Sirens sounded briefly - new experience

[Capt. Rusty Higgins]

Inside they have asked to see my discharge seacock before. I try to travel offshore as much as possible and out there it is not an issue.

I have not had them put dye in but if so I may ask if I could film the procedure for training purposes as a manufacturer.

I also carrying a few pair of shoe covers for their boots...I drive brand new boats that do not belong to me and feel a whole lot better asking them to slip on covers instead of thinking about asking them to remove their boots before boarding. Don't do that unless you have a long time available for a very through safety check/search/inspection.

short story.....professor FW and I were miles offshore in 3-5's and were stopped dead in the water and turned around by the USCG, and we never even saw them.......that's authority !

R

 

[RollerCoastr]

I have tremendous respect for the heroism and bravery that the USCG is famous for. Just about 180° degrees from that however, is a "Coast guard boat idling hidden around the corner" waiting to perform a random stop to snoop in the head and track their boots on the carpet.

My boat is a home. Literally - I get mail delivered to the dock. That I have nothing to hide doesn't mean that I'm ok with my privacy and time being violated without cause.

 

[Lar694]

A little insight from a former coastie. I have never seen or heard of dye being used. Doesn't mean things haven't changed since I got out. They do have the authority to check any space that is large enough to hide a person in the interest of officer safety-this gets them any where on the boat basically Probable cause, reasonable suspicion, or warrants are not required-this is deemed a safety inspection. Also, not many floating judges out there to sign warrants. I would hale the vessel, ask the standard questions, and if possible allow them to maintain course and speed-as long as boarding party could safely get on board. Maybe have them slow initially, but allow them to continue as best as possible. We always tried to respect the crew and vessel. I always understood the inconvenience to whomever we boarded. Ive done boardings on beautiful days, and in 25 ft seas at night. Some routine, some netting 10 + toms of drugs. Every situation is different. Fast forward, I was recently boarded by coast guard and police while following a fellow member to a weekend outing. Inconvenient, yes. I have always found being cooperative and friendly puts every one at ease and speeds the process, Its going to happen either way. As Rusty and others have said, i thought nothing of waking from a sound sleep in the middle of the night to get on my 44ft motor life boat to head out in 20ft plus seas to save anyone. The coast guard wears many hats-but you can bet that when the **** hits the fan, they will risk their lives to come out in any weather to do everything possible and then some to bring you home safe.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Thank you Lars, for your service in the USCG. I'm sure you have many fun stories to tell.

 

[boatman37]

I gotta say, I spent a few years in law enforcement, serving warrants, transporting prisoners, etc. Basically every person I came into contact with had a criminal record, which was why I was there. But I wouldn't want to be in the USCG in some of the conditions I have seen on TV. They definitely have my respect.

Thanks for your service Lar!