I got Boarded....

[jollymon]

I was on vacation in the 1000 Islands last week and was boarded by the Coast Guard (Alexadria Bay). <br /><br />My father-in-law had just dropped our wives off to go to a craft show, and we were going to just cruise around, when here they come with the blue lights flashing. I know we were really scary looking, a 40 year old and a sixty year old in a 25' poonton boat eating ice cream, but they have a job to do!<br /><br />Over all the stop was quick and almost painless. They were VERY polite and curtious. It almost seemed that one of the crew was still in training a he had many questions of the officer that did come on my boat as he wrote the report. The pontoon boat did not fit any of the canned descriptions on the form. <br /><br />They did not like the condition of my fire extingusher. It was the cheap one that came with the boat when I bought it. (2 years old) The button that you push to discharge it should push down and pop up with the safety still in place and mine did not. <br /><br />Because of that they said, I would have to teminate my voyage, they would escort me to the nearest dock, and write me a citation..... but they then told me if I would be willing to go to Alexadria Bay (nearest town to buy one)and buy a new extingusher, they would drop it with that. Gee let me think about that!!! <br /><br />They were professional, polite and pleasant the whole time. They even tried to see if there was any way to throw my gas tank over board in case of a fire, because then the fire extingusher would not be required. While they were doing the inspection my father-in-law, asked if they minded him taking a couple of pictures, They asked him to wait until they were done, when they finished not only did they let him take pictures, they waited for him to take them before they left.<br /><br />Over all it they only thing the stop did, was make me buy a new over priced extingusher, and change the direction of my cruise for the day. I know many people have had bad experinces when they have been stopped, but I had a good one. <br /><br />By the way, I had bough a new extingusher before I left, but did no have time to mount the new bracket, and when I used the old one to put out my camp fire that night it worked fine. But I like the new one I bought, it has a gauge and can be serviced to make sure it works. Well worth the peace of mind.<br /><br />Jolly Mon

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: I got Boarded....

They're out there for your own good, glad you're one of the folks that seem to see it that way. Look at it this way, if god forbid there was a fire, you'll be happy they made you buy that overpriced extinguisher. <br /><br />You're like me. I had six brand new flares in a bag in my garage for a couple weeks. They're finally on the boat now... I quickly learned to just throw things I buy for the boat right into the boat, even if I don't have time to put them away at least they're in there. I'll put them away next time I get in it. I trailer though so my boat is always in my back yard.

 

[analog]

Re: I got Boarded....

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber barons cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience."<br /><br />-C. S. Lewis

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: I got Boarded....

If you are happy so am I... Personally, I would have loved them to show me where in their little rule book that they could cite you for the "incorrect" extinguisher you did have on board. I think threatening you with a citation went overboard. Just telling you to change it would have been more than enough. They should chase down those ignoring the law, not those doing their best to abide by it.

 

[RatFish]

Re: I got Boarded....

The NJ State Marine Police stopped me last summer. I was in my 12' tinny with my 10 year old daughter. They decided not to physically board me but they mad me hold up my safety equipment.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: I got Boarded....

The fact that you had a basically pleasant situation was probably in direct relation to you treating them curtiously as well. It generally goes hand in hand.

 

[jollymon]

Re: I got Boarded....

Cobra, <br /><br />It was not the fire extinguisher was incorrect, but the test button did not work. (I never new that they could be tested, infact the last courtesy inspection I had, they only looked to make sure the nozzel was not clogged!) <br /><br /> They never threaten me with a citation, they just told me what they were supposed to do. <br />It was one of 2 offenses that would require them to terminate a voyage, the second being no life jackets. <br /><br />To me the only thing worse then not having a fire extinguisher, would be to have one and find out that it does not work.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: I got Boarded....

You had a pretty good indication the boarding was going to be inappropriate when you were approached with flashing blue lights and there was no emergency or pursuit in progress.<br /><br />While the USCG is not required to issue a citation, they specifically do not have the option to ‘bargain’ one. In this country that is called “extortion”… it is illegal, and not just a little bit illegal. Had they simply said something along the lines of “get it replaced … there is a place that sells them right over yonder”, it would be ok. As soon as they said to replace it “or” receive a citation they crossed the line into criminal extortion. Instructing you to a specific retailer is government granting unfair preferential status to a completive business enterprise … that too is illegal in this country.<br /><br />Your father has the right to photograph and/or record all law enforcement procedure(s) in progress, especially if it involves him, as along as he does not interfere with the procedure. If on terra firma, and he is not related to the procedure he should stay at least 8-ft away. On the boat, he should be anywhere he’s not in the way. He doesn’t even need to ask anyone’s permission. If they do not want to be photographed, they need to leave. If he ever appears threatening, he may be ordered to stop…and he should take corrective action to not appear threatening, back up, etc. If he is clearly not threatening, he may ignore the order and keep on recording…but be prepared for the fight of your life.<br /><br />Your right to record (photograph) law enforcement procedure is not trumped by the USCG’s desire to execute a random inspection. Indeed, this IS the ideal time to record! Furthermore, any government personnel involved in the execution of their duty (including enforcement procedure) is in the public domain…that means they do not have a right to their likeness…a.k.a. they cannot control the pictures you take of them and you can sell the picture(s) for publication WITHOUT the need for the employee’s permission and you do not need to compensate (pay) them for doing so. But, they don’t have to pose with you so your dad can get a shot for his scrapbook.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: I got Boarded....

After 30+ years of boating it has happened a couple times. First time I was about 8 or 9 years old and putting around my grandmothers island off the coast of Maine. I had a 8’ plywood flat bottom boat with a Evenrude 3hp (you could row faster then it was). We never registered the boat and for years had no problems but then we got a new CG sheriff in town one summer and he nabbed me. Gave me a real hard time telling me they should confiscate my boat and stuff like that till they asked where I lived and who was in charge of me. When I told them the whole story changed (not bragging, I am a poor working stiff but my grand parents were like the Kennedy's in there area) all they said was to take it home and get it registered as soon as we can. Lucky they didn't take it. It was the same row boat that rescued two lobsterman from there burning boat later that summer. Now that I think about it I never did see that CG boat around for the rest of the summer even when the lobster boat burned. I miss that kind of power. <br /> Now I live in Maryland and like I said I have always been working stiff and I have had some real POS boats, especially when I was younger. One time I had a boat out for a test drive and blew a motor (thrown rod, etc) smoking like crazy (I also had a lawn chair bolted to the deck because I hadn't got seats yet, couldn't have helped). The ramp was 200 yards away so I try to make a last gasp for it. I had one speed and that was slow but then I see blue lights. I am thinking its because of the smoke. They force me shut down 150 yards from the pier. I told them the motor was toast and I was just trying to make it back to the dock. They then went through a safety check (I passed) and then wrote me a ticket for speeding in a 6mph zone. The best part is after that and letting us both drift into very shallow water they untied us and said have a nice day and took off. I was not very happy. Now I have a 30+ year old classic speed boat done (again not bragging) up pretty good . Its fast, loud and don't look to bad after 4 years of work. The few encounters (no stops, just same place same time) I get asked more about the boat then anything. The last encounter I was at a dock at the Inner Harbor and it was starting to get dark. The harbor master came over and said I should get the boat home before it gets dark because I have no lights as I look at him with puzzlement I go up to the bow and flip up the “pop up light”. He said thank you very low and walked away. I figure its just like when I was a kid building bad a$$ clunker cars. Cops would pull it over a lot faster then the totally restored 57 Chevy. I know they have a very hard job to do but I wonder if people would summit to a “safety check” driving there cars? There is something about having a stranger jump on your boat at will for a “safety check”. Could you imagine a cop pulling you over and walking up and jumping into your front seat of your car. “Hi, just here for a safety check”.

 

[jollymon]

Re: I got Boarded....

18rabbit,<br /><br />They did not direct me to specific retailer, they directed me to the closest town, less than 1 mile, vs the dock where I came from 1/4 mile, as far as the blue lights, how else do they stop you. I at no point I felt the stop was inappropriate or handle badly, in fact I felt it was handle fine. I did not have any problem being stopped.<br /><br />Alot of pepole responding, seem to feel that the Coast Guard are the bad guys here, I do not feel that way. Do I like the fact that they can stop me with know reason, NO. But I do know they are allowed to, and I am not going to take it out on the individuals doing thier job. <br />Could they have just said, replace the fire extinguisher when you get a chance, sure but how many people would not! Could they have just written me up YES. But no, they said go replace it now, here is the closest place you can go, I had a choice of about 5 marina to choose from all within 2 minutes of where they pointed me.<br /><br />Was it an inconvience yes, problem NO. Did it spoil my day NO, in fact we had a good laugh about it, my wife even bought t-shirt for me that says "prepare to be boarded" (The town is have a big Prirates Week Celebration this week).<br /><br />Lighten up folks we have bigger battles to fight.

 

[eeboater]

Re: I got Boarded....

I used to be a member of the CG Auxiliary. I never did any physical "boardings" because the auxiliarists aren't allowed to perform boardings.<br /><br />I will tell you this though. Like any branch of law enforcement you have good eggs and bad eggs. Some people are out there for the good of the people and others are out there for the good of themselves. Often times the "power" is used as an ego booster. <br /><br />I lost count of how many times I ran across beligerant idiots on the water when in the CG. I also lost count of how many emergencies we had to respond to because of complete idiocy. Many times people don't THINK when they leave the slip. People may say that it's more dangerous to take a car to the corner store, but it's a lot easier to die on the water. I've been involved with drunks peeing off the back of their boats while their buddies decide to go balls to the wall forgetting their friend was peeing. We found the drunk "pee'er" 3 days later floating in the bay. <br /><br />Judging by the description of the situation jollymon provided, I'm willing to bet $$ that it was a newbie in training. Is it that difficult to give a friendly wave to the CG and Sherriff's as you float by? Rather than giving then a dirty look because they represent "the man" trying to opress your boating fun?<br /><br />As for me, if I knew a boat was disabled in the water, we would have done everything to get him safely to shore. They were wrong to let you float like that. In fact, I'm not quite sure why they would do it since you could turn around and report them.<br /><br />Just my $0.02<br /><br />Sean

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: I got Boarded....

Report on a DNR (Department of Natural Resources) cop? Not a chance. I would like to keep my boat license thank you very much. That and I pass the CG/DNR station/shipyard about every time I go out. Like I said I know they have a hard job and now that I have a nicer boat they don't bother me anymore unless asking questions (not like the junker days).

 

[snapperbait]

Re: I got Boarded....

What was the "probable cause" for them to stop you, Jollymon?

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: I got Boarded....

Also, were they actual Coast Guardsmen or Coast Guard Auxiliary [waterlogged Barney Fifes as one member previously called them] ?

 

[dingbat]

Re: I got Boarded....

What was the "probable cause" for them to stop you, Jollymon?

The CG requires no probable cause.<br /><br /><br />Sec. 89. - Law enforcement <br /><br /><br />(a) <br /><br />The Coast Guard may make inquiries, examinations, inspections, searches, seizures, and arrests upon the high seas and waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, for the prevention, detection, and suppression of violations of laws of the United States. For such purposes, commissioned, warrant, and petty officers may at any time go on board of any vessel subject to the jurisdiction, or to the operation of any law, of the United States, address inquiries to those on board, examine the ship's documents and papers, and examine, inspect, and search the vessel and use all necessary force to compel compliance. When from such inquiries, examination, inspection, or search it appears that a breach of the laws of the United States rendering a person liable to arrest is being, or has been committed, by any person, such person shall be arrested or, if escaping to shore, shall be immediately pursued and arrested on shore, or other lawful and appropriate action shall be taken; or, if it shall appear that a breach of the laws of the United States has been committed so as to render such vessel, or the merchandise, or any part thereof, on board of, or brought into the United States by, such vessel, liable to forfeiture, or so as to render such vessel liable to a fine or penalty and if necessary to secure such fine or penalty, such vessel or such merchandise, or both, shall be seized<br />

 

[wajajaja]

Re: I got Boarded....

And any of us can be a member of the coast guard aux. as long as you’re not a felon. Just ask, lots of training. You always have some one to go boating with, your fuel and boat expense can be tax deductible and you never are lacking reason to go boating, honey, duty day, later!<br /><br />No i am not a member but thinking

 

[brother chris]

Re: I got Boarded....

I've been boarded once...I think the same thing happened to me....one of the officers were in training. <br />They told me all these rules of boating that I was not following, but all the rules that i was not following were for out in the open water, not a small 1-2 mile lake I was in. <br />I went back home and checked out what they said I did wrong, and lo and behold, I was in the right. <br />They were making me wonder if I was actually doing something wrong. <br />I thought I was right, and I was. <br />I was going to call them and tell them that they were wrong, but I let it be. <br />Not too many times I am right, but I was this time.

 

[Link]

Re: I got Boarded....

f_inscreenname <br />

Like I said I know they have a hard job and now that I have a nicer boat they don't bother me anymore unless asking questions (not like the junker days).

Want to get the attention of a Cop on the road or water drive/float a Beater! <br />In my boat that I bought new in 1990 and it looks even better now we have been checked 3 times.<br /><br />In my fishing partners boat we get checked about every third time we go out. He has said several times "What do I have a big red flag that says check this boat" <br /><br />I'm going copy n paste this to him in a email.<br />Subject: Your Boat is a RED FLAG!

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: I got Boarded....

Try waving hello to them. It worked for me this last weekend...mind you we all wear our PFD's...probably the only ones that do.

 

[Baldguy]

Re: I got Boarded....

"Try Waving hello to them" That's what got me called over for an inspection by the CG on the river. I'm sure if I hadn't make "eye contact" that I would have been able to just go on my way....but no big deal. That was a first time in 4 seasons of boating that I'd been "boarded."<br /><br />It wasn't actually a "boarding" but more like a looksee. I was in compliance with everything and the kids were wearing their life jackets as always. The kids got t-shirts and coloring books out of the deal.<br /><br />Fifteen minutes of relative inconvenience out of 4 seasons of boating every weekend is nothing. I even got a write up indicating that I was in compliance with everything. The man in charge said if I got pulled over again for an inspection within the next six months to show the write up and I'd be on my way.<br /><br />Still wave to water Sherriffs, Police, and the CG.