Homeland security, was...Re: [Cal_Boats] made in china(Chirs)

Chris, Does it say anything about "beware of USCG patrol boats steaming at high speed that may accidentally run over you while its driver is texting messages on his cell phone"? I suppose you heard about the USCG Patrol boat that did just that in San Diego during some sort of boat parade, or air show, I forget exactly what the occasion, it happened some months ago; a small boat was run down, run over, and an 8 year old child died. Long live our secure homeland! May all our enemies' bombs be duds. Jerry P.S. Also, it should say, if you are a skipper who is bearded with a big nose, it is inadvisable to protect your head from the sun by draping a towel over the top of your head if you are entering a marina. I got chased down and boarded by a coastguard inflatable while doing just that, two years ago, upon return, via Catalina [Puma] Island from out annual Outlaw Regatta. Yeah the guys were very polite and businesslike, and a good time was had by all. Two weeks ago, coming into port in the dark and hazy thick overcast at 9:30 PM we had a high speed patrol boat zoom up and look us over from about 100 yds, although I think it may have been something to do with the El Segundo off the beach oil port security. We had our nav lights on, but when we put two flashlights up on our sails it seemed to satisfy their curiosity. We held out course towards the 2ES Buouy which is 50 yards from the first tanker mooring buoy. Best thing is the platoon of seals on board the buoys which sound off with brays and barks as you approach, to warn you of the hazard~! We had a cabin cruiser T bone one of them in the dark a few yeas ago, speeding back from Catalina in the dark, one woman aboard stayed aboard, below near the V berth (may have been injured?) and went down with her, while others aboard jumped off and were rescued. --- On Mon, 9/20/10, chris123 <ch… [at] gmail.com> wrote: From: chris123 <ch… [at] gmail.com> Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] made in china To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, September 20, 2010, 6:26 PM From a non American flagged vessel's perspective; 1. Do not go anywhere near a US naval vessel. 500m minimum....and then wave like tourists when passing. Do not take pictures 2. If there are channel restrictions, don't enter the channel. They are very concerned about non US flagged vessels. 3. If approached by coastguard, follow all instructions (they will hail you and tell you what to do) and inform all crew to stay on deck with hands clearly visible. No contact, no opinions, no talking other then accepting direction from the skipper without questions. Same drill as for a man over board drill. 4. If approached by a speeding USCG vessel off in the distance or a police boat, simply heave too if safe to do so otherwise remain on course, You will be advised as to how to proceed. 5. Never had a bad experience with coasties. Always polite and very professional. Never ran into a police boat on me travels. For non US Flagged Vessels, always ensure that all documentation is correct and in place (easy for me to thanks to the previous owner) and its recommended that the vessel is inspected by the coastguard auxillary to get pre approved from a USCG safety perspective with appropriate decal attached. It avoid boarding and inspection for non US flagged vessels. Finally make sure your customs documents are in place, one of I-68, Nexus, Cruising Permit or Clearance (export) Permit issued by any Customs House in the USA. Only one of the four is required, If you have a VHF, best to have a license for it even though its not required in US waters. It is however in non US water so Coasties may ask for it pending on your flag. As said they (USCG) are very professional but understandably more thorough on non US flagged vessels. /ch