Alaskan Sea-Duction
Guru
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2012
- Messages
- 8,062
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Alaskan Sea-Duction
- Vessel Make
- 1988 M/Y Camargue YachtFisher
So there is one thing you can do to avoid boarding by the USCG. Take the time and have your boat inspected in advance and then put that nice "Boat US" sticker on your port side window. File the paperwork with your other important papers.
This sticker saved my 3 boarding in the past. One in the San Juans and 2 in Alaska. They see the sticker and wave you on.
Last year Crusty and I almost got boarded on the dinghy. They wanted to see PFDs and a fire extinguisher. This year I had the dink inspected too.
I do challenge the Aux when they board my boat to do the safety check. Things like the "Y" valve MUST be locked or tied off (not true) or I must have a bell on my vessel or I must have a white light on my bridge.
As far as LEOs, my boat is my home and they need probable cause. I have been asked by LEOs if they could board. I ask what is the PC? They state a "safety inspection" which I instruct them to look at the sticker on the port window. I have denied boarding and once they see the sticker they move on.
This sticker saved my 3 boarding in the past. One in the San Juans and 2 in Alaska. They see the sticker and wave you on.
Last year Crusty and I almost got boarded on the dinghy. They wanted to see PFDs and a fire extinguisher. This year I had the dink inspected too.
I do challenge the Aux when they board my boat to do the safety check. Things like the "Y" valve MUST be locked or tied off (not true) or I must have a bell on my vessel or I must have a white light on my bridge.
As far as LEOs, my boat is my home and they need probable cause. I have been asked by LEOs if they could board. I ask what is the PC? They state a "safety inspection" which I instruct them to look at the sticker on the port window. I have denied boarding and once they see the sticker they move on.