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Got Boarded Yesterday !

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3477 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/11/2006 : 06:00:00

Okay...not by pirates !

I went out yesterday from about 415pm - 630pm. Light winds but was fine at first. Then turned around and headed back toward marina. (This is in area between Wilson Bridge (Alexandria-Old Town) and well basically the Capital (you head toward the Capitol to get back to my marina). In my neck of the woods, it is not quiet up close to the Capital, Washington Monument, basically the DC waterways - with helicopters buzzing, Coast Guard patrols, DC Harbor patrols, Natl Reagan Planes taking off, Spirit of Washington Tour boats, etc.

On the way back, the Coast Guard, complete with machine gun up front, closed in on me and started to talk about boarding...but then a motorboat quickly approached. Seems that they stopped him awhile back and forgot to give him back his license ! So...while they staraightened that out, I sailed on about anout 200 feet or more and then they were back. They came alongside, which was easy considering the 5 mph or less winds, and asked if i was ever boarded before. I said "Never". So, they told me they would check out my equipmewnt and documentation and explain the whole process. There were about 4 of them on their small boat which was not exactly an infaltable but maybe made of a plastic shell material that looked like an inflatable. had two big Honda engines on back - believe they were 150HP each.

Anyway, they checke me out and eveything was inorder. They were very nice. Think they were getting ready for the main boat season as they seem to be stopping everyone. Told me I had a nice clean boat, checked the life preservers for cracks, bilge for water (it was dry), horns, fire extinguisher, registration, etc. Gave me a copy of the paperwork, shook my hand and even joked a bit with me. A good experience !

I went on my way. saw them stop another boat in the distance and then I forgot about the incident. As I approached my marina and had already taken in my furling jib, I was about to turn on my motor and take down the main sail...when...the Coast Guard boat was again approaching me. They came within distance and asked fi i had been boarded before ? I was sort of starting to laugh, figuring how could they have forgotten that they just boarded me 15-20 minutes ago and i as the only sailboat out there at the time ? But he then started to laugh. they were just fooling with me - tey thought they left a checklist book in my cabin. So...they boarded again ! Retrieved their book. I indicated I almost had a souvenir ! But they said it would have not been very interesting only had checklists in it.

Then as they pulled away, they said they would be back to board again in 10 minutes. I told them in that case, i was turning on my motor and hight tailing it into the marina before they came back. They laughed and took off !

Well...believe a bunch of them were training for the new season. They forgot to give back a license to that one boat and and then forgot to retrieve the checklist book. Anyway...it was entertaining....don't often get stopped by a boat with a machine gun up front !

Larry

Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

Edited by - on

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 06:20:43

Cool story Larry. A gunboat boarding a C25 would have been a great picture.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3477 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 06:43:58

Ben,

I didn't think of that ! and I did have my camera yesterday.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 06:52:51

I was once approaching a harbor of refuge on Lake Superior after a long 6 hour motor. A Coast Guard partol vessel, much like the one you described without the machinegun(this is pre-9/11). They also asked me if I had ever been boarded. I answered that i had not but that I had been a Coast Guard Auxiliary member for the past five years. The Petty Officer looked at me, spied anothr sailboat about a mile behind me, said thanks and have a nice day, and headed for the other boat.

When I was actively patrolling with the Auxiliary in Virginia we were told by the Coast Guard that they would normally not board a vessel with a current CG Aux inspection sticker. Although they are nice, and helpful, the Auxiliary is less painfull than the Coast Guard if a violaton is found. I am currently in the process of rejoining the Auxiliary after a 12 year absence.

Edited by - aeckhart on 04/11/2006 06:53:38

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 07:47:28

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by aeckhart
 When I was actively patrolling with the Auxiliary in Virginia we were told by the Coast Guard that they would normally not board a vessel with a current CG Aux inspection sticker. Although they are nice, and helpful, the Auxiliary is less painfull than the Coast Guard if a violaton is found...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Every year, I volunteer my boat for inspection by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and put the sticker on the lower part of my mast. I also keep the inspection form on board. My marina makes it easy by scheduling a day for the USCG to come out and inspect anyone who wants it done. Pretty painless operation.

Larry, get pictures of that gunboat next time!

Edited by - on

cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 08:11:06

While we weren't boarded like you, I did get a chance to take a great picture. We were anchored in a cove at Anquilla last March and the local police boat pulled up and moored on the mooring just behind us. Figured no one would come near with this behind us. (Not sure what happened, the picture didn't show. I keep getting a RED X and the picture won't appear. I will keep trying.)

[/[URL=http://community.webshots.com/photo/1316132693036414419sEKUlK]

[/URL]]

Edited by - cat1951 on 04/11/2006 08:29:53

Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 09:13:34

I've been boarded in the Potomac too. I didn't appreciate the black military boots on my nice clean deck, nor did I appreciate the heavy hand of the government searching boats for no reason. Long live the fourth amendment!

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 10:02:21

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Bruce Baker
 I've been boarded in the Potomac too. I didn't appreciate the black military boots on my nice clean deck, nor did I appreciate the heavy hand of the government searching boats for no reason. Long live the fourth amendment!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I'm not a fan of searches without probable cause either!

Can the USCG still board a boat without both permission and probable cause?

Edited by - dlucier on 04/11/2006 10:23:27

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3477 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 11:33:39

In the upper Potomac, my feeling is that the USCG and/or the DC Harbor Police can do what ever they want. if this Boarding were to occur frequently, well then i guess i would have a sour attitude about it but i actually appreciated them coming aboard and looking over the boat, checking out my equipment. While they took care of business, they were very good-natured. had a good chat with them. I was also sailing by myself with light winds and ...probably appreciated the company for the 5 minutes they boarded.

What bothers me much more is unfortunately something that just goes with the decision to stay in a marina in the upper Potomac - The noise and pollution from natl reagan Airport and the frequent low overhead buzzing of helicopters. The other day, my wife mentioned that being on the water, it doesn't quite have that open, natural clean smell of nature. You have to head South and go under the Wilson Bridge (part of the 95/495 Wash beltway) which is about 4-5 miles away from my marina and then things get much quieter and smell fresher.

Edited by - on

SailormanCGA72
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 13:51:35

Don,
The Coast Guard has the authority to board any vessel in US water for any or no reason. They also have the authority to board any US flag vessel or state registered vessel on the high seas.

I wish they had a different boot sole if they are doing recreational boat boardings.

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 14:55:24

Been boarded many times by the CG back when I was commercial fishing, never once do I recall them wearing black sole shoes or boots, they always wore deck shoes. While in the Navy I was part of the boat crew, we had what we called "boat shoes" just your average deck shoe. We wore them for safety as well as not wanting to mark up our boats. The boatswain mates would have thrown me to the sharks if I wore black soles on their boats. I can't imagine the CG wearing black sole boots while boarding boats today.

Edited by - on

raulpou
Navigator

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144 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 16:09:23

Here in Florida being boarded can be an easy experience or a real ordeal depending on what agency boards you. Spending many days on the west coast of FL or the keys I have been boarded by th locals and th C.G. Th Coast Guard is usually courteous and very professional. The Florida Marine Patrol or other agencies have invariably been A$$ H@$#!!!! I get talked down to and their attitude is what you would expect out of a small town cop! Often they are very confrontational.

Being boarded can be a stressful situation and it can only escalate depending on the attitude and professionalism of the person in charge.

NOTE: If you ever disagree with the local marine patrol ask to have the C.G. present, they have to oblige and usually calm down quite a bit. Just some info for ya!

Edited by - on

Rich G
Navigator

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226 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 18:59:11

I was "boarded" by the CG last summer in the Hudson River just below the George Washington Bridge. I put boarded in quotes because they never actually came aboard. They just checked to make sure we had proper flotation devices and that our flares had not expired. I kept getting the guy to ask for "permission to come aboard," but he wouldn't. I did get a kick out of constantly being referred to as "Captain."

They seemed to be training some new recruit.

Edited by - on

Waterboy
Navigator

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USA
204 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 19:22:46

Having sailed mostly on small inland lakes, being boarded by the CG hadn't occurred to me, but as we venture further I suppose its a possibility. How does one prepare to be boarded, IE, is there a checklist I need? I've flotation devices, horn, flares, FA kit ... all the safety equipment I thought we'd need (a la West Marine catalog).

Prob'ly like getting pulled over by a trooper ... even if you aren't doing anything wrong I'd be nervous.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 21:55:46

"How does one prepare to be boarded..."

Have your boat properly equipped and your 'stuff' well organized and there's no problems. (At least with USCG) Be just like you want them to be. Friendly, competent, professional.

I was boarded last year... it took all of 5 minutes as I had everything they wanted to look at available immediately.

I think demonstrating that you are competent sets the tone for the visit. I also think it greatly reduces the chances of them coming aboard and marking up your boat with their shoes.

Here's what they checked.

Ships Papers. I keep mine sealed in a waterproof freezer bag and stored in a folder with the ships log.

Flares: At least 3 current (i.e. not expired) flares in a pyrotechnics container.

Audible signalling device: A working horn.

Lifejackets. This means one USCG approved jacket for everyone aboard... and they must FIT the passengers. They are really sensitive about someone having kids on a boat with only adult lifejackets available.

One throwable life saving device... which must be kept readily at hand.
A USCG approved floatation cushion fills this requirement... remember the 'at hand' requirement and make sure it's not buried down in the cabin or they can write you up. (I'm guessing probably they would just warn you)

Proper/Current USCG approved fire extinguisher(s)

Working nav lights.

On a powerboat or other vessel with an enclosed gasoline engine they may ask you to demonstrate that the engine compartment blower is in working condition.

A new law also mandates having Carbon Monoxide warning stickers visible to the operator... and persons in the water around the stern of the boat. (Not sure if this is a federal or just a Calif regulation)

If you have a MSD with overboard discharge capabilities, they may inspect the Y valve to make sure it is wired shut. (I have a porta-can)

---------------------------------------------------------

Here's a link to an online 'inspection prep' test.

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/vsc/vsc_a.html

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3477 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2006 : 22:10:06

Greg (Waterboy),

When they came aboard my boat, they indicated they would explain everything to me as they checked things out. The first thing they wanted to see was the bilge. That was to see if the boat was seaworthy. (I think they do that more for their own safety to ensure they do not go down with a sinking ship as they read and follow their checklists !) As they went into the cabin and removed the floor board checking the bilge, they remarked that I had a very clean boat and the bilge was bone dry. They then wanted to see my life preserver which they noted I had a bunch up front in the V-Berth but also had one back near the transom. They were checking to ensure it indicated Coast Guard Approved and had no tears in the material. They explained that the ring bouy I had off the transom was a good place for it to be and when they approached my boat, they had already noticed that it had a USCG Approved stamped on it.

They then checked my registration and drivers license. Asked if I had taken a safety course but..do not believe they indicated that was a requirement. I had taken a recent Wash DC Boat Safety Course which was 4 nights, 2-3 hrs each night and was free and had taken the Power Squadron Course about 25 years ago.

I asked about flares and if they knew of any mfrs that had longer than a 3 yr expiration. They were mostly only familiar with the govt issues ones but acknowledged that sometimes you buy them in the sotre and if not careful, it may have only 2 yrs left till they expire. They indicated that since the upper Potomac is less than 2 miles wide between shores, there was no requirement to carry flares. But if I were to sail down South of the Wilson bridge where the Potomac eventually widens, then I would need flares. That was a new one on me - thought everyone needed flares - no exceptions.

They also checked my fire extinguisher to see if it was fully charged and mentioned to me that if kept for a long time, it is best to turn it upside down a few times so the stuff inside doesn't get too settled. They wanted to see my horn - I had two of them and they were in the cockpit. They wanted me to do a short test blow on one of them to see if it functioned - No problem. They asked about the fuel but since it was a portable tank, no further questions/inspection regarding it. Final thing was checking out the head - since mine was a porta-potti, then they checked no further regarding it. Believe they would have been interested in it if there was a holding tank.

They then gave me a receipt of their boarding with no violations marked on it. They told me that if they or another CG boat stopped me, just tell them when I was last boarded and they will probably just check out if i have life preservers.

I think that's the details as to what they were looking for on a 25 footer. I then had to help them fill out their own form. they were not sure what kind of sailboat it was...wanted to know the Model Number and I told them it was a catalina 25...then they said - yes but what is the Model Number ? then when of his buddies that was still onboard their vessel holding mine just told him - that is the Model Number ! Then they wanted to know again what kind of sailboat...so not sure hat answer they were looking for so I said you mean like...a sloop ! The guy then said YES THat's it ! LOL It had Cat boat, sloop, etc on his form and so then I tried to explain what they were. All this was taking place as talking with a friend. They were really very nice and were joking around a bit with me... I am pretty sure a number of then were trainees. We then talked a bit about their Honda motors on the back of their vessel. I told them I was considering between the Yamaha and the Honda and I figured since the CG kept buzzing the area with a number of craft all with Honda engines...that if the CG has them , then they got to be okay for me ! They told me their motor is quiet as well. LOL But then tye forgot their checklist book and had to stop me 15 minutes later. Pretyy comical at the time...They were okay by me.

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