Lets clarify a couple of things. 1: Life jackets must be the appropriate size for the wearer, can't just have some. 2: Your fire extinguisher cannot be in the box. 3. Your throwable must be in usable reach.
The USCG have always been professional and polite in my experience. I really don't mind being stopped by them. I ALWAYS thank them for being out there, because if you get in trouble, they will come and save your life. That is a wonderful thing. I've never needed their help, but it's nice to know they are always listening 24/7.
Get a coast guard courtesy inspection. The sticker they give you is worth it’s weight in gold. When law enforcement sees it, they know your a responsible boater. Even if they stop you, the interaction is quick and easy.
Once, I was given a citation because the officer said I "took too long" to produce the items he was asking for, which was BOGUS. That officer tickets out of state boats because they won't drive all the way back to appear in court. Well I DID come back for court, and when the judge found out what happened, he YELLED at the officer right in front of everyone, and apologized to me for having to go through losing work to defend a law that didn't exist. When I posted this on a popular boat forum, MANY people had the same experience with that same officer, but I was the only one who went to court.
If your extinguisher is dry chemical, don't forget to flip it over and give it a shake every so often. The pounding of the waves can really pack the powder into a brick. You can feel it come free after some shaking.
Never been pulled over by Coast Guard and FWC. I have a large boat (30' Whaler) with lots of storage so I don't have a T-BAG. I do have two B1 fire extinguishers and a fixed Firebuoy automatic fire extinguishing system in my engine room. Quick tip- always have a throwable life ring in a readily accessible place- I have it in a compartment behind the helm hanging up so I can grab it at a moment's notice. The other safety feature that I have is a boat that will never sink even if you cut it into a million pieces- a Boston Whaler. Happy boating everyone!
We tend to get boarded 1-2 times per season here in NJ. BUT boating near a USCG and State Marine Police station doesn't help. My Dad is retired USCG. He regularly and proudly wears a USCG hat with his Chief pin on it. When a member of the boarding team sees it, the scramble to leave is almost comical with a never ending string of apologies. He always tells them to do there job and we are fully prepared with the proper equipment. but they cant leave fast enough
Got stopped a few years back and was told my "throw" had to be out and ready just in case someone fell overboard. I couldn't have it in my T-Bag. I now stuff it in the area above the T-Bag and the T-Top for easy access.
I go fishing in New York state great lakes, lake Erie and Ontario. If you have a flare gun and cross into Canadian waters it is considered a fire arm. You can only have the hand held flares. So depending where you boat/fish check with international laws as well.
shut your cell phone off too. someone calls you or you call out it may be on a canadian tower. big bucks for an international call. ask me how i know lol
I got stopped by fish and wildlife floating down the St John's over labor Day. they had two boats and two jet skis in the water nailing everybody in a slow wake zone.
FYI. In California, your throwable must be out and accessible. You can not store it in a compartment or T-Bag while the boat is underway. Also, you must have a bucket to aid in bailing water. I was inspected last March by the US Coast Guard and they check for that.
Also, whistles are cheap. Buy the water proof (no pea) whistles and attach one up high on the front of every PFD including the throwable. I buy the small aerial flares and after the expiration date is reached and I purchase new flares, I put the old expired aerial flares in waterproof bags in the pockets of the life vests. I recently (4th of July) launched flares that expired in 1978 and they worked just as they were designed. Makes someone in the water a lot easier to find when they can launch an aerial flare, especially at night. Keep your safety equipment where it will be readily accessible when you need to use it in an emergency, not together where it is convenient to show the authorities if you get boarded. USCG Veteran 1981-1986.🤙🏼
For small boats mount your hand held fire extinguisher up front, away from the transom, engine or fuel tank and readily available. If and when a fire starts (usually in these areas) you will find yourself running away from it and towards the fire extinguisher. 😉
That’s a good point, I’ve seen people with them near the motor and what you said was my thoughts exactly. One of mine is at the helm and other in front of the passenger. Mine also get certified every year and recharged when appropriate.
Nice to run a Saftey video. Saftey first and always. There should be a requirement for a radio even a hand held is a good idea. Gets you help real fast when needed.
The short 12ga flares don't go as high or burn as long as you would expect. Also DO pay attention to the expiration date. I had a set that were a couple of years out of date and shot several of them (far from the ocean so they could not be mistaken for a real issue, and on a rainy night so no fire risk), they all went bang but not a single one lit up.
How odd that the UK is less regulated! Licence: No such thing Registration: Not legally required Insurance: Not legally required Qualifications: Not legally required Lifejackets: Not legally required Flares, VHF etc: Not legally required. (It differs on inland canals and lakes, but the above applies to coastal waters) I think we should require a basic certificate of competance and mandatory insurance, but we don't...
For USCG requirements, download the CG app and you can plug in your boat length and engine set up and it'll tell you exactly what's required. We're out there, and we do check. And your throw able needs to be immediately available.
PSA: You can take expired flares to any Coast Guard Small Boat Station to be disposed of. We would use them for training or would send them out as hazmat recyclables. -Retired Coastie
I carry all the proper safety equipment on my boat along with my pistol holstered openly on me. Unfortunately here in Florida some law enforcement that patrol on the local lakes and rivers, don't know the law themselves. 2020 Florida statutes Chapter 790.25 Lawful ownership, possession and use of firearms. (3) Lawful uses. The provisions of ss. 790.053 (open carrying of weapons) and 790.06 (license to carry concealed weapon or firearm) do not apply when (h) A person is engaged in fishing, camping, or lawful hunting or going to or returning from a fishing camping or lawful hunting expedition. Basically they tell me I can't open carry while fishing when the above law says I can. I always carry several copies to educate them and my attorney is on speed dial as it were. Just like boat safety equipment, it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Yeah I've been boarded by the Coast Guard and Wildlife. Passed everything and was commended on having Type 1 pfds for my crew. I've had to use my throwable offshore too. I threw it within feet of the MOB. I keep it tucked above the electronics box above my head for quick access. I've also had to use my fire extinguisher when a low pressure fuel pump line cracked and the starter ignited fumes and the cowling blew off like a shotgun! Luckily was at the dock. Now I have 2 because if I ever need to use one, I want a backup right then. Also, keep expired pyro flares in a separate bag marked "expired" as backups too. There is also a new electronic flare available now too. Make sure its USCG approved and fresh batteries. I have both types onboard. Harbor Freight has decent waterproof cases in yellow and orange colors. The Coast Guard can also check any federally regulated fish you have too. Didnt know that about the HIN.....I'll definitely check mine us properly identified. Great episode!
Also here in California it is becoming mandatory to have a Boaters Card to operate a boat and as of right now, it’s dependent on your age, but will eventually be everyone. Also I get boarded at least 4 times during lobster season by the wardens. Some will also check to make sure you’re up on your safety compliance.
I know here in my state you can have the Coast guard auxiliary to inspect your boat and then place a sticker on the windscreen to show that your boat has been inspected. When I first started going this the Coast guard person told me the two main things that catch people off guard is that all flare guns and flares are only good to the expiration date written on them. It's a 3-year expiration date so when you buy new ones you really need to look at the package to make sure you're not buying something with a shorter date on that. The second thing is your lights your green and red and you're white light. Also remember just because your flares have an expiration date does not mean they will not work. I keep all of mine that have expired. If by any chance I would ever need them I would use the expired ones first.
Thankfully only run in with police I’ve had was when passing through a canal near me, the state police (which is located in the canal) stopped me for having the registration sticker on the wrong side of my registration numbers. Solid check list for me to look through next boating season. Keep up the great work Aaron!
I live in Maine and the law here states that you only have to have a fire extinguisher if your fuel tank is permanently mounted in the boat. I had portable tanks so I was exempt. I carried a fire extinguisher on board anyway.
Been stopped many times but never had a problem as long as you have the ( mentioned) requirements. Usually no problem. Unless you’re doing something illegal. 🇺🇸 Florida grown here since 65 WPB
"Cannot be stowed" is not right, but "readily accessible" is correct. In my open CC, I keep my throwable stowed under my cooler seat, right between my legs. An officer once told me it always had to be out. "But it will blow away." "Maybe tie it to the console rail?" "The idea is to get it quickly, if someone goes over, right?" While looking at him, I reached down and pulled it out almost instantly. "Wow." he said, and left. It was stowed, but was very easily accessible, just like in the T-bag.
@@thilltony3362 I think the spirit of the law is that the device can be deployed without having to "fetch" it from under a hatch or compartment. Tied to a railing, although readily visible, it's not readily accessible, if knots have to be negotiated. In the end, it will be at the discretion of the officer if the t-bag scenario is readily accessible. To each Capt their own. Regardless where you put it, a good passenger briefing on where emergency stuff is and what to do when someone goes overboard is priceless. Things can be readily accessible and if people don't know what they are and how to use them they are worthless.
Another great video; thank you! I've been forwarding links to your site to everyone I know; boat owners or not!.... I want to see you hit 100K before New Year!
I got stopped by the FWC way out in the middle of no where. They didn’t ask to see identification, fishing licenses, flares, nothing! They opened my cooler, looked in a few hatches and were gone. I guess they thought I was smuggling something.
We got stopped and checked while fishing miles off the coast of AL. There were no other boats in sight and we were so far out that we could not see land. They were mainly concerned that our entire catch was legal. They pulled alongside but did not board our boat.
Cracks me up some of the differences between ocean boaters and guys like me who are generally on smaller lakes up here in the Inland Northwest. For example you consider a 23' boat a "smaller" boat. Here a 23' boat is considered a good size boat. My 17 footer is about average. Anything over 30' is considered a large boat where for y'all ocean goers that's also probably considered smaller or average at best.
The throwable should be convenient for emergency use and not for Coast Guard inspection. Also tie a line to it for retrieval of whoever is tossed the throwable. I was taught that by the Coast Guard during a safety check boarding.
I’ve been pulled over by FWC several times. Once last year 20 plus miles offshore. I got rave reviews from them due to having all proper safety equipment as well as a EPIRB. Don’t take safety lightly. Remember, you are responsible for you and everyone on board...
Have been boarded by Harris County, Game Wardens, and Coast Gaurd...never had any issues...coast guard did tell us not to have the throwable stowed..so I just keep it clipped to the center console
Something you may wish to tell your Viewers who travel with their boats is that Canada has some laws that vary from Province to Province as well so it's a good isea to check before heading out here as well. I live in BC & normally we have quite a number of US boats visit us & our penalties for wrong/missing gear, etc., are every bit as harsh & why risk ruining your day right. I'm one of those project boat guys & will have a newly restored boat going next year so this was a great refresher video for me but most important is I sincerely hope ya'll get your Silver Play Button, that would be great!!
Feels good to show the marine unit all the gear almost before they ask. One item that relates to safety that surprised me. Our stern pole light is so bright it's blinding to the pilot when looking aft at night. I put a little sliver of electrical tape over it to shade it from the front. Nope. The cops had me pull it off. Even tho a boat at a distance would see my red and greens coming at them, covering the forward facing part of the white light was a no go.
"Technically" it would make you appear as a sail-boat under sail and have the right of way if the while light could not be seen. Kinda a stretch, but all the same.
Dont forget that most extinguisher that are from Kidde befor 2018 were recalled and they will replace for free all you have to do is go to there website or call them
Thank you for this! While the two on my boat are good, the one in my woodshop and my Jeep are both recalled! I filled out the info on their website to have them replaced.
www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/support/product-alerts/recall-kidde-fire-extinguisher/ Here is how you can tell which ones are recalled: www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/support/product-alerts/recall-kidde-fire-extinguisher/
a working horn on the boat also works as a noise device. I was asked for a drivers license, but didn't have it, so I gave my name and address to the Sheriff
Great video, especially for Americans. In NZ we have far fewer requirements. Only our commercial boats are registered and required to have those things. Recreational boaties are advised to have most of what you named, but only required to have the life jackets. Most of our rules are designed to protect our fisheries. There is an expectation that people going out in boats here will exercise common sense.
i was stopped last week in San Diego Bay by the USCG and asked to provide just my boat registration. I always wear a life jacket so maybe he stopped any further inspection because my registration was up to date.
I'm in Canada, and I was pulled over while fishing. They checked that I had all my emergency stuff, which I was missing a bailing bucket, but main thing is I bought this boat used. The person I bought it from said it was registered, and that I wouldn't need to register the boat, but the Police officer said I did. I applied for it, but they said I didn't have enough information to register it in my name. I tried contacting the person I bought it from but no luck. So I'm sort of stuck owning an unregistered/registered to someone else boat. I have no idea where to go from here.
Thank you for your question! Please post it in our Born Again Boating Community! Go here and scroll down to access - it’s free: www.bornagainboating.com/
Wow many boating regulations in the US and heaps of law enforces too where im from in Australia we only have 3 water police, maritime safety, and fisheries boats with outboards are not law enforced to carry fire extinguishers but i do anyway oh and kids under 18 can operate a boat under licenced supervision
Harassment on Sydney Harbor Australia. Checked 3 times in one afternoon of fishing. Water Police, Maritine Services Board and State Fisheries. All only checking boats under 25 foot. I told a few boating friends and they had the same thing happen. Just around the corner in Botany Bay I have only been checked once in over 50 trips out. Water Police just to let me know my registration had expired.
I run a 19' bay boat sorta like yours here. I carry 2 fire suppressors, don't wanna lend someone a hand, and end up needing one myself right after!.. Also dunno if any of you have ever tried to put out a 5 gallon fuel tank, on fire. But i hace and my 20 gallon external tank..... Yikes it's mayday mayday if that sucker catches fire even with 2 onboard.
I have been stopped maybe 3 times in my life on the water and they never ask about any safety equipment for my boat or HIN numbers .. half the time they just check to make sure people aren’t drunk and being stupid
I bought a boat once and found a craiglist mechanic, we went to test the boat, we were like 5 in the boat, around 7pm, no lifejackets, no nav lights, he had the driver license suspended, I didnt know, he told me when we were stopped and said to me, you are the owner, you are the captain, so all tickets went on me.
Isn't the throwable supposed to be within arms reach of captain? Used to keep mine in the bow but now keep. It in the center console because that's what I had heard
Got boarded by Parks and Wildlife. My flares were expired. Everything else checked out. So I told the officer that if I was able to light one of the flares if he would consider not giving me a ticket (because I knew it would burn). But he explained that it's not about if it will light or not it's about the material that's it's made with still having structural integrity.....
I hate replacing those flares all the time. Even the packs from Walmart are pretty expensive. I’m thinking of getting one of the new LED signaling devices. If it’s a legal replacement. I saw one for like $99 bucks.
@@jbjgibbons Yes I completely agree. Especially when you know that they will work years after the expiration date. When you buy your light make sure it is Coast Guard approved.
I use my old night signal flares in winter to light up the fire pit works well on wet wood but have never used the day smoke flares yet still got heaps in the shed $60 every 3 yrs
I have never been stopped I am only 13 and I run a live bait business here in the Outer Banks my boat is registered commercially and I have a commercial license And my dad is quite big on safety
If you do not have a HID. Not only do you get a ticket. The boat is impounded and you have to prove that it is your boat. You might be arrested. Just like a car without a VIN number.
I copied my police buddies idea and mounted the fire exstinghusher , whistle , life jackets all in clear view from behind , t-bag and under the leaning post , at least in SC if the DNR swings a leg over your boat your getting a fine , so have everything in view and try to get the entire safety inspection done with the boat under way , never stop because that's when you get a ticket
Used to have mine set up the same way, all out in the open, easily seen and accessible yet every time I got checked, Officer McTurd (Miami, Fl) would always make me take everything down and over to him to inspect. Once even while I was at a dock fueling the boat with people waiting for the pumps. I have no respect for the badges that behave like that. It should be obvious some of us know what we’re doing and are putting out the effort to comply and be safe. They would line up on weekends and stop every boat that came under the bridge like a DUI checkpoint. They do the same thing on Lake Conroe in Montgomery County Texas, some were very heavy handed and liked to yell and get mad at the smallest issue for some reason. I’m an old gray haired dude with no hotties on board , maybe that’s why they were mad....
Haha, that's a funny thought, but you really don't want to be targeted. Definitely better to stay in compliance and under the radar. See my replies, and you will see what I'm talking about.
I'm curious, I'm about to be doing a transom replacement, my hull id number is stamped into the gel coat. Is it legal if i make a hull id plate and install it once the transom is replaced? I have metal stamps and it seems easier than trying to stamp them back into the gel coat.
Explain to me why "water police" have ANY authority to stop you--WITHOUT PROBABLE CAUSE OR WITHOUT ANY APPARENT VIOLATION "just to check?" I guess the U.S. Constitution does not apply. Around here, same thing, "inland lakes." These are not international waters.
i had to get the florida boater safety card took a few hours online for free. i still feel it's kinda bull crap because when they passed that law i was already over 25 years old and had been boating a good chunk of my life.
That sounds great but what stops everybody else from claiming they have the same experience as you, How can you prove it! There are people who were grandfathered in though! In 1989 I was 16 years old and for me to operate a boat in salt water I had to pass a boating safety course! So I passed the course and got my certificate! When they passed this new law I just showed my original certificate from 1989 and they issued me a new one!
I was stopped in New York. My transom was replaced, by me. I was questioned for no hull ld # Then l told him the boat was reregestered as home made. I just got a blank stare from the cop, then he sent me on my way.
so my boats paper thing says the max hp is 175 the previous owner put a 200 on it and me and my dad want to put a mercury 250 pro xs could you make a video on the paper that shows weight power and etc cause we are quite lost
A friend bought a beautiful new 26' center console. He rarely got stopped before, but afterward he got stopped every time he went on the bay in Southern Maryland, and he fished about once a week. There would be a crowd of boats fishing, and the DNR would pull up, only check his boat, and then leave. He was obviously being targeted, but he remained polite and respectful. He finally asked why, and an officer told him, "You are a black guy in this brand new $100,000 boat. That is suspicious." He thanked the officer for being honest. After that, he started taking photos of the officer's boat, badges and faces, and when asked why, he kindly told them he was preparing a lawsuit. After the second time, they would head toward him, recognize that he was that "crazy" guy, and zoom off in the other direction. Word got around fast. He never EVER got pulled over again in that boat. The harassment was a shame, but he handled it in a respectful, legal, non-aggressive way.
Extinguisher, whistle, registration, license, and PFD worn on each person. You need other items if your state allows a PWC to opetate at night. I zip-tie the plastic whistle to the key lanyard and keep the registration card in a waterproof phone case in the glovebox.
@JOHN G actually I was out in a trump boat parade here in California, thousands of boats, there were 3 separate events...how many people brought their boats to a parade for Biden? Have fun destroying America John...
This might sound weird or whatever but I dont mind the game warden or coast guard stopping me cause I want them to know anytime they see me on the water I am legal
Here in Maryland we use to be able to setup an appointment with the Coast Guard to have them do a full safety in licensing inspection and IF you passed it ( wasn’t easy to pass) they would give an “inspected sticker” to put in the windshield which in doing that, the only time I’d get boarded by any level of law enforcement would be a sobriety check and nothing else. Apparently they stopped doing this a long time ago which seems counter productive to me but that’s life.
Depends what the job is. most of the police officers on land are out there to get revenue. Yes of course they'll say it's all about safety. All of these things need to be on the boat that's for sure
