Good question @Hardtail70 to start off your discussions here on the forum. Welcome.
It is somewhat like the question, "How many times have you been stopped by the police while driving your car in a lawful manner, following all of the rules fo the road?"
On the water the CG have a number of missions. One of them at the lower end of the spectrum is assuring boaters operating in US waters are doing it in compliance with the Regulations administered by the CG. This task is also managed by the local Police and the Sheriffs depending on the jurisdiction you are operating your boat.
Generally the action by the CG is one of "practicing boarding" and affirming the the boat is being operated in compliance with the safety rules. It is pretty straight forward boarding a power boat. Pull up from behind, grab hold of the boat, leap over the boats transom and address the boats captain to inform the captain why they boarded the boat. Boarding a sailboat under sail is more difficult. They will tell your "Captain hold your course and speed" and then come up on your windward stern. Or they will instruct you to "heave to" bringing your boat into the wind. You can respond regarding the safety of your vessel and crew. And take actions to create a safe environment. If they intend to board your they will.
Note, by international treaty, all boats operating with in US waters may be boarded by the CG. The attached link might help you with understanding the actions of the CG.
www.unitedmarine.net
Every year I contact the local CG Auxiliary and subject my boat and safety equipment to inspection. It is a great way to get a "Second pair of eyes" to review my own preparations. The inspectors have always been polite, and often share tips about their experiences with boating. Takes less than an hour and I have met some nice folk. They follow the same procedure that a boarding party would follow.
Having the Vessel Inspection Sticker and wearing a PDF, I believe, is why I have been observed but not boarded the past 5 plus years I have been sailing in the Salish Sea.
If your trying to smuggle or hide something the seasoned CG operators will probably sniff it out. And like a blood hound once they think they have something juicy they will do what it takes to get an answer to their questions.
There are virtually no limits to their searching if they believe you are not following the regulations.
Treating them with respect probably goes better than if you are belligerent.
It is somewhat like the question, "How many times have you been stopped by the police while driving your car in a lawful manner, following all of the rules fo the road?"
On the water the CG have a number of missions. One of them at the lower end of the spectrum is assuring boaters operating in US waters are doing it in compliance with the Regulations administered by the CG. This task is also managed by the local Police and the Sheriffs depending on the jurisdiction you are operating your boat.
Generally the action by the CG is one of "practicing boarding" and affirming the the boat is being operated in compliance with the safety rules. It is pretty straight forward boarding a power boat. Pull up from behind, grab hold of the boat, leap over the boats transom and address the boats captain to inform the captain why they boarded the boat. Boarding a sailboat under sail is more difficult. They will tell your "Captain hold your course and speed" and then come up on your windward stern. Or they will instruct you to "heave to" bringing your boat into the wind. You can respond regarding the safety of your vessel and crew. And take actions to create a safe environment. If they intend to board your they will.
Note, by international treaty, all boats operating with in US waters may be boarded by the CG. The attached link might help you with understanding the actions of the CG.
Why is the CG boarding my boat? | United Marine - Boat Insurance
Great resource for tips on boating including education, resources and boat insurance.
Every year I contact the local CG Auxiliary and subject my boat and safety equipment to inspection. It is a great way to get a "Second pair of eyes" to review my own preparations. The inspectors have always been polite, and often share tips about their experiences with boating. Takes less than an hour and I have met some nice folk. They follow the same procedure that a boarding party would follow.
- Confirm they are talking to the Captain of the boat.
- Ask if there are any weapons aboard (so that weapons can be secured protecting the boarding party)
- Ask for the boats papers (so that the form can be properly filled out)
- Ask about mandatory placards and safety items required by regulation
- Ask a series of "good boating practice questions".
- Complete the form with the Captains signature.
- Issue the Vessel Inspection Sticker (watching that it is properly displayed on the boat. Note the sticker is for the boat being inspected and may not be transferred to another boat.)
- Issue a copy of the inspection report to the Captain (
- Then they are off.
Having the Vessel Inspection Sticker and wearing a PDF, I believe, is why I have been observed but not boarded the past 5 plus years I have been sailing in the Salish Sea.
If your trying to smuggle or hide something the seasoned CG operators will probably sniff it out. And like a blood hound once they think they have something juicy they will do what it takes to get an answer to their questions.
There are virtually no limits to their searching if they believe you are not following the regulations.
Treating them with respect probably goes better than if you are belligerent.
if the showed up after lunch. Only heard a CG Aux deny a beer once. That was because it was 8 AM and he had a meeting to go to.
