Off The Wall Question

**Peter** · 10-20-2018, 07:05 PM

Do you have a VHF radio?

If so, are you required to have a license to operate it? (in Canada you are required to have a marine VHF operators licence)

So, I always make sure I have my VHF licence on board.

Peter

**joe_db** · 10-21-2018, 10:38 AM

You mean paperwork or everything??

**Administrator** · 10-21-2018, 12:20 PM

No paperwork is required to operate a marine VHF in the US. Don't use a handheld marine VHF portable on land.

If you have passed a CG Auxiliary courtesy safety inspection, that paperwork will save you some grief, should you ever be boarded by the Coasties. We have been boarded once in a whole bunch of years, down by Shawn's home waters. Very courteous and very thorough, though much of the crew seemed more interested in my wife's bikini than my documentation papers.

I remember a bit of surprise when asked to show two plaques, one dealing with discharge of oil, etc. and I forget the other. Is there a CGA member among us who could clarify? We did have them, but I didn't know they were required.

Oh, one other thing: They "inspected" our dinghy, even though it was bagged in the aft cabin.

Bill

ps: She still looks great in a bikini. My Speedo is in the back of my underwear drawer, permanently stowed.

**Easy Rider** · 10-21-2018, 01:54 PM

ps: She still looks great in a bikini. My Speedo is in the back of my underwear drawer, permanently stowed.

Good thing! (Your Speedo I mean)

**Administrator** · 10-21-2018, 02:54 PM

Chuck, you have NO IDEA.....

Bill

**Al Schober** · 10-21-2018, 08:31 PM

The other plaque they were looking for was probably the garbage discharge plaque. No discharge of such and such within so many miles/furlongs/yards of shore.

**sastanley** · 10-21-2018, 10:49 PM

Bill, I have never been boarded here...interesting you were. The other plaque now required is the "trash" one.

**sdemore** · 10-22-2018, 12:04 AM

I've been told that once I have everything together, I should have the CG Auxiliary do an inspection. When finished, they give a sticker that goes on your mast to show you did it, and that is supposed to help keep the regular Coast Guard inspectors attraction levels down.

And yes, just talking about paperwork. I have books that tell me the legally required things, but not things like Tow Boat insurance rider with the policy and telephone numbers.

**joe_db** · 10-22-2018, 09:45 AM

Originally posted by sdemore View Post

I've been told that once I have everything together, I should have the CG Auxiliary do an inspection. When finished, they give a sticker that goes on your mast to show you did it, and that is supposed to help keep the regular Coast Guard inspectors attraction levels down.

And yes, just talking about paperwork. I have books that tell me the legally required things, but not things like Tow Boat insurance rider with the policy and telephone numbers.

You will find the USCG very uninterested in sailboats. They have only been aboard my boat once, that was after a hurricane when we were stuck with dead batteries (cases cracked in the storm) and a ripped main. They came out and got the main to send ashore for repairs

and wrote us up for not having a "don't dump oil" sticker

They tried to board us about 300 miles east of Norfolk once at night when we were rail down with a triple-reefed main and storm jib. I got them to go away by mentioning anyone trying to come aboard in winds gusting to 50 was risking their life and maybe a calmer day would be better

**ndutton** · 10-22-2018, 10:00 AM

I carry the USCG Navigation Rules book. I think I'm correct that it is a USCG requirement to have on board for vessels 39 feet and greater but local reports suggest boarding inspections are requiring it regardless of boat length.

And yes, two placards. Oil discharge and trash/dunnage, etc.