Beware Fellow Boaters

Frank E

Cadet
Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
8
Went to lake today,had a great time,caught a few fish.We have had 9 inches of rain in the past 6 days. Was surprised that we caught any fish.
I ran into a friend of mine while at the launch ramp. He told me that DNRwas inspecting boats somewhere on the lake.He also said that he got two tickets
one for kill switch not working,the other for the fire exgt. not being charged
that one was for $175.00. He was so mad he did not tell me what the fine
was for the kill switch. Anyway my boat passed all of DNRS RULES.They do
a entire boat inspection. Any things. wrong,you get a big fine.So guys check
safety equ. before going out on the lake so that you will not get a fine.
 

Mike Robinson

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 29, 2005
Messages
752
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

I'm curious, what does "DNR" stand for and what authority do they have?
 

Thajeffski

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
890
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

I always laugh at these threads. People must think these forums only go as far as their local lake?

How about a LOCATION or at least what STATE you are in...........rofl
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,313
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

Where are you located? Kill switches are not USCG requirements.
 

windsors03cobra

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
1,191
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

We have DNR officers here, basically more power than the police.
I did see the USCG writing old cabin cruisers long lists last weekend, kinda funny too see a 41' patrol boat in our small river but they were there.

I read our state troopers have been told to bust all no front plate offenders and I saw county sheriffs going after cars with what looked like illegal window tint today.
Have heard through the grapevine that with tax revenue and budgets not increasing officers have been instructed to "write their salary's worth of tickets this year".

Probably old wives tales and I dont really worry as I am legal tho I guess I need some flares for lake MI.
 

Frank E

Cadet
Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
8
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

The rules have changed here since 9-11. The nuclear power plant dictates
the rules on this body of water.I do not believe the kill switch rule is statewide.I told Bobby he might be able to beat this one in court,The fire
exgt. he will have to pay.They do not allow any swimming,jet skies.Fishing
and joy riding only.
 

captharv

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
187
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

On the subject of safety equipment, request a Courtesy Marine Examination from the CG Auxiliary or the power squadrons. Its free and if you don't have something, they do not tell anyone else. As a matter of fact, the area with your boat numbers on it is blacked out on the part they send in.
I did this for 26 years before I retired from them. Its worthwhile and you will learn something about safety rules.
Yes, they also know state laws.
When a boat passes, they put a decal on the left side window or windshield. If stopped just point to it. The local fuzz is supposed to recognize it.
BTW, it only takes 10-20 minutes depanding on the boat size.
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

On the subject of safety equipment, request a Courtesy Marine Examination from the CG Auxiliary or the power squadrons. Its free and if you don't have something, they do not tell anyone else. As a matter of fact, the area with your boat numbers on it is blacked out on the part they send in.
I did this for 26 years before I retired from them. Its worthwhile and you will learn something about safety rules.
Yes, they also know state laws.
When a boat passes, they put a decal on the left side window or windshield. If stopped just point to it. The local fuzz is supposed to recognize it.
BTW, it only takes 10-20 minutes depanding on the boat size.
personally, i don't know what it effect me having the sticker will do for my local dnr. but i will say. i though it was fun to have the uscg aux. guy inspect my boat. i got in touch with them, and the set up a time to come to my house and do the inspection. which don't take to long. it's fun to talk with the inspector about boats and stuff. + who knows, ya might even learn something new. my boat passed, but what i learned, or at least had my recolection refreshed was. my fire extinguiser was ok in the green, but i l could not feel the stuff inside it moving. the aux. guy showed me to turn the fire extinguiser on its side only and tap it with a wood block or the likes. loosed the stuff inside right up. ya could feel it when ya tilted it back and forth. this is good because if the stuff inside is all smashed down to the bottom it don't disperse right if ya gotta use it... anyways. i think get the inspection prior to the lake and make it something fun and educational instead of a drag with dnr giving ya the third degree for non compliance..

edit, oh, and i'll second this and believe it to be true too...
We have DNR officers here, basically more power than the police.
 

Nandy

Commander
Joined
Apr 10, 2004
Messages
2,145
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

Frank, what lake is that? I have been boating in Jocassee for the last 3 years and those guys there don't even get closer than 10 yards, they just ask u to show a pfd for each boater, throwable devise and they are gone.
 

Expidia

Commander
Joined
Aug 26, 2006
Messages
2,368
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

Pweeew, good thing the starter of this thread only brought his location down to the "State of South Carolina".

If he had given us any more info than that I'm sure someone would have already swiped his boat right out of his backyard already :D
 

a70eliminator

Captain
Joined
Sep 9, 2007
Messages
3,762
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

I was inspected here in the state of ohio this year, the officer checked my flame arrestor, venter motor, fire extinquisher, distress flag, horn or whistle, capcity plate, registration (not a copy). I could not produce the registration so I didn't get my sticker, now i have the registration on the boat and at the first chance i'm going to find an officer to get that sticker so they leave me alone.
He did not even check my lights, check for oars, or check for battery boxes either, i'm not complaining, the paper he gave me says good to go just need to show registration, and carry on board (not a copy has to be the original).
 

Frank E

Cadet
Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
8
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

The lake is monticello. Down at murray, they get close enough to see your
pfds,and your stickers. lake wylie, they check everything.never have saw them on lake greenwood. S.C. ELE.&Gas owns monticello. This is a man made
lake.
As far as where i am located at, it is rock hill,sc. I fish all over the state of
s.c. and nc.
 

rjlipscomb

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
582
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

Good reminder, but you should always inspect your boat and safety gear before heading to the ramp or leaving the dock. Make sure all equipment is readily accessible including your anchor, extra lines and fenders, etc... Know where everything is located and plan how you are going to get/use it.

Safety should be our number one concern before and on the water. It shouldn't come in response to the law enforcement inspections. :)
 

Ret USN CPO

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 7, 2007
Messages
135
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

Have heard through the grapevine that with tax revenue and budgets not increasing officers have been instructed to "write their salary's worth of tickets this year".
That's a great idea!!! I was just talking to the better half about this very thing last week. The local, county, and state governments could rake in enough to double cover their budget shortfalls for the next five years if they would just start enforcing the law around here. Of course they may have to hire an extra cop or two at each level, but it would more than pay for itself.

I am so sick of people running stop signs/stop lights, making illegal turns, tailgating, speeding, illegally parking, failing to yield the right of way (i.e. cutting you off, pulling out right in front of you, etc.). Having a the police enforce traffic laws would be a welcome addition to their everyday duties around here and the revenue that would be recognized would be amazing. Then to have the water police enforcing the boating traffic laws would add even more to the amount of money taken in.
 

Frank E

Cadet
Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
8
Re: Beware Fellow Boaters

expidia you missed the point. It does not matter where you live,make sure
your safety equ. is up to par. As far as my boat being in the back yard,wrong
I take care of my toys.Maybe yours is in your backyard chained to a tree,but
not mine. I own three boats,when not in use they are kept in a 28ft by 48ft
garage with heat and air.I have great insurance on all of my belongings.So if
they get stolen,so be it,just buy more.
 
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