Very cool thread
I've subscribed so I can live vicariously
...They wanted to see our passports, my drivers license, social security card and our vessels' documentation...
The documentation I understand.
Passports? Drivers licenses? and Social Security Cards?
If you are a U.S. Citizen, in U.S. waters, you wouldn't necessarily have a passport.
Drivers licenses are issued by and remain property of their respective state of issue, not the federal government.
And a Social Security Card is generally not considered an acceptable for of valid ID since it lacks a photo. Heck, I haven't seen my Social Security Card in about a decade!
The last time I checked, you're not required to have "papers" in order to move freely within the states.
I'm certainly not suggesting anyone be discourteous or confrontational, and I'm happy to hear that they were courteous and professional (it's what I would expect), but the information you mentioned that they requested concerns me a bit.
...I think they were also checking for outstanding warrants.
That would be SOP on any boarding I've ever conducted. Quite interesting what you run up on out on the water.
It would be nice to have some kind of sticker to show that we passed inspection...they did give us a piece of paper to show if we are approached again for another inspection.
The boarding form will usually do it if conducted recently...unless they're looking for something specific.
Thanks for the thread...Really like the play by play of your travels.
Safe Travels....
OD