USCG Boarding?

[Jack Shellac]

Re: USCG Boarding?

There must be something wrong with me. In over 50 years of boating I've never been stopped or boarded by the Coast Guard, marine police or game warden. I see them all the time and they just wave as they go by. Maybe I don't have the right look or something. I think there's some criteria that tips them off, but I don't know what it is. I'm personally very thankful that we have a large USCG presence here, both surface and air. Some of my neighbors are USCG officers and they are all great people.

 

[janichol]

Re: USCG Boarding?

Last year, my wife and I (both over 50, although she might not admit it) fishing off the ICW in Galveston Bay. About 75 north of us was a boat with 5 guys in it fishing, beyond that several more. Game warden came up to us and we told them we released everything we caught, they wanted to see PFDs. Ok, no problem we exchanged plesantries and as they were leaving, I noticed we were the only boat around. I guess they got the least suspect just so they wouldn't have to do the paperwork!

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: USCG Boarding?

when I was a kid, the USCG used to hang around the<br />launch and offer free inspections and then give<br />you a sticker for yur window. they still offer<br />this service?<br />just curious,<br />M.Y.

 

[Just Learning]

Re: USCG Boarding?

Yes, they still offer the safety inspection. It is usually done by the CG Auxilliary. When they do it, they DO NOT report any violations to USCG so you don't have to worry about not passing.<br />They will let you correct any difficiencies and try again.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: USCG Boarding?

thanks D3,<br />they still give you the sticker to display?<br />seems it would prevent some boardings???<br />regards,<br />M.Y.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: USCG Boarding?

m.y. - yes, the sticker is still out there and often keeps them from stopping you. it's the one of the first things you should do going into the season- find out where they are conducting inspections and get the sticker.<br /><br />as for some people being stopped and others never, it has a lot to do with where you are. the maryland dnr is very aggressive in safety, fishing, and crabbing checks. i run pots all season and get stopped every staurday morning. comes with the area. other states/areas just don't take it far. be thankful.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: USCG Boarding?

good advice as usual Matt <br />M.Y.