Prepare to Be Boarded!
When was the last time you checked the date on your flares, the status of your fire extinguisher and the number of lifejackets you carry on board? If it’s been a while we’d urge you to spend some time checking all your safety gear — especially since the San Francisco Bay Coast Guard is apparently focusing increased attention on boat inspections and boarding.
latitude/Andy
©2013 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
©2013 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
Latitude reader Terri Watson reports, "Two different USCG crews have given me three different reasons: one is that they are training new crewmen, one is that the Charm Blow incident highlights small boats without gear, and the last is the anticipation that the upcoming America’s Cup will increase the number of boats on the Bay that don’t otherwise go out.
"Whatever the reason, I’ve watched a handful of small sailboats being boarded and checked recently in Richardson’s Bay, as well as near the fuel docks in Alameda and on the San Francisco Cityfront. The USCG has been respectful and courteous — so no complaints at all. In fact, with several boats, they have simply requested that the boat continue on to its slip, and once tied up and secured, they did the safety check.
"It’s always the good idea to request a Vessel Safety Check and get a decal, which could dissuade the Coast Guard from boarding you on a routine check." We certainly agree that getting annual safety inspections makes sense. However, doing so does not guarantee you won’t be boarded out on the Bay. The CG has the right to board any boat in U.S. waters at any time.
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