Interesting Experience With The Coast Guard Aux. (North Port: appointed, for sale)

[mktobob]

Without going into great detail about my experience with the local CG Aux. here in North Port this week, I can tell you that I am very disappointed with the volunteer who checked out my boat while it was parked in our harbor.
My past experiences have been great, but this guy chewed me up one side and down the other because of the way the registration numbers were applied to the bow by the previous owner. There was not a space between the letters and numbers. I know that's the law but this guy made a federal offense out of it to the point that the four of us didn't even feel like taking the boat out for our maiden voyage. The two ladies with us actually felt threatened by his aggressiveness. I welcome the inspection, but the attitude I can do without.
Please tell me this is an isolated incident and not the norm. If this is some new way of doing business for a great organization, my boat will be for sale next week.
Your experiences?

[wpc691]

Didn't know the CG Aux could stop you. I've never run into them, but have been stopped by the Sheriff's Marine boat a couple of times - both times super polite, and no problems. Sounds like you ran into one of those pita's who thinks he's on a Seal mission - a lot of them also work for TSA.

[SJNE17]

Sad. Yet so true.

Don't forget the part time job working as mall security--err, excuse me, Asset Protection Specialist.

Originally Posted by wpc691

Sounds like you ran into one of those pita's who thinks he's on a Seal mission - a lot of them also work for TSA.

[Messing About]

Doubt they pulled him over, as they don't have LE powers and likely wouldn't expose themselves to the danger that can accompany the "traffic stop". More likely that they approached him when he was parked and asked if he'd like a free safety check. The auxiliary has a minimum level of these they are expected to perform, but only with boater consent.

Sounds like you got a guy who doesn't live up to their CGA standards of customer service. Too bad. Most are good guys but many of the older fellas can get a bit assertive, to say the least. He would have had to sign your form. Would recommend you call the local chapter and share your story. They'd want to know.

[HarborRat]

In 7 years here I've only had 1 encounter with the marine po-po. He pulled up to my boat and asked if I caught anything. I said I didn't even bring a rod with me. He asked me to open the cooler and then asked if I had registration paperwork. I said yes and went into the waterproof box for the reg card and before I could open it he said "no problem, have a nice day" and took off. Never even boarded. I don't mind a little "harassment" like that, but if it got to be a regular thing I'd get annoyed. Many times I am the only boat in eyesight in the harbor and I would be an easy target, but for the most part they leave me alone and just wave as they go by.

Bob, I think you just got a little unlucky that day. They are usually pretty cool.

[PatSea]

I am a certified Vessel Examiner with the U.S. Power Squadron, and we perform the same exam as the USCG Aux. The exams are totally voluntary and we have no law enforcement authority. We do it as a service to the boating public. The behavior you describe is not typical and certainly not the way the exam should be done.
Proper display of state registration numbers on the hull has gained a lot more importance to authorities in recent years. When we encounter an item not in compliance we are taught to explain the requirement to the boater. But it's totally up to the boater to take action to correct. I do vessel exams because I've been boating my entire life and this is a way I can give back to my fellow boaters. For me it's a fun time to shoot the breeze with fellow fishermen and boaters. I'm sorry you ran into someone with this attitude.

[mktobob]

Good comments fellas. I just had a Rambo guy that doesn't play well with others. I have a call in to his superior because I know the group does great work and I don't want this guy ruining it for everyone. It's sad because sone of the other guys that live in our community have asked if he has approached me yet. They all have stories to tell but mine appears to have the most aggressive overtones associated with the confrontation.
In my 42 years of managing people I have yet to run into a person like this.
PatSea. Thanks for the great service you provide!

[MikMal]

Some people, and thankfully it's a small percentage, just get drunk with the uniform and authority. Respect my authority! Not an excuse, but simply an observation. I've seen it in all professions from police and firefighters to school crossing guards, and yes, some in the CGAux.
All in all I give the CGAux a thumbs up for the service they do...completely volunteer and they perform more than just the boat inspections (which are voluntary on the part of the boat owner) and Search and Rescue. They also assist the "regular" Coast Guard with inspection of navigation aids (i.e. Channel Markers), hazardous spill response, and so on.

[mktobob]

Great points MikMal. Two thumbs up to the CG Aux!

[Messing About]

You think maybe I could get the auxiliary to volunteer to come help me hook up my VHF to GPS? It's a safety thing, right?