Cruise Ship TSA Distance

[flagold]

I was just talking to a friend who told me of a boat captain that got in all kinds of trouble for getting to close to one of the cruise ships down in Miami. Questioned by the TSA, the whole bit. I'm a 100 ton master -- never heard of such a thing or regulation -- don't know the details -- does anyone here? Is there a rule about small boats and cruise ships in the general test I missed? Is there a distance we must now stay away from them and what is it -- 500 ft?

If it helps anyone, some good tips:

http://www.firstboat.schoolreference.com/stolen-boats-missing-motor-sail.html

[Larry H]

Try this link.
http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/public/pubframe.htm

[flagold]

Thanks Larry:

I guess this is what's up:

• ? Have you seen...  

Have you seen any of the following activities when you are on the water?
? People appearing to be engaged in surveillance of any kind (note taking, shooting video/photos, making sketches, or asking questions).
? Unattended vessels or vehicles in unusual locations.
? Lights flashing between boats.
? Unusual diving activity.
? Unusual number of people onboard.
? Unusual night operations.
? Recovering or tossing items into/onto the waterway or shoreline.
? Operating in or passing through an area that does not typically have such activity.
If so, call 800-424-8802 or 877-24WATCH.  And, of course, you can always dial 911.  For more in-depth information on America's Waterway Watch, click www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/AWW_Website/what1.htm.
[Posted: 3 February 2005.  Source: Barbara Rhoades, BC-ASP]

What “suspicious activity” should I look for?

Be aware of suspicious activity, particularly near the locations above, including...
• People appearing to be engaged in surveillance of any kind (note taking, shooting video/photos, making sketches, or asking questions).
• Unattended vessels or vehicles in unusual locations.
• Lights flashing between boats.
• Unusual diving activity.
• Unusual number of people onboard.
• Unusual night operations.
• Recovering or tossing items into/onto the waterway or shoreline.
• Operating in or passing through an area that does not typically have such activity.
more "Suspicious Activities" >>

What “suspicious activity” should I look for?

(Continued...)
• Fishing/hunting in locations not typically used for those activities.
• Missing fencing or lighting near sensitive locations.
• Anchoring in an area not typically used for anchorage.
• Transfer of people or things between ships or between ship and shore outside of port.
• Anyone operating in an aggressive manner.
• Individuals establishing businesses or roadside food stands near sensitive locations.
• Small planes flying over critical locations.
• People attempting to buy or rent fishing or recreational vessels with cash for short-term, undefined use.
----------------------------------------------------------
or the item on 500 yards from Naval vessels (but I'm talking about a cruise-ship).

I guess it all fits now -- I took a Whaler Montauk up the Weeki Wachee here in Fl a few weeks ago at night, only to be greeted by 1/2 dozen residents and then the Sheriff wanting to know what I was doing . . . Before 9-11 I'd gone up it thousands of times night fishing -- oh well . . .

A new world.

[Byrdman]

FLAGOLD: Well, one of my dreams is to mill about smartly and have my dinner in front of the Statue of Liberty on MY OWN boat.... but our new world may...or may not permit it. We need not forget that not everyone likes the freedoms we have...HERE.. Remember the USS Cole.. Here is a refresher...as we often forget. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing

And, if you have not listened to the news...even in the sand box now, they are starting to strick targets...that we Americans would ENJOY...an ice cream parlor.. So, not too far fetched to plug a nice boat load of for the most part, American loaded cruise ship...right prior to it undocking or pulling anchor and heading out... when everyone is on board and the ship is basically helpless.

Getting off my box now. I too love all our freedoms, but, keep a much more watchful eye out..... Thank God I was given the gift of being born American. Byrdman....

[flagold]

I'll keep a sharp eye out for any picture taking, video making, night camping . . . oops -- I guess I have to turn all of you in.

Wasn't planning on attacking the Navy in the Montauk -- haven't seen them in the Weeki Wachee lately (about 30 feet wide).

Relax -- nobody attacking the flag here . . .