dwhatty wrote:
What documents, other than the CG (Homeland Security) Certificate of Documentation, and State registration/tax sticker if applicable, does the CG want to see?
*Like everything to do with enforcement folks--- customs, immigration, police, USCG, etc--- a lot depends on the individuals doing the inspections or processing the paperwork.* This is as true in China or Norway or ______ as it is here.
We have been boarded twice by the USCG so far.* In each case we were asked if the boat was documented* which it is (which I suspect they already knew), at which point they wanted to see the documentation papers. They were not interested in our state registration or whether or not we had a current state registration decal on display.* And at some point during their boat inspection they wanted to see the documentation number on the boat itself, which in our case is in on the inside of the transom in the lazarette courtesy of a previous owner.
I suspect had we not been a documented boat they would have wanted to see the state registration as that's the other thing on the boat that shows who owns it.
They did not ask us for personal identification.* At least I don't remember them asking us for it.* I was at the wheel both times and I don't recall having to get my wallet out to show them my Washington license.
They did not ask to see proof of insurance although we have it on board.* They did not ask if we had a current customs sticker.* They did not ask to see the dog's vaccination papers (which we have on board).* They did want to see the "don't dispose of crap overboard" placards.* On one occasion they wanted to see our carbon monoxide warning sticker.
None of this means they won't ask you for any of the things our two boarding parties didn't ask us for--- the potential is always there so Scott's recomendation to have all your bases covered is a smart one.
PS--- A great example of how all this is at the whim of the officials on the scene occured when our current dog, Albi, was just a puppy.* We were heading back to port across Bellingham Bay and Albi indicated that he wanted to go out on deck NOW.* So my wife took the helm and I took Albi out.** He went to the foredeck where he lifted his leg against the side of the forecabin and peed forever as dogs sometimes do.* I stood there facing forward watching him and as he finished there was a roar right beside me.
I turned around to see one of Immigration's big gray, triple-engined SAFE boats doing a full power 180 right beside us and it accelerated away across the bay.* I took Albi back inside and asked my wife what the deal was.* She said the Immigration boat had approached from our starboard quarter with it's lights flashing.* As they got up beside us they had spotted Albi peeing on the foredeck and they all started laughing.* My wife gestured to them "do you want me to slow down" and they continued laughing and waved an "okay" and roared off which is when I became aware of their presence.
Note to drug and human traffic smugglers--- Always have a puppy on board who has to pee.
-- Edited by Marin on Friday 27th of January 2012 01:34:39 PM