T&T: Fw: Random Coast Guard safety inspections

[Larry N. Brown]

I bought my Kidde fire extinguishers at Lowe's- type ABC. The label on them
specifically says marine type USCG and gives a Coast Guard approval number,
BUT. . . reading the fine print on the box, I discovered that they were only
approved if they were mounted with a special mounting bracket. I found them
online for about $5.

Regards,

Larry & Teri Brown
MV Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck
Still glued to the dock in Covington, LA




> Well I just got boarded by the Coast Guard for the first time.  I was on my
Camano, which is for sale, so I didnt have a good feeling about the blue
flashing lights.   I thought I was doing ok when I found the PFDs,
registration, head secured, garbage plan, oil discharge sign and so forth,.
However my fears were confirmed when the boarding team wrote me up for 2
violations, both associated with my fire extinguishers.  While they were fully
charged, the proper type and quantity they lacked two things:
>
> They were not labeled U.S. Coast Guard Certified and
> They were not labeled Marine Use
>
> The boarding officer also gave me a warning that my throwable PFD also
lacked a U.S. Coast Guard certification, but he didnt write me up for that.
I must admit this seems pretty petty.  The boat is manufactured in Canada and
is universally recognized as a top quality product.  I dont know if Im the
first Camano owner to be written up, but I can assure you there are 150+
Canadian built Camano boats out there that are similarly equipped.  I
understand I may be able to call the Seattle Coast Guard station and have the
citation dropped, but Ill have to wait till Monday to find that out.  I did
go to Fisheries Supply and for $84 buy all new Made in the USA, Certified by
the US Coast Guard fire extinguishers and a life ring.
>
> Better dot the i and cross the t with these guys doing safety inspections!
>
> Scott Bulger, N40II, Alanui, Seattle WA