Hello all. Just returned from a trip from Charleston, SC to Savanha, GA for St. Patrick's Day. We sailed south to the Sav. River and attempted to dock on River Street. I am not exaggerating in saying that we were stopped and boarded no less than three times by the Department of Natural Resources, the US Coast Guard, and the Sav. River "Sherif's Patrol". Each reason: to check our registration. All was in order. Do we as boaters lose all rights as citizens when we're on the water instead of land? Can a policeman pull one over simply to check their license? Lastly, if I choose not to name my vessel and display a name on the hull/transom (for whatever reason((I think it's a silly pagan ritual)), is this against the law? If so, who's law?(State, Coast Guard, etc). By the way,...had a great time,...albeit with the river gestapo goosestepping around the river at all hours. Regards.
- Status
Scottie, you gotta remember...
...that DNR has different powers on the water than police on the land. They can be tough anywhere
...that DNR has different powers on the water than police on the land. They can be tough anywhere
Keep it in perspective
Although it's a pain in the !?!, cut them some slack. You might realy need one of them some day, and you'll be glad they were out there.
Although it's a pain in the !?!, cut them some slack. You might realy need one of them some day, and you'll be glad they were out there.
Well Scottie, if you have .....
chose to document you boat instead of registering it in a state (you post didnt say which), yes you must place a name on the vessel, and a hailing port on the stern. It's not a pagan ritual, it the law. Not only can they board they can tow it away. If you boat didn't display any number or name (you post doesn't state)they're not gestapo, they are doing their job..beam me up
chose to document you boat instead of registering it in a state (you post didnt say which), yes you must place a name on the vessel, and a hailing port on the stern. It's not a pagan ritual, it the law. Not only can they board they can tow it away. If you boat didn't display any number or name (you post doesn't state)they're not gestapo, they are doing their job..beam me up
If I remember this correctly...
...not all states require that you place registration numbers on the outside of the hull of a vessel- especially a USCG documented vessel. If your boat is documented in such a state, and you go to a state that DOES require state registration of vessels, then I can see why you got stopped- The Coast Guard and the Sheriff may have thought you were piloting an unregistered vessel (Similar to the land-based activity of driving a car without a license plate). If your boat is USCG documented, then yes, you MUST place the name and hailing port on the hull, and there are specific guidelines as to where and what size they must be. These are federal requirements. There is MUCH more on this in the archives of this site. Finally, to answer the other question- On land, the cop can't stop you JUST to check your license- He must have some indication or reasonable suspicion that you're doing something illegal or not complying with some law. I would assume that still applies in the territorial waterways, too... --Jon Bastien (who is NOT a lawyer!) H25 'Adagio'
...not all states require that you place registration numbers on the outside of the hull of a vessel- especially a USCG documented vessel. If your boat is documented in such a state, and you go to a state that DOES require state registration of vessels, then I can see why you got stopped- The Coast Guard and the Sheriff may have thought you were piloting an unregistered vessel (Similar to the land-based activity of driving a car without a license plate). If your boat is USCG documented, then yes, you MUST place the name and hailing port on the hull, and there are specific guidelines as to where and what size they must be. These are federal requirements. There is MUCH more on this in the archives of this site. Finally, to answer the other question- On land, the cop can't stop you JUST to check your license- He must have some indication or reasonable suspicion that you're doing something illegal or not complying with some law. I would assume that still applies in the territorial waterways, too... --Jon Bastien (who is NOT a lawyer!) H25 'Adagio'
Documented boats don't have to show
state registration numbers, but they do have to show the state decal that proves they paid the registration fee or use tax (whatever the state wants to call it). And in GA, all vessels with toilets--documented or not--also have to show a "potty sticker"--a real ugly orange diamond that indicates the boat is in compliance with sanitation laws. As for whether cops can stop people just to check for drivers licenses...sure they can. They may not be able to single you out to stop you, but they often set up road blocks to check every car for proof of insurance, license, sobriety, especially on holiday weekends.
state registration numbers, but they do have to show the state decal that proves they paid the registration fee or use tax (whatever the state wants to call it). And in GA, all vessels with toilets--documented or not--also have to show a "potty sticker"--a real ugly orange diamond that indicates the boat is in compliance with sanitation laws. As for whether cops can stop people just to check for drivers licenses...sure they can. They may not be able to single you out to stop you, but they often set up road blocks to check every car for proof of insurance, license, sobriety, especially on holiday weekends.
numbers
In Michigan you are required to display 3" letters and numbers near the bow of your boat for boats registered in MI. I don't know what the laws are regarding boats registered in other states entering MI waters.
In Michigan you are required to display 3" letters and numbers near the bow of your boat for boats registered in MI. I don't know what the laws are regarding boats registered in other states entering MI waters.
documentation & Registration
In the State of Rhode Island you are required to display a registration sticker, which is numbered, even if the boat is documented. I believe the federal law is that a boat of 30' or greater must be documented. Rhode Island also have the registration sticker requirement with a annual or bi-annual fee. If your boat is less than 30' you don't have to have it documented but must have it registered and must display the same registration sticker along with the registration number which includes the state's two letter abreviation along with a 4 digit number and a letter or two at the end. I have seen documented boats in the marina without the Rhode Island registration sticker. I guess they are just waiting for the "sticker police" to come by and fine them.
In the State of Rhode Island you are required to display a registration sticker, which is numbered, even if the boat is documented. I believe the federal law is that a boat of 30' or greater must be documented. Rhode Island also have the registration sticker requirement with a annual or bi-annual fee. If your boat is less than 30' you don't have to have it documented but must have it registered and must display the same registration sticker along with the registration number which includes the state's two letter abreviation along with a 4 digit number and a letter or two at the end. I have seen documented boats in the marina without the Rhode Island registration sticker. I guess they are just waiting for the "sticker police" to come by and fine them.
Start here - - >
http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/public/pubframe.htm Then read INTRO under Federal Regulations and see the excellent "checklist". Key word regarding "larger vessels" is MAY. As in "may be documented". Then select "State Regulations" for your state. Very clear for Ohio at least.
http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/public/pubframe.htm Then read INTRO under Federal Regulations and see the excellent "checklist". Key word regarding "larger vessels" is MAY. As in "may be documented". Then select "State Regulations" for your state. Very clear for Ohio at least.
Free World?
Some time ago, when the Iron Curtain was much in evidence around Russia and its satellite countries I had frequently to make business presentations and we used the shorthand "ROFW" to indicate we were referring to the "Rest of the Free World" i.e. everywhere outside the communist bloc. I had not realised there were other "Free" countries which I needed to have included. Sorry Guys, no offence meant but I just could not resist the temptation!
Some time ago, when the Iron Curtain was much in evidence around Russia and its satellite countries I had frequently to make business presentations and we used the shorthand "ROFW" to indicate we were referring to the "Rest of the Free World" i.e. everywhere outside the communist bloc. I had not realised there were other "Free" countries which I needed to have included. Sorry Guys, no offence meant but I just could not resist the temptation!
I think his point is...
...that he was stopped by three different agencies in short order. Since Scottie said that "All was in order.", I assume that his registration including numbering was proper. True if documented the law demands a vessel name be placed, with hailing port, on various locations and state law may demand other numbering and/or registration labeling. Unfortunately when there are overlaping jurisdictions one agency may not know that another has just boarded the same vessel. I have also heard informally that having a name and hailing port on a vessel not required to have it on, makes it less likely to be stopped. alan
...that he was stopped by three different agencies in short order. Since Scottie said that "All was in order.", I assume that his registration including numbering was proper. True if documented the law demands a vessel name be placed, with hailing port, on various locations and state law may demand other numbering and/or registration labeling. Unfortunately when there are overlaping jurisdictions one agency may not know that another has just boarded the same vessel. I have also heard informally that having a name and hailing port on a vessel not required to have it on, makes it less likely to be stopped. alan
About right
Everyone is about right on this, except that pleasure boats of any size are not required to be Coast Guard documented vessels, the law states MAY be documented. And yes the Coast Guard can stop and board you any time and does not need probable cause or any other reason to board your vessel.
Everyone is about right on this, except that pleasure boats of any size are not required to be Coast Guard documented vessels, the law states MAY be documented. And yes the Coast Guard can stop and board you any time and does not need probable cause or any other reason to board your vessel.
Having inspection sticker helps
For a number of years in the Pacific Northwest, it has been said, that if you have a Coast Guard Auxillary (or now a Power Squadron) safety decal on your boat, the Coast Guard tends to stay away. I've never been boarded but I have always made sure I had an up-to-date safety seal on the boat.
For a number of years in the Pacific Northwest, it has been said, that if you have a Coast Guard Auxillary (or now a Power Squadron) safety decal on your boat, the Coast Guard tends to stay away. I've never been boarded but I have always made sure I had an up-to-date safety seal on the boat.
With you Scottie
I'm agree Scottie, Probable cause is our birth right. Washington and Jefferson are rolling in their graves. Hey Gov, fix the interstates, arm the military and leave me alone! I work, pay taxes and sail. Charge------Dana
I'm agree Scottie, Probable cause is our birth right. Washington and Jefferson are rolling in their graves. Hey Gov, fix the interstates, arm the military and leave me alone! I work, pay taxes and sail. Charge------Dana
- Status