Thread: boat inspection by the coast guard

I always stop to help someone if I realize they need assistance whether I'm in an "official" boat or in my own fishing boat. Reason being, I've been that guy in the other boat before, or in that other vehicle that won't start or is stuck in the mud etc. etc. etc. It sure is a good feeling to have someone stop to help.

Originally Posted by MOPanfisher

I always stop to help someone if I realize they need assistance whether I'm in an "official" boat or in my own fishing boat. Reason being, I've been that guy in the other boat before, or in that other vehicle that won't start or is stuck in the mud etc. etc. etc. It sure is a good feeling to have someone stop to help.

Same here .
I have towed other boats to the ramp and have been towed . I have helped folks out who were having difficulty launching or landing their boat .

I have a hand-held Radio-Shack radio I think I'll put in the glove box. I wonder if the rationale for the radio is for weather reports or for communication to others in case of emergency? My hand-held has a weather-radio capability I have listened to for threatening weather reports.

The emergency bands on VHF near most larger bodies of water are monitored by law enforcement. Doesn't mean they gonna answer you if you ask for a radio check, but its nice to have a radio on board since they may be able to communicate with you in the event of an emergency.

Even if they do not monitor, they might try to hail you via VHF if you are overdue or reported missing. You can pick up hand help 4 watt marine VHFs for 100 bucks or less. And the weather alerts are nice to have.

I pulled an older couple off a stump in Cedar Creek 10 days or so ago. I would want someone to help me.

A couple of quick comments.

1- I have a VHF radio on my boat. Although it is not working now, when it was functional there was no one in Kansas to talk to! It seems VHFs are not big on the KS lakes. I had it because I fished the Gulf. It got a little outdated a few years ago and I just left it on the boat, instead of taking it off after every trip, and it just conked out. I will replace it before my next trip to the Gulf. Do many folks on the Missouri side use VHF?

2-I may be an old fart, but when I was growing up I learned that when you are out on the water and someone else needs help that you are OBLIGATED to help unless you have to put your life or property in danger. I realize that times have changed but that was an unwritten rule that should not have changed. Maybe that was just because I was born and raised on an island

Originally Posted by psilvers

A couple of quick comments.


2-I may be an old fart, but when I was growing up I learned that when you are out on the water and someone else needs help that you are OBLIGATED to help unless you have to put your life or property in danger. I realize that times have changed but that was an unwritten rule that should not have changed. Maybe that was just because I was born and raised on an island

I'm probably a young fart (30) compared to you then, but I was raised the same way. Especially on the misssissippi.

I know I've towed or jumped several folks on the water that I wouldn't normally give the time of day.

slabho

I've been a water bug since I was an infant, and have always owned several boats. So I've been the Tow-er and the Tow-ee more times than I can count, I've had shear pins and tools in my boat when other folks have needed them, and I've borrowed tools, parts, (and even a spare prop) before when I was in a pinch. I always figure do unto others as you would have them do unto you... and karma has a way of coming back around.

Don't have a radio in my boats, but in most of the places we fish nowadays, a cell phone is sufficient.

Gentlemen, as SPORTSMEN that's what we do. No discussion ever to the contrary.

Sounds like the CG AUX checked you. On inland waters a radio is not required however they do like you to carry your cell phone.
Now the great lakes is a different story. You will NOT launch without the sticker. And you WILL have a marine radio, horn, flairs(hand held not a flair gun), If you take a flair GUN into Canadian water's its a hefty fine, also tow ropes, pfd's and bilge pumps, first aid kit, fire extinguisher in the boat to receive the sticker. And yes the extinguisher must be mounted.