Vessel Safety Checks - Online Resource

[Da Nag]

First time boarded by the Coast Guard! On the way back, in the Ship Canal...blue lights and siren, safety inspection. Everything OK, EXCEPT, the port running light was out! He wrote us up (it was still before sunset though), told us to get it fixed, send in a copy of the violation notice with proof that it was fixed...then Patty reached out and banged the sucker, and it went on!

One of the things I never got around to with Da Nag 19 was a vessel safety check. It's going to be one of the first things I do with Da New Da Nag, and I plan on making it an annual event.

While my primary concern is for safety and preparedness, I'm one of those who's not entirely comfortable with the concept of forced boardings by the Coast Guard for the purpose of a safety inspection. I certainly have nothing against these fine folks; I'm quite thankful they are out and about, it's just the policy that bothers me. Hopefully, having a current VSC sticker will help in this regard.

In researching things online, I stumbled across a pretty cool site:

www.safetyseal.net

Lots of good info here, including a "virtual" inspection, and a lookup form to find a Vessel Safety Check Examiner close to you.

 

[Pat Anderson]

FYI (Patty here) I asked the CG boys about the value of that sticker. They told me they don't let the sticker deter them from boarding. All it means to them is that you took the time and trouble to ask the auxiliary to do the inspection for you. We still plan on getting one but I was disappointed to hear them say they don't pay much heed to it.

Hopefully, having a current VSC sticker will help in this regard.

 

[WadeV]

Bill, on your way home from EQ stop by & I'll be happy to give DaNag a VSC. I am a member of the Power Squadron & have been certified to perform exams. Anybody else interested let me know.
Wade

 

[El and Bill]

Bill --

Thanks for posting that site for safety checks on the boat. We printed out the form and the info -- before launching Halcyon in the next few weeks, we'll run through her for our own check using that information. We routinely give a check, but the form and data are especially handy and its easy to goof-up and let something get out of date.

Pat and Patty, your experience with the CG reminds us of a brush we had with the DEA in a swamp off the ICW in Georgia -- black as pitch night-time, black boat, black engines, black outfits, blackened faces, even black rifles. No way of knowing if these were the good guys or the bad 'uns -- and they were wearing black hats! On the water, boat searches are apparently legal -- would like to know your legal opinion. We have heard that a warrant is necessary to search your car or your home, but your boat (whether it is your home or not) is fair game. At least, we certainly didn't challenge them.

Appreciate your sharing the CG experience -- we'll be doing a safety check again next week. And good thinking, Patty -- banging the light!

 

[Da Nag]

You're the man, Wade! I'll definitely take you up on that.

Just curious though - is a VSC state specific, or is it the same for all 50? Doesn't make any difference to me - as much time as I spend in WA, I'll get one for CA and WA if necessary.

 

[WadeV]

Bill, I am allowed to perform exams anywhere within the 50 states. However one of the requirements is the proper registration & being a new boat it might not be available until you return to California. If by chance you do have it I would be more than happy to perform the VSC. Regardless I commend you for your intention to get this check. Everyone should have it done each year for your own peace of mind. It is not a quarantee that the CG won't board you however, with a VSC decal displayed on your boats window they would definitly be less inclined. The VSC is a joint venture between the Power Squadron & the CG Aux. the same exam is performed & the same decal is awarded by both organisations. If you want to learn more about a VSC go to www.usps.org.

 

[TyBoo]

My understanding of the CG boarding rules is that you do not have to allow them to board, but you must have met the required inspection criteria to be upon navigable waters. If you decline their request for boarding and inspection, they have local authorities escort your vessel to shore where it stays until inspected. The submission to inspection is something you implicitly agree to when you register the boat. It's not a freedoms issue; rather a legislative one that can be changed through the legislative process if enough citizens don't like it.

I think in different areas, the public's perception of the CG, as well the attitude of the CG toward the public, varies. Here on the mouth of the Columbia and the coastal waters, we like and respect them a great deal, and are very glad to see them out there. They do not always physically board the vessel for inspection - usually they just pull up alongside. Both times I have been inspected, the young guys in the CG were courteous, professional, and friendly. They are also quite helpful with information. All around good kids who are doing a great service.

In other parts of the country, as I have heard from some Alaska natives, the CG is seen as a pain in the neck and create more problems than they solve.

I can base my perception of them only on what I have seen, and I have seen nothing but good. At the end of this river, where one can go from distress to imminent danger in a matter of minutes, the CG is always quick to respond by either directing a CGAux vessel to help, sending a boat of their own out, or helicopters if the situation warrants. Never have I heard them offer to call a commercial vessel assistance service for a boater around here.

In Oregon, the VSC stickers are issued by civilian law enforcement officer or CGAux. The CG cannot issue them. The inspection report copy you get is usually honored by the marine sheriff, unless he is in a particularly foul mood. Last season, I just showed the CG report to the deputy, and he signed and gave me the sticker. If the sticker is displayed, they usually leave you alone until next year.

And when they have inspected my boat, they always let me keep the fishing lines in the water!

 

[Da Nag]

Good feedback, Mike.

To me, the distinction that always seems to get blurred when this topic comes up, is the seperation of people and policy. You can have nothing but the utmost respect and appreciation for the people of the CG, whether or not you agree with the laws and policies they work under.

The reports of CG bad apples seem relatively far and few between. Much more often than not, the experiences I've read about are positive in the way these fine folks carry out their duties. And no sane individual thinks we're better off without them. If anyone has any doubt as to what these incredibly brave soles go through in the line of duty, they should visit a maritime museum - when Dana and I stopped by the one in Astoria last year, it blew my mind what these folks deal with on the Columbia...

However, the laws that provide the CG with their incredible powers - whether they choose to excercise them or not - are certainly fodder for healthy discussion. Personally, I think their powers are too broad. To me, it just seems inconsistent that being on a boat - even if you live on it, and it's in its berth - you don't enjoy many of the rights you would have anywhere else in the good old USA.

Is there enough interest to get anything changed? Probably not, which is why I don't dwell on this much. The boating community is a relatively minor part of the electorate. And within this group, there's a split between people who don't care about the issue, and feel strongly one way or the other about it. Add to that, the post 9/11 mentality of ensuring everyone is "safe" from everything, and there's no way anything's going to change in the near future.

Call me a defeatist, call me apathetic, or call me a realist - just don't call me late for dinner... :lol:

 

[Alyssa Jean]

Wade, If I had known you could do the inspection I would have had you do one when you were over to see the boat. Let me know the next time you are close.

How much trouble would it be for you to do a few at an event?

David

 

[WadeV]

David, I'll be happy to give your boat a VSC. As yet I haven't received my supply of 2004 decals yet but should have them next week--I'll give you a call-----Wade