Water Patrol

[DrWiffel]

Re: Water Patrol

So what "freedom" are you losing when they check your boat for safety?

Maybe I'm just really naive but I'd rather have L.E.O.'s stop someone and correct it rather than having to take time to rescue boaters who aren't up to the challenge of bringing life jackets.

I think what freedoms that are being hurt are the freedom of choice. For example seatbelts, helmets, where you can and can't smoke, what you can and can't have in your yard, the list goes on and on. Most of the time when a law/statute is created, a there is a choice that is being taken away, and being able to make those choices is freedom, and the freedom to learn from our mistakes. Even if that means being able to make a choice that can be viewed as unsafe or wrong.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Water Patrol

I think what freedoms that are being hurt are the freedom of choice. For example seatbelts, helmets, where you can and can't smoke, what you can and can't have in your yard, the list goes on and on. Most of the time when a law/statute is created, a there is a choice that is being taken away, and being able to make those choices is freedom, and the freedom to learn from our mistakes. Even if that means being able to make a choice that can be viewed as unsafe or wrong.

So is this your first boat? Safety checks are nothing new, they are a minor inconvienience and probabally keep a lot of folks from drowing themselves (in the water or liquor). In 10 years I've been pulled over 3 times, never more than 10 minutes for a quick lifejacket/throwable/fire extinguisher check and we were on our way.

The police are pretty respectfull about picking a good time to pull you over too. We were out skiing on Minnetonka yesterday when a patrol boat started circling, saw him pull someone over and then they sat and floated watching us for a while but must have decided that either we looked OK or they didn't want to screw up the relatively calm water we had

 

[dingbat]

Re: Water Patrol

The Coast Guard most certainly can enforce game and fish laws and they do every day. There are MANY federal regulations that apply.

The Coast Guard has jurisdiction to enforce Federal laws on Federal waters. They don't have the authority to enforce State fish and Game laws or State boating statues.

 

[Lrider]

Re: Water Patrol

However in our harbor, they will annoy you if they don't like what you are doing, we have 4 police jurisdictions, Life Guards, US Customs, Harbor Patrol and the Coast Guard - we are really safe here

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Water Patrol

I personally have NO problem with any LEO doing his / her job to serve and protect. Have never been boarded but did get my boat inspected at the ramp and got the sticker to confirm boat was in compliance. I am all for anything that makes MY day on the water fun and safer. Those who object to inspections, etc may have some valid points I guess. But those who don't want the LEO /USCG preventing potential accidents should not then rely on them to save their ***** when in need. Just my .02! Here's to a safe season to all.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Water Patrol

The Coast Guard has jurisdiction to enforce Federal laws on Federal waters. They don't have the authority to enforce State fish and Game laws or State boating statues.

You had said the Coast Guard cannot enforce game laws. Clearly they can. Your updated statement is correct however. It is also worthy to note that many state statutes simply mirror federal law.

 

[Lrider]

Re: Water Patrol

Ahh

You Must Be From Arizona !

 

[Lrider]

Re: Water Patrol

 

[DANZIG]

Re: Water Patrol

All this brings up an interesting question,,,

Boats and boating have been treated special for, well forever.
As new restrictions pile up treating boating more like autos, would it not seem reasonable that with similar restrictions should also come similar legal protections/rights?

 

[Lrider]

Re: Water Patrol

legal rights in what way - something different then what we have with autos?

I have seen a few accidents that should not have happened except for lack of enforcement of existing laws - Kids on Skidoos and jet skis should have speed limiters (oh shoot what did we call them in the olden days)

I was surprised that my insurance company wants me to carry 300K liability and PD, the price is minimal however it is greater then what I carry on my car and motorcycle

 

[robbyr1]

Re: Water Patrol

In the Milwaukee River you can find 6 (yes 6!) different departments pulling boats over. City of Milwaukee (MPD), Milwaukee County Sheriff, Wisconsin DNR, Coast Guard, Conservation Warden and Harbor Patrol. At this point, it just seems more like a money-grab than safety enforcement.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Water Patrol

All this brings up an interesting question,,,

Boats and boating have been treated special for, well forever.
As new restrictions pile up treating boating more like autos, would it not seem reasonable that with similar restrictions should also come similar legal protections/rights?

As long as they allow me (in MN) to be operating a boat with a beer in my hand, they are more than welcome to pull me over to make sure it hasn't been 1 too many.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Water Patrol

I love it when whomever pulls me over in my 12' tinny. It rarely happens, but it's always fun. I have all the safety equipment required for much larger boats than mine, including a fire extinguisher, throwable, extra life jackets, two alternative means of propulsion, first aid kit, anchor, tow rope, and the loudest mouth-blown horn you've ever heard. I don't have lights, but my boat is afraid of the dark, anyhow.

Last time I got safety checked, the guy just sort of laughed at the end and said, "How big is this boat, anyhow?" Mostly, they don't bother the old white-haired, white-bearded guy in the 12' aluminum boat.

 

[mattb1974]

Re: Water Patrol

So what "freedom" are you losing when they check your boat for safety?

Maybe I'm just really naive but I'd rather have L.E.O.'s stop someone and correct it rather than having to take time to rescue boaters who aren't up to the challenge of bringing life jackets.

THIS FREEDOM

United States Constitution
Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

 

[Lrider]

Re: Water Patrol

The forth amendment is a whole different waterway to travel-I woun't go in that direction thank you.

Do they allow cannons on boats anymore?

 

[mattb1974]

Re: Water Patrol

The forth amendment is a whole different waterway to travel-I woun't go in that direction thank you.

Do they allow cannons on boats anymore?

In fact they do, cannons, pistols, rifles, shotguns, etc ALL legal. Maybe not in California but in America they are legal

 

[Lrider]

Re: Water Patrol

LoL have to check and see if I can get a carry permit- sure would improve fishing during cold weather

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: Water Patrol

I have had good and bad expierences with LEO's.

I do not mind them checking me if they happen to do it at the ramp. Or like the other day I made a minor mistake and deserved to be stopped. They were really cool about everything and wrote me a warning. They did an inspection and I had all things in order. No issues what so ever with that.

I do however have an issue with random stops. I have been stopped while simply cruising with my son. This guy was a jerk and actually scared my son telling me about pulling kids out of the drink whose parents said they were good swimmers.

If you are not visibly breaking laws they should not randomly pull you over and search through theboat. Not right. You have rights and freedoms that the water cops can violate at their whim.

 

[Lrider]

Re: Water Patrol

I have had good and bad experiences with LEO's.

This guy was a jerk and actually scared my son telling me about pulling kids out of the drink whose parents said they were good swimmers.

Wherever you go you are going to find at least one

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Water Patrol

...against unreasonable searches and seizures...

I still don't have a problem being stopped, but I also believe that random searches abridge our rights granted in the 4th Amendment. It's a slippery slope argument that I don't personally have an answer for. I am happy that all boats are safer, but feel that random stops could certainly escalate further if unchecked. That makes this a healthy discussion.