Trojan Boat Forum

We were boarded by the USCG yesterday for the first time. Passed with no problem. However I wasn't sure if I had enough PFDs, but I had just enough. I need to make sure I run though the check list everytime before I leave the slip. The CG guys were impressed that I had my boater safey card which isn't a requirement yet for me based on my age and vessel. But in the years to come, Virginia will require it for everyone operating a boat.

Up my way we must have an Operator’s card. A fee for a 15 minute test and minimal knowledge will get you one. Can you say “money grab”?

The VA. course is a minimum 6 hour course . At my age I don't need it until 2016 , but I got it anyway . The course has too much jet ski stuff IMO , but jet skis are the main reason for this anyway . I did learn some jet ski laws , and most of them are breaking them all the time .

We have no less than six, yes SIX, different government agencies boarding boats, writing tickets, and taking money from boaters in the river and out in the lake where I dock. The USCG, DNR, Indiana SP, County Sheriff, local police, and Port Authority all have patrol boats and regularly board boats.

To me that's just a little crazy and overkill. I've seen a boat boarded by one agency and a few minutes after they were finished boarded by another agency just a shirt distance down the river. The worst are the CG Auxillary who are only on duty sporadically and want to flex their muscle.

I have not been boarded yet but it is just a matter of time.

Duh, do we think it has anything to do with safety or $$$$$

$$$$ for sure...how do u justify 6 seperate agencies that want to board you? u think they r trying to earn thier paychecks or something....wannabe cops...lol

At least we know all is well and we have triple reinforced we r safe on the water...lol.

Ha! beurocracy

k9th wrote:
I have not been boarded yet but it is just a matter of time.

Where i'm at in Lake Erie there are also many agency's, however they don't bother the large boats. They are ALL OVER the jet skies and speed boats though.

DNR checks all non-charter boats coming in on most Saturday's too.

Do you need the state license if you're a USCG licensed captain?

hello SEADOG
Here in the Detroit area we got 5 or 6 agencies boarding boats too. Let me clarify something you said about the CG Aux flexing their muscle. I am and Auxilarist and we have NO law enforcement power, we cannot board any vessels. The only time they can stop you is if there is a regular CG boarding officer aboard. We are civiilians and just because we go on patrol doesn't mean we are law enforcement. If this continues you should report them to the nearest station!! It's guys like that use the uniform to exert authority that give the organization a bad name. Usually if you have a safety inspection sticker they will leave you alone unlet they are bored!