Boating; Fireworks

The fireworks were spectacular. The rain stopped long enough for the show. We sat on 'My 20%' and watched the end of show traffic go over the bridge or sail around Bowditch point. We waited until all the police boats were occupied before leaving for our home dock. We weren't worried because we had two sober people on the boat and the 'Reverend' can actually drive the boat.

We weren't worried but at that time of night we didn't want a hassle. Surely we didn't want to be the third in line to be 'inspected.' Since we've partnered up on the 40 footer we have always had an Courtesy Marine Safety exam by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. That little sticker can save a lot of time when the U.S. Coast Guard stops you for a safety inspection.

It's a ruse. They want to get on your boat so they can look for contraband such as alcohol, drugs or drunken boat drivers. The sticker should satisfy the law enforcement person about the basic reason for the stop, safety equipment but if they really want to come aboard they can. The biggest benefit of the Auxiliary exam is the exam itself. The inspecting officers have the sharpest eyes and they'll perform a mini-survey on your boat.

We send the exam paper work to our insurance company and we haven't had a price rise in years. If you think it's a pain, it isn't. They will come to your dock or to a launch ramp. The exam takes between 15 minutes for my 22 footer to 45 minutes for a large boat like our Jersey. We've never passed with flying colors, there is always some little thing that trips us up. Most of the time we can address the issue immediately.

We got home without a problem and were fast asleep soon after. Nice to keep her on the dead end canal at a friends dock. Aren't sure if there was a D.U.I. check point on the roads but I suspect there were.

Boatguy Ed (boatguiEd@aol.com) is the manufacturer of the worlds BEST anti-fouling bottom paint, www.supershipbottom.com. TWEET me @boatguyed and a corresponding web site is http://www.boatingbyboatguyed.com/........ NEVER, EVER TRY TO BUY HIM A DRINK!

This blog/column is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. Do not read while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment.

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Anonymous said…
Great
July 7, 2013 at 2:17 PM
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