T&T: Boater ID

[LA Licata]

Dear List,

I carry my US passport as ID.

During a USCG boarding post 9-11 on a friend's boat on the  
Chesapeake, the OIC asked for all passenger's IDs.

I gave him my passport.

He asked for my driver's license.

Told him that is all I have.

He did not like.

He asked me where I lived. I asked him why?

He did not like.

I asked him to cite me for failing to carry "appropriate ID" so we  
could get on with our day.

He spoke into his radio and then let me go with a warning that next  
time, he wanted my driver's license.

As he was leaving, i snapped his picture. Next day or so , when to  
local USCG unit and asked to speak to OIC. Recounted the incident. I  
also showed him the picture. he knew the person. Said that a passport  
is completely acceptable. But, that if I was cited, an driver's  
license was needed. I asked him to show where that is required? He  
could not. They need an address but if the ID does not have one, than  
they use either the address on the state registration papers or on  
the USCG documentation.  That is OK I guess.

Lee

PS: Reason for Boarding: It was to help teach the newbies...

On Nov 1, 2007, at 01:50 , Pascal Gademer wrote:
..."The Coast Guard is seeking a new federal requirement that all  
boat operators carry identification wherever they are on the water so  
it can build a database of boaters found in restricted areas....