[C320-list] Boarded by the Coast Guard

[Warren Updike]

CG boardings around the Chesapeake are not uncommon, especially in proximity
to a CG station.  Apparently, they operate under a quota. One told me they
focus on the workboats during the week and recreational boaters on the week
end.

We were with a group of boats on the Choptank R. when the CG approached one
boat for an inspection.  Being the wise a.. that I am, I got on the radio
and announced that so-and-so is being boarded. I ended with, "if they want
to board me, they have to catch me first."  Clearly a tongue-in-cheek remark
as I was under sail and they were in a patrol boat with about a zillion
horsepower behind.  Sure enough, I was next.  They were very professional
and nice guys.  The inspection was as Ray described and, happily, we passed.


The CG Auxiliaries may conduce what they call (I think,) Courtesy Safety
Inspections at no charge. They use the same checklist as the CG.  If you
pass, they issue you a report and a decal to display on your mast (port side
about 3' up.)  I've heard that the CG may pass on the boarding if your decal
is a year or two old.

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"



-----Original Message-----
From: Ray Durand [mailto:durand.mail at verizon.net] 
Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 11:58 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Boarded by the Coast Guard

As I was leaving Avalon Harbor (Catalina Island) a few days ago, I noticed a
Coast Guard boat just outside the breakwater.  Sure enough, a dinghy with 4
or 5 guardsmen approached our boat and they asked when was the last time I
had been inspected.  It was about 4-5 years since this last happened to us.
Two guardsmen came aboard.  FYI - here's what they wanted to see:

 

Fire extinguishers

Flares (they checked the dates)

Bilge

Placards re oil and trash disposal

Registration

ID (driver license)

 

They also wanted to see that my holding tank through hull valve was closed.

 

Last time this happened to me, my flares were out of date.  They wrote me up
and I had to send in proof that I had purchased new flares.  There wasn't
any penalty associated with this.

 

Ray Durand, #822

Marina del Rey, CA