T&T: Random Coast Guard safety inspections

[Bob Peterson]

Scott, just to be very clear, the Coasties did NOT do a "safety inspection".
They did an Official Boarding, and as you learned they can lead to fines,
citations and other nasty things.  That is quite different from the "safety
checks" done by Coast Guard Auxiliary members, which never lead to fines or
citations, and only leave you with a shopping list for your next visit to
West Marine.

Bob Peterson
"Lopaka Nane"
47' Lien Hwa CPMY
San Francisco

-----Original Message-----
From: trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces@lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of
scottebulger@comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 6:32 PM
To: TT List
Subject: T&T: Random Coast Guard safety inspections

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