we were boarded

sailortjk1 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

Since it was their Birthday and all, I guess the Coast Guard thought it would be a good time to board us. All in all, it was actually a pleasant experience.

We were on a little weekend cruise and circling in a congested river just off the municipal marina. I had made radio contact with the harbormaster and was waiting for my slip assignment when the patrol boat pulled up behind me.

They came within hailing distance and asked if I had been boarded before. I replied, "No."
The conversation continued like this:
"Continue out the channel and we would like to come aboard out on the lake"

"I am in radio contact with the marina and waiting for a slip assignment"

I though they were going to make me stop in the river and board us there.
I was not looking forward to being in a confined area and being boarded, but they said, "That’s fine. No problem. When you get settled into your slip, we will come on over and do it there."

I tied up and ten minutes later they were on our boat.

I was in the cockpit with one officer going over our paper work while a second officer was below with my wife going through all of the required items. Julie did a great job, and knew exactly where ever piece of equipment was. There was no second-guessing or searching around. She new where everything was kept.

No problems, all was good, no violations and we were 100% compliant.
They were very pleasant, we had a lively conversation, which included lots of small talk, and all in all it was a pleasant experience.

byrondv · #2 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

Nice to hear all went well. Sounds like you went up to Grand Haven... if so - how was the Coast Guard Festival?

Freesail99 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

I have a question. What do you keep your papers in and where do you keep the papers ?

SEMIJim · #4 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

More importantly: What "papers?" We keep a copy of our State of Michigan registration on board, but even that's kind of redundant, being as there's a sticker on the bow.

Other than that, the only "papers" we have on board are charts, a Richardson's and a couple books. Oh yeah: Paper towels and TP

. (That reminds me: Should have a notebook and a couple of pens near-at-hand...)

Jim

Freesail99 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

In New Jersey, I must carry a Boating Safety Certificate. Had to take the class also.

sailortjk1 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freesail99

I have a question. What do you keep your papers in and where do you keep the papers ?

Buy going over paper work it was more like, "Can I see your current driver's licence." "What is your current address?" "Any knives or guns on board?" "Can I see your registration." "Have you ever taken any boating saftey courses?" Etc....

The only paper work I had to produce was a copy of the registration.
I keep it down below in the nav desk.

Freesail99 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

Asking for a driver's Licence is done here also. I found on broad when I bought the boat a Harley Davidson 5 x 7 leather folder with built in pockets I keep it in the nav desk. I keep my papers in it. I was just wondering what others do, Thanks.

eryka · #8 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

CG also does 'courtesy safety inspections' - you schedule. Free, they check your flares, pfds, paperwork, etc. You'll get a sticker good for 1 year, and a lot of nice info. If they're looking for someone to board, they'll generally pick someone else because they know you're already in compliance with the sticker. Plus, some insurances give you a small break. If you don't pass (flares out of date, whatever) West Marine and Boaters World both give you a 10% discount on purchasing what you need to correct your deficiencies.

SEMIJim · #9 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by eryka

CG also does 'courtesy safety inspections' - you schedule. Free, ...

I filled-out the web form for that Saturday morning. Have yet to receive a call or email from the (local) volunteer I chose.

Jim

arbarnhart · #10 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007

Well, a belated Happy Birthday!

Geez - how old are you?

It's a mixed feelings thing for me. I want them to do their job and that means every now and then they check you for no other reason than random chance. If they are polite and talk boats and I didn't forget anything, then the experience would be as good as yours.