Surviving a Coast Guard Vessel Boarding

Properly Prepare for a USCG Boarding

Boaters in the United States have seen some major changes in the security stance taken by the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is charged with enforcing all regulation of boating on navigable waters in addition to the homeland security duties that have been added.

There has been a sharp increase in the number of boarding being conducted by Coast Guard law enforcement vessels.

A Coast Guard boarding shouldn't ruin your day. Understanding the process and being properly prepared will ease the pain. This article will cover two topics concerning boardings. The first is carriage of required vessel documentation and safety equipment. The second is a description of what you might expect to occur during a boarding.

While regulations will vary from state to state, there are some basic items that any boat should carry. Depending on the size of the boat, it will either be registered by a state or ownership documented by the Coast Guard. Each person on board needs a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket. There are requirements for carrying fire extinguishers and distress signals.

For more specific information, you can visit the Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats page maintained by the Coast Guard. Another good idea is to ask for a Vessel Safety Check inspection from a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Successfully completing this inspection will ensure that you comply with safety regulations.

How Boardings Work

A boarding from the Coast Guard begins with the hailing of your boat by radio or voice command. Depending on the weather, you will want to position your vessel to allow clear access for the boarding team. Coast Guard law enforcement officers are armed just like any other member of the law enforcement community. Don't freak out about it. You are not in imminent danger, even if they look like kids!

One of the first questions the officer will ask is if you have any weapons onboard. This question is for everyone's protection. Barring specific state statues, it is not illegal to carry a weapon onboard a boat. Many boaters carry guns for hunting and self-defense purposes. The Coast Guard officer will ask you where the weapon is located. Don't reach to it and offer to show it to him! Just tell the officer where it is located; it's likely they won't even ask to see it.

You'll be asked to produce: current registration or documentation for the boat, enough PFDs for everyone present, distress signals that are not expired and a fully charged fire extinguisher.

What Happens if Coast Guard Finds a Violation of the Safety Regulations?

If you are operating your boat without important safety equipment, don't be surprised to see your voyage terminated and your boat escorted back to safe moorage by the Coast Guard.

This is not punitive, it is for you and your passengers safety. The officer will issue what is called a 4100 form. It will list the specific safety violation and cite the supporting federal regulation behind it.

While the form describes many dire potential consequences because of the violation, a recreational boater can easily mitigate the citation. The Coast Guard would rather you bring the boat into compliance than levy a fine. All you need to do is correct the problem and document the correction by asking for a Vessel Safety Check. You will receive a letter from the Coast Guard explaining the process.

Article first appeared at Suite101.com