The Boarding of the SV Drama Queen…

[Skipper]

Hil
Ari
Ous.
Afraid the CG boat would hit them. As if a USCG pilot doesn't know how to drive a boat.
Of course they had guns. Think they'll stow them for your boarding?

I had an encounter last year with the CG. Was after dark, about 3 miles offshore Dana Point. Was dropping the main. Wind at 15 knots so wanted to sail in on the Genoa alone, then furl it at harbor mouth, instead of dropping/flaking/strapping the main at mouth.
Anyway, this boat roars up next to me while I'm hugging the boom and strapping. I'm a little miffed at the aggressiveness. I see it's the CG, so I relax a little. Love them, but they just pounced on me and rattled my nerves. So I'm cussing in my head a little.
Their boat a RIB like the one in the pics. One guy is driving, another is hiding behind the bulkhead, peering out at me. He has an M16 in his lap. 3rd guy is on the gunwale asking me questions:
"Where are you going?"
In my head, "None of your business. I'm out here enjoying what's left of my freedom."
Actual response, "Going to set the headsail and sail into the harbor."
"Anybody else on board?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
In my head, "What am I, unaware of other people on my boat?"
Actual response, "Yes."
"Out here alone? That's brave."
In my head, "Huh? What I'm the only single hander around here? I've been on boats longer than you've been alive."
Actual response, just a smile.
"What's your date of birth?"
I tell him.
They stare at me a few more seconds, then speed off to the next adventure.
As I'm sailing in, I admire their enthusiasm. Then realize they were doing a full investigation with just simple questions. Plus they know who I am based on the boat's name and hailing port.
I think about their responsibilities. Making sure I'm safe. And that I'm not a danger to our country or its people.
I should have thanked them for their efforts. I will next time.

 

[jssailem]

Different staff different training sessions.
The whole boarding process is training for the team as well as the inspection of the boat. They want you to be under power so the team gets trained on boarding techniques. Doing it in good weather improves their performance for not so good conditions. Boarding a sail boat will always be more challenging than a power boat.
Some are veterans others are first timers.

You may have to instruct them on the risks of boom management and hazard avoidance.

 

[HMT2]

I sail right where the SV Drama Queen does. I was boarded by perhaps that very same CG vessel. They asked if I had a CG inspection lately, I told them I had a CG auxiliary volantary check a few years before. They said they would like to board for a safety check. I asked them if they wanted me to drop my sail, they said nope just keep sailing. The driver very carefully nudged up against my starboard side and after I opened the starboard lifeline gate two of them boarded after asking me if I had any weapons and if my dog would bite. They gave me a thorough safety inspection, even checking to see that the y valve on my head was properly locked. They were very polite, efficient and I felt safer for knowing they are always out there. No drama on SV Sanctuary!

 

[kloudie1]

Most encounters I've had were very professional and they did not board.. Bull horn instructed me to maintain course and speed.. I was under sail.. Bull horn asked to show PFD's for all aboard.. They came along side and asked for the documentation numbers.. Everything checked out and they went on their merry way.. Do as the man (or woman) says and everything will go smoothly.. Smile ..

 

[Ilanortho]

"Taxation is theft" - if she lives totally off the grid, she pays no taxes, so what does she care?
If not, then who does she think will pay for the infrastructure she makes use of? I would guess that I am doing so in my income bracket.

USCG, thank you for all that you do; many of us appreciate it. If you want to board me you are welcome to do so. Maybe I'll learn something about safety, and if nothing else I appreciate the opportunity to be in the company of those willing to risk their lives for mine in any type of weather and at any hour day or night.

PS; that baby with no safety device on; they WILL send a diver down for her when you find out he/she doesn't float. At taxpayer expense. Those guns that are holstered are not the problem.

 

[WayneH]

It used to be the unofficial motto of the Coast Guard was "You have to go out...." Nothing was said about coming back.

I've been boarded several times. Never once were any of them rude or pushy or threatening. Although the day I wasn't totally listening to the VHF, they were threatening. I missed the "Securite" call about the LPG tanker and the CG really wanted me OUT of the channel and their buffer zone. But that was my bad. I heard the call partly and assumed that it was for Galveston Bay and not Freeport.

 

[HMT2]

The whole boarding process is training for the team

Come to find out my boarding was a training session for a brand new female Coastie on her first day on patrol! You are correct sir!

 

[Pirate Dave]

It's to bad they didn't mount the .50 caliber on the bow and give them a live fire demonstration.............................................into their boat !!!!!

 

[jwing]

Makes no sense to me.

You know what else makes no sense? This bit of unhinged political rant I found on a sailing forum:

A whiny socialist snowflake that resents paying taxes.

 

[JamesG161]

To offer a USCG contrast story that we experienced...
https://forums.sailboatowners.com//...emergency-response-great.178787/#post-1291518

Also while we were under sail, a USCG boat slowly circled our boat. They were getting my State boat registration number and checking us out. After their radio call, probably cross referencing to the USCG registration, they waved a nice good bye and went on.

For more on what they do daily..
https://www.overview.uscg.mil/Values_Video/

Although I can't provide the Mobile App link now , our Boat iPad has a USCG app that I would suggest might help all. Here is the non-profit provider..
http://bastayapr.org
Check out their USCG app.

Jim...

 

[Skipper]

You know what else makes no sense? This bit of unhinged political rant I found on a sailing forum:

Wrong forum? Definitely.
"Unhinged"? Hardly.

I liked his irony of a socialist not wanting to pay taxes. Although, the article author to whom he referred seemed more an anarchist, so the humor is diminished.
To keep the topic more on sailing:
An anarchist would resent the Coast Guard, and paying taxes. The upside of the article's content is that it is a learning experience for us in 2 ways:
1. We see a version of a routine CG encounter, including unpredictable behavior from the boardees, and the CG trained response. I liked it.
2. We see the depths of irrationality on the part of people who have been so programmed. It helps me to recognize this behavior from other boaters etc., and avoid them or take precautions or make plans to escape.

 

[markwbird]

I agree that the woman's perspective was a bit dramatic and whiny however some the responses where inexcusable. The vitriol spewed by some of these misogynistic idiots is shocking but not at all surprising. Talk about showing your ass. The definition of irony.

 

[Skipper]

I agree that the woman's perspective was a bit dramatic and whiny however some the responses where inexcusable. The vitriol spewed by some of these misogynistic idiots is shocking but not at all surprising. Talk about showing your ass. The definition of irony.

If you are referring to the social media comments pasted in the article; I can't believe the brutality of their comments. It's like they were frantically searching for the most foul of insults. What's equally appalling is that it must be the norm now, because I hear about it a lot and have inadvertently stumbled into threads like that. I now avoid those types of forums altogether.
It's a testimonial to why forums need moderators. Like this lovely site

 

[Gunni]

Just skimmed the post but it brings to mind the fact that if you are transiting any of about 300 US port facilities you are subject to much higher security screening. DHS has more on Small Vessel Security Strategies. The reasons are many but suffice it to say that small vessels are seen as a potential terrorist attack vector. So, either stay clear of port traffic lanes or be prepared to open the kimono and be inspected. It takes a village people, even you bus-dwelling hippies!

 

[markwbird]

Yes. I am referring to the posts on social media not the ones on this forum.

 

[CaptKimble]

I have had only good encounters with the USCG folks even during "safety boardings". Sounds to me like this gal is a bit of a *drama queen* for sure. I also had a question as to why the baby was not in a safe location during the encounter including a correctly sized PFD. When I expect an infant or child on board my vessel I ensure I have the correct sized PFD on board and it is worn when the child is on deck ...no exceptions. My collection of PFD's include all sizes because I can't expect the parents to bring their own.

 

[markwbird]

45 minutes? Really? Who believes that? Also, taxes are illegal?

 

[bawlmer]

This should have gone to the War Room or at least the Sails Call Lounge. This was a political statement masked as a boating story. Maybe even clickbait. I bit, but I continue to stand by my posting.

 

[justsomeguy]

This should have gone to the War Room or at least the Sails Call Lounge. This was a political statement masked as a boating story. Maybe even clickbait. I bit, but I continue to stand by my posting.

What about her account makes you think she's a "socialist"?

 

[Tom J]

In my experience, the Coast Guard has always acted professionally and competently. While we were sailing from Little Snake River in the Everglades to Marathon, a Coast Guard helicopter approached and hovered off our starboard side. After checking my boat name and home port, they waved and I waved, and off they flew. Another time, I was at the helm of a 65' commercial boat in the Hawk Channel between Marathon and Miami at 3 in the morning, when my radar show a target zigzagging across the channel ahead of me, meeting up with other radar targets. Finally, a RIB with no lights showing circled behind me and pulled up alongside. My deck lights showed that it was the CG, so I took the boat out of gear and walked out to the aft deck. They asked for our last port, our next port, and our ultimate destination. I assumed some computer checking was done, and they said "Have a nice trip!" and were off to the next boat.
Finally, the CG helped out in a situation that could have been very serious. I was on my brother in law's Cape Dory trawler, on a mooring at night just off Martha's Vineyard, when my brother in law came down with severe symptoms of an allergy reaction, to the point where he could barely breathe. I called the Menemsha CG station, and they sent their utility boat to us and transferred my brother in law to an ambulance on the dock.
So, yeah, the Coast Guard is out there, checking and re-checking. Unfortunately, a necessity in today's environment. But don't forget, they are out there when you need them, too!