Tag: US Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard Safety Check

If the U.S. Coast Guard boards your boat, it pays to be calm and ready.

The U.S. Coast Guard isn’t to be feared like Big Brother, though boat operators may feel like scofflaws who speed through school zones when the red and blueclad Coasties appear. It’s the same driver angst police officers elicit on the road: What will I get busted for now?

Anyone regularly navigating ports or waters near international borders will likely have an encounter with the Coast Guard. As one of the five branches of the U.S. military— along with the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy—the Coast Guard is under the Department of Homeland Security and exists to enforce the law, not to teach it. In addition, when you launch your boat in U.S. waters, you relinquish your Fourth Amendment rights at the dock. The Coast Guard doesn’t require probable cause to board your boat, a provision which dates back to the late 1700s and the Revolutionary War.

“When the Coast Guard pulls up to a boat, often it’s [to say]: ‘Hey, we are just checking to see how you are doing today,’” says Jonathan Lally, a Coast Guard spokesman and Petty Officer 2nd Class, based out of the 7th Coast Guard District, Miami Public Affairs Office. “Our crews are not out there to hassle people. They are out there to make sure people are safe and prevent accidents before they happen.”

Making the Coast Guard’s job difficult when officers want to board your boat will only cause the stop to last longer and may increase suspicion. If you have a firearm or other weapons on board, let the Coast Guard officers know before they board. Once they do an initial safety sweep to their satisfaction and make sure your registration and identification check out, then they may look for drugs. If that happens, they will thoroughly search compartments and closets.

Heeding basic regulations will prevent a citation. The Coast Guard will ensure that all children younger than age 13 are wearing life jackets and that there is a flotation device for each person on board. Make sure you have a noisemaker and throw-ring with a line that is within easy reach. A lack of boat registration or fire extinguisher is a common error, as these are federal  requirements. Again, the Coast Guard’s main duties are certifying that boats are secure from foreign threats, environmentally in compliance and, most important, that the boat and passengers are safe.

“Already having on a life jacket when you go into the water is going to increase your chances of survival,” Lally explains. “Not only does it help you float, but it gives us and other rescuers more to search for, because we are looking for basketball-size object in the water. Today’s life jackets are more comfortable than old-style life jackets, as well as colorful.”

Once the inspection is complete, the Coast Guard will issue a Report of Boarding Form CG-4100, a two-page document that consists of a white original and a yellow copy. The captain gets the yellow copy. Keep it handy, as you can show it to Coast Guard officers if you are boarded again soon.

If you are embarking on a long voyage, proper communication before and after the passage is crucial. “File a float plan with family and friends, the more detailed the better,” Lally adds, noting that your boat’s equipment and tools are also vitally important. Make sure your charts— electronic and paper—are up to date so that you can use them to navigate instead of visual aids. “If you do get lost or delayed and don’t make it to a certain marina you said you were headed to, the Coast Guard knows where to search.”

In addition, verify your marine-band VHF is working; the Coast Guard constantly monitors Channel 16. Don’t depend on a cell phone as cell towers are unreliable. You can use your
VHF radio to call for help even in spots where your cell phone has no signal. Also, Sea Tow offers a free Automated Radio Check system to ensure the radio is working properly.

Other tips include stowing extra gear—such as blankets and a tarp—to help protect you against the elements should a thunderstorm arise. Always have a dry bag with a change
of clothes. Staying dry is an essential part of survival. Finally, keeping a “weather eye” is invaluable, as conditions can change rapidly.

“Know how to use your flares if you are forced into using them,” says Lally, adding a caution to be careful not to fire them accidentally so that they’re not available when you really need to send a signal. “Nowadays, there are many boating classes out there where people can learn to be safe. We encourage everyone to take these classes and keep taking them to continue their safety education.” uscg.mil

By Don Minikus, Southern Boating Magazine November 2017

PHOTO: U.S. COAST GUARD

Water Protectors

Honoring our Water Protectors
Join us in honoring the many men and women who serve our country, protect our waters and defend our freedom to enjoy the on-the-water lifestyle. Get to know three water protectors a little bit better.

Marine Interdiction Agent Ryan Haines, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Division (AMO) 

Targeting small vessels from foreign waters in a 39-foot Midnight Express with quad outboards is a daily task for Agent Ryan Haines. The AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments at and beyond the border, and within the nation’s interior.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the 39-year-old and his unit stop vessels that bring people, contraband and other goods into the country illegally. “We use various tactics to facilitate compliance. If sirens alone don’t work to pull over the vessel, then we fire warning shots to gain control of the boat,” he says.

Haines entered the U.S. Coast Guard after high school and later worked for a boat manufacturer in Florida. “I’ve always been involved in the boating industry,” the father of two says proudly. Hired by U.S. Customs and Border Protection eight years ago, Haines went through months of grueling training courses. “It starts with an advanced law enforcement training class and ends with the initial vessel commander certification class,” he explains. “It’s a great way to serve the country and I’m doing my passion.”

One of his duties with the AMO is to take human smugglers into custody. He recalls several incidents when the agents boarded a boat they’d pulled over and found migrants on board who were scared, yet relieved to see them. “They didn’t have life jackets. And they were very happy to be rescued,” he says.

Since 9/11 and subsequent terrorist attacks, the demand for AMO officers has increased. Haines says the agency is always looking for good people who are trustworthy. “They must have integrity, honor and a sense of pride in what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. You’re putting your life on the line for the safety of the country,” the agent adds. “It’s your job to secure the homeland.”

Ensign Nikki Barnes, United States Coast Guard

Ensign Nikki Barnes grew up in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., and started sailing at age six. “My brother was (into sailing), so I started to race because I wanted to be the girl that beat the boys,” she says.

Those races led to many sailing awards and a future with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). “I told my parents that I would never join the military but that I would try out the Academy Introductory Mission (AIM), a one-week program for juniors in high school, to get a glimpse of military life,” she says. “From seeing the Academy during AIM, I knew that the military structure and atmosphere was the perfect fit for me because it would allow me to become an officer, where I can make a difference regarding the safety of boaters on the water.”

A branch of the U.S. Armed Forces under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the USCG is a maritime military service whose mission is to enforce marine laws and safety at ports and waterways, in addition to conducting search and rescue operations in the water and aiding navigation.

Barnes graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, in May 2017, and received her commission from President Donald Trump. For the next three years, the ensign will be at the USCG’s Sector Miami working for the Incident Management Division in Response.

Still a sailor at heart, she recently competed in the College Women Sailing Nationals in Charleston, South Carolina, where she and the USCG team finished in third place. For the third consecutive year, she was named All-American Women’s Skipper. As for the future, there’s no stopping her. Barnes hopes to go for the gold and race in the 470 class at the 2020 Olympics. “I couldn’t be more excited to get started,” she says enthusiastically.

Deputy Hector Rodriguez, Broward County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Deputy Hector Rodriguez started his career with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) in 1995 stationed on the road with law enforcement.

Then he joined the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, where he worked for 12 years. Two years ago, he was placed full time on BSO’s Marine Patrol. “I served in the Army and when I got out in the ’80s, I always had the desire to come back in a manner that serves a purpose and makes a difference,” says the 51-year-old. “I found the best way to do that was to go into law enforcement.”

The Marine Patrol Unit patrols Broward County’s coastline, inland waterways and the Everglades. It enforces marine laws such as observing speed zones, investigates boating accidents and related crime scenes, and educates the approximately 43,000 registered boat operators in the county on boating safety and use of their vessels.

BSO’s Dive Team provides support with underwater recoveries and emergency rescue operations. “We are out there enforcing safe recreational activity,” he says. “People are very receptive and willing to learn.”

While protecting boaters is the main focus, Rodriguez says the unit also safeguards wildlife and is involved in promoting the Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Manatee Conservation Program. “Boaters need to realize that a current in the waterway could be created by a manatee’s tail and the animal could be harmed,” he adds.

The deputy affirms that the unit prefers to educate rather than cite. “The Marine Patrol’s philosophy is boating safety, and educating the public is paramount to us. We try to impart as much as education as we can,” he says. “You have to have a love and respect for the water—it can be very unforgiving.”

Even off duty, Rodriguez enjoys recreational water activities and is still an active diver.

A big thank you to all our water protectors!

By Bonnie Schlutz Southern Boating July 2017

What SUP in the Chesapeake?

Indoor boat shows and educational courses are great activities in the winter for those of us looking forward to warmer temperatures on the Mid-Atlantic coast.

You don’t have to be in the market for a boat to enjoy a boat show since show producers typically provide entertainment, educational seminars, and a multitude of displays with maritime information, products and services to peruse.

Every year, I take in the Baltimore Boat Show, and while the food’s not all that great in the convention center, the atmosphere inside is optimistic with shiny new boats, free giveaways, contests, and activities such as remote-controlled docking and virtual fishing. Kids build a toy boat and exercise their balance in the SUP zone along with parents. Mechanically minded folks learn to unclog a carburetor at Fred’s Shed. Across the street, at the Pratt Street Ale House, there’s plenty of good food and drink to be had. This year’s show in Baltimore runs January 26-29 with more than 300 boats from luxury cruisers to kayaks under one roof.

Other regional shows include the Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, North Carolina, January 13-15. Over 100 local, regional and national companies will showcase tackle, rods and reels, apparel, maps, charters, sunglasses, boats, motors, electronics, knives, and so on. And there’s the Richmond Fishing Expo at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia, January 20-22. ncboatshows.com; baltimoreboatshow.com 

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offerings

On January 28, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law an act to create the United States Coast Guard, a combination of the nation’s Life-Saving Service and Revenue Cutter Service. Today, the U.S. Coast Guard is a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, and one of its many missions is to educate the public on safe boat handling. How does it do that? The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary exists to support all U.S.C.G. missions except roles that require direct law enforcement or military engagement. As of 2015, there were approximately 32,000 members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Every year auxiliary members help save some 500 lives, assist 15,000 distressed boaters, conduct at least 150,000 safety examinations of recreational vessels, and provide cruiser safety instruction to more than 500,000 students. In total, the auxiliary and its volunteer efforts save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

If you’d like to gain some nautical know-how from experienced auxiliary members, find a course nearby by simply entering your zip code into the National Public Education Calendar Database, which holds and displays all the public education courses taught by auxiliary flotillas nationwide. Topics include GPS for Mariners, Weather and Boating, Weekend Navigator, Lines and Knots, and many more. Upon entering my zip code, for example, I found Sailing Skills and Seamanship, a class offered by Lynn Disque on Wednesday evenings from 6-9PM starting on January 25th and running until April 12th at the U.S.C.G. Station-Annapolis. The cost is $70, but many insurance companies offer discounts on boat insurance to anyone who successfully completes the course and can present a course-completion certificate. cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.php

By Christopher Knauss, Southern Boating Magazine January 2017

When Hurricanes Come, the U.S. Coast Guard Goes Inland

With Hurricane Matthew barreling towards the coastal town of Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class James Prosser and his wife, Nicole, made the seemingly right decision to send their two young children out of harm’s way to the inland city of Lumberton. Little did they know that the small inland town was also going to take a beating.

Feeling confident about his choice (Lumberton is located almost 90 miles from the coast) Officer Prosser resumed his duties at the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. Imagine his surprise the following weekend when he received news that floodwaters in Lumberton were rising rapidly while his children were at their grandparents’ home without running water or electricity.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class James Prosser and Master Chief Petty Officer Louis Coleman load Coleman’s trailer with donations during Hurricane Matthew at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington, Oct. 16, 2016.

“Lumberton has been the go-to safe haven during hurricanes for me and my family for about eight years now,” says Prosser. “But after the town was battered by Hurricane Matthew, following two weeks of unusually high rainfall, it became a dangerous place where water was suddenly filling the streets.” By Monday morning, the levee protecting Lumberton had broken, and Prosser was working feverishly with members of the sector command to determine how to best bring his children home.

“They [local officials] were confused as to why we were headed into town at first, but as soon as we explained why we needed to get in, they let us through,” says Prosser. “Most people were trying to leave town, not get in, and we began to see why. Damage from the hurricane became much more evident the closer we got to Lumberton, but I was blown away by the damage we encountered when we got within city limits.”

It quickly became clear that the area was too flooded to continue by truck. Luckily, Prosser and a fellow officer encountered water rescue teams from New York and New Jersey. Prosser found the town unrecognizable and struggled to get his bearings. “Eventually we approached a church that looked familiar. We saw helicopters overhead with people dangling from cables. They were hoisting people from the flooded waters to safety,” he adds.

Prosser was finally able to reach the children via SUV. “When we got there, my two children came running out the door,” says Prosser. “While it was a huge relief to know they were safe at that moment, I knew we were all still in danger. We needed to get out of there as quickly as possible, before we got trapped by floodwaters.” Meanwhile, Prosser and additional officials strongly encouraged others to evacuate the dangerous area. As part of the North Carolina family, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina personnel will continue their response to Hurricane Matthew’s aftermath and the subsequent flooding throughout the region.

Prosser and his rescued family.

Southern Boating’s Top Six Safety Tips

It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned captain or a boating newbie—safety is paramount.

A prudent mariner knows that there are many safety rules involved in just a simple cruise on the water, let alone a long haul down to The Bahamas.

Whenever a trip on the water is planned—be it a day cruise on a kayak or an overnight fishing trip—you should have a float plan. A float plan is an itinerary of who, what, where, why, and when you plan to head out on the water. You can find a detailed example of a float plan from the US Coast Guard.

While you create your float plan please (please!) remember to practice common sense, follow our top six safety tips below, and remember the most important rule of all—HAVE FUN!

 

The Last Lightship

There has been a run of deadly accidents and weather events during regattas on all of the United States’ coasts and on the Great Lakes in the last few years, including Alabama’s tragic Dauphin Island Race this April 25th in which five sailors drowned. While these events tend to draw more coverage nationally, they are but larger scale examples of the daily occurrence of boating incidents documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. On the Gulf Coast the weather can be explosive as powerful squall lines erupt along cool fronts, and while these deadly “adventure” stories are interesting reads, they also serve as tools to remind all boaters of the potential hazards on the water.

In 1983, a squall line exploded over a fleet of racing sailboats and their experiences became another cautionary tale. Out of the 38 boats that started the 180nm New Orleans Lightship Race off the Mississippi coast with heavily overcast and threatening skies, only 6 would finish. Conditions worsened quickly throughout the race as the cold front approached from the north, and several boats had serious issues in the first few miles and didn’t make it past the mark at Ship Island Pass let alone into the open waters of the Gulf.

These were still the days of Gulf Coast sailing legends like Tommy Dreyfus and Buddy Friedrichs and where LORAN and dead reckoning were king. But even on many of these heavy displacement boats with winds reported from nearby offshore oil rigs approaching sustained 40 knots with gusts as high as 65 and seas over 15 feet, it was too much.

Topper Thompson was on board Slot Machine, a Lindenberg 30. He explains their grim experience and eventual forced removal from the regatta. “On top of the 12-foot seas, occasional monsters would come through and break on top. One wave broke and flipped us stern over bow. In the same motion, the rudder was broken off. The boat came up, rig intact, but no steerage. A sea anchor was deployed, but it did not bring the bow into the wind, said Thompson. “Slot Machine had no control and was broadside to the breaking waves. The crew got below deck, wedged themselves into place with sails, and tried to stow all potential projectiles. A Mayday was put out and the Coast Guard was contacted. In the middle of communication with the Coast Guard, the boat rolled again and this time the mast hit the bottom and communication with the Coast Guard ceased.”

Thompson and his crew eventually beached on Petit Bois Island and all were rescued, but not every boat was as fortunate with many sunk or dismasted. A 19-year-old Tulane student, Nelson Roltsch, was lost off a J/29 due to a rogue wave. He was never recovered.

The love of all forms and methods of boating is a very real passion, but so is the necessity of proper safety. Be safe out there, folks.

By Troy Gilbert, Southern Boating, November 2015

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