothing for a 10 ton sailboat. Most insurance companies provide a discount for a safe boating course but it's not much incentive and the courses are very basic.
when the local Aux. can do it in daylight at my convenience, not at the end of a very long day's sail home. Donalex, no licensing requirements here for recreational boating, if you do ANYTHING for pay it requires Coast Guard license. Some states are now enacting legislation regarding operators age for powered craft capable of speeds. It annoys my wife, she finds it illogical to require drivers licenses for a car but nothing for a 10 ton sailboat. Most insurance companies provide a discount for a safe boating course but it's not much incentive and the courses are very basic.
Better than the rest
Jack, In the last 10 years I have been boarded or simply stopped and questioned by the Mexican, Colombian, and French Navy, as well as assorted local patrols in the BVI's, D.R. & ABC's Florida and Western Canada. In that time, I have only actually been boarded by the U.S. Coast Guard for a 'Safety Inspection' once while sailing between St. Marteen and Virgin Gorda (though I have been overflown by patrol aircraft on a number of occasions and hailed several times). The weapon question as well as checking for leaks first thing is standard and my only complaint (a minor one) was that they put 5 guys on my little Macgregor 26X to do the inspection. 5 big guys with guns, just seemed to be a bit overkill for inspecting a 26 ft. single handed MAC, but who knows maybe the last 26X they stopped doing 3.5 knots jib sailing to the BVI's was stuffed with drugs and machine guns, you never know. In any event, if you ever want to know how well behaved the USCG is just get stopped by the Colombian or Mexican Navy sometime, it would change anyone's attitude concerning what is considered a 'polite'boarding party.
Jack, In the last 10 years I have been boarded or simply stopped and questioned by the Mexican, Colombian, and French Navy, as well as assorted local patrols in the BVI's, D.R. & ABC's Florida and Western Canada. In that time, I have only actually been boarded by the U.S. Coast Guard for a 'Safety Inspection' once while sailing between St. Marteen and Virgin Gorda (though I have been overflown by patrol aircraft on a number of occasions and hailed several times). The weapon question as well as checking for leaks first thing is standard and my only complaint (a minor one) was that they put 5 guys on my little Macgregor 26X to do the inspection. 5 big guys with guns, just seemed to be a bit overkill for inspecting a 26 ft. single handed MAC, but who knows maybe the last 26X they stopped doing 3.5 knots jib sailing to the BVI's was stuffed with drugs and machine guns, you never know. In any event, if you ever want to know how well behaved the USCG is just get stopped by the Colombian or Mexican Navy sometime, it would change anyone's attitude concerning what is considered a 'polite'boarding party.
One Change on Charging
The federal regulations regarding having a CG license to charge for anything (on the water) is for the open sea and navigable waterways only. Inland lakes and rivers (non-navigable) are regulated by the state, and vary from state to state. I've heard talk that there are efforts underway to "standardize" the requirements, but haven't seen it happen yet.
The federal regulations regarding having a CG license to charge for anything (on the water) is for the open sea and navigable waterways only. Inland lakes and rivers (non-navigable) are regulated by the state, and vary from state to state. I've heard talk that there are efforts underway to "standardize" the requirements, but haven't seen it happen yet.
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