Coasties targeting Friday Harbor?

Yeah almost everyone cut the corner leaving everet just past the light at the end of the rock wall. Most days it's not a problem. 6 to 10 on the low tide. But you throw out a minus 3 and you can seperate the boaters from the boat owners. And yes I have ran a ground once and only once. but I was man enough to get out and push, that and the wife made me.
 
One can find them working most days especially the weekends and early in the season. You are correct about cutting that corner, it get pretty skinny water there. Sometimes I just sit at the top of the ramp for pure entertainment! With 14 lanes going one is bound to get a laugh.
 
Well the laughs or the domestics. The guy next to us on haul out last week kept yelling at his dad or father-in-law in front of everyone. And I mean YELLING! Apparently, the poor old guy backing the trailer down wasn't getting near enough to the dock for the youngster. I almost suggested he walk up and back the truck down himself if it's so easy, but my wife talked me out of it. Idiot.
 
I rarely see any law enforcement in the San Juans, and I've never been pulled over. Several years ago we were going from Decatur Island to Roche Harbor to get breakfast and noticed that at least one USCG Safe Boat was escorting every ferry. When we got to Roche the TV was on in the cafe displaying the CNN coverage of the London subway bombings. Besides that morning we rarely see law enforcement. Occasionally I'll see a 39 foot, four engined Customs and Border Patrol Midnight Express or a Coast Guard boat, but they never cause me any trouble.

Lake Washington is a whole different deal, however. Every time I go out I see a Mercer Island Police Boat (31 feet and triple 250 Verados seem overkill for the lake...) pulling people over. Rarely have I been pulled over on the lake, and when I have they have asked for nothing more than to see enough life jackets for all the passengers.
 
No doubt there be plenty of folk in all endeavors that need protection from themselves and others from them, but not all of us who like to avoid this forced professional government protection fit in that catagory and I appreciate any heads up or help in their avoidance. Personally whether its an on duty Ranger, cop or Coastquard ect who wants to check me out for whatever reason I will avoid them if at all possible. This is just one among many reasons I prefer to boat or explore by other means where mainly self reliance quards you from yourself or harm to others plus I will freely admit I've always had a streak of rebelliousness against most any government authority trying to protect me from myself.

Not saying they aren't needed or others are wrong in enjoying their visits and company and all they represent. Infact I am presently drawing Volunteer Fireman Retirement and graduated from the Mendocino County, California, Sheriffs Academy where afterwords I worked several years as a reserve deputy. Liked the helping and protecting of others while serving but disliked the enforcement side. Also had two sons serve in the Coastquard of which my eldest died while serving at the age of 22.

Jay
 
Due to tides, we put in at around 2pm Sunday Kath a neighbor and I went to Jarrel Cove and tied up to a buoy for a few hours. We enjoyed the small event of seeing a healthy buck enter the cove and swim across right past us.
We then continued to Squaxin Island in the bay on the East shore and put the new windless through its paces.
Next we motored into Budd Inlet and had dinner at the Hearthfire grill and departed at dusk. As we were pulling out with nav lights a glow and everything in ship shape, the harbor patrol pulled up behind us and off to the side. I was really wishing they would leave us alone as we needed the remaining light even with the spot in order to get back to Zittles.
The skipper had ice tea with supper so no issue there and I had my new vessel inspection sticker in place. After 300 yards or so they passed on the exercise. I attribute this to the sticker and the clear fact that the Capital Sea was being safely operated even though we were headed out of post after dark.
Got back to the ramp, pulled the boat and we were home and happy by 10:15pm.
Every day on the water is a good day.
 
Hunkydory":dl5ez8k8 said:
No doubt there be plenty of folk in all endeavors that need protection from themselves and others from them, but not all of us who like to avoid this forced professional government protection fit in that catagory and I appreciate any heads up or help in their avoidance. Personally whether its an on duty Ranger, cop or Coastquard ect who wants to check me out for whatever reason I will avoid them if at all possible. This is just one among many reasons I prefer to boat or explore by other means where mainly self reliance quards you from yourself or harm to others plus I will freely admit I've always had a streak of rebelliousness against most any government authority trying to protect me from myself.

Not saying they aren't needed or others are wrong in enjoying their visits and company and all they represent. Infact I am presently drawing Volunteer Fireman Retirement and graduated from the Mendocino County, California, Sheriffs Academy where afterwords I worked several years as a reserve deputy. Liked the helping and protecting of others while serving but disliked the enforcement side. Also had two sons serve in the Coastquard of which my eldest died while serving at the age of 22.

Jay
Click to expand...

While I can respect and understand your distrust of "big brother" I'm a bit biased in my belief that they provide a valuable service to ALL who are using the waters of Puget Sound etc. Let's face it; it's a VERY different world now and we all have to accept it. I see no problem with marine LE contacting me, making sure I am competent and following the rules etc. The way I look at it, if they stop and contact 100 boats and find one bad guy, they did their job. Most boaters will have nothing to fear like most drivers have nothing to worry about if they follow the rules/laws.

As far as your son goes, I am truly sorry for your loss. My son works in LE and I can't imagine losing him; he's my only offspring and a husband and father. I thank him, and you, for his service and sacrifice.
 
I got pulled over twice the weekend the group was at friday harbor. I have been checked by some one on the water every other time I go out. The only problem I have with it is this. Why don't they have to have a reason to pull me over? They can not pull my car over with out a reason so why does the sheriff get to pull me over on the water with out a reason and board me with out cause? They cant search my house with out a warrant so why do the get to search my second home ( ask my tax lady) with out a warrant. Some are nice and some are ass's but Iam sure that has nothing to do with there job and more to do with them. unless I'm in the act of breaking the law or endangering some one other them my self they should stay away from us altogether
 
It's not so much a distrust of "big brother" as a whole as I know full well we do live in a different world now, but more those few individuals who always seem to find their way to these enforcement agencies who are drawn to the power it gives them and we the general public can be subjected to their abuse of it so if given a heads up or any way to avoid them I will. I believe I stated pretty clearly these agencies are needed and my sons and I have been a part of them in the past so have a pretty good feel for not only the good they do, but the abuse that can and still does take place. This in its self is not the main reason I prefer to avoid them if possible. Its more that my self reliant nature prefers to just avoid them and sees no reason to subject myself to possible enforcement pentalties. The original point of my posting a comment was to let Warren who started this thread know this c-brat appreciates this kind of heads up and as a after thought I suspect others do as well.

As I wish more realized "freedom isn't free" The cost doesn't only come from those that serve and are injured or killed in enforceing the rule of law and our Military protecting us and our government who makes the laws, but the laws themselves though many are necessary they whittle away at the very freedom so many have paid such a high price to protect. As an individual I prefer less protection and more risky freedoom or at least as Tom stated in his case a damm good reason to subject us to their inspection and enforcement.


Jay
 
Tom I don't claim to be an expert and to tell the truth, I'd have to research just why it's different on the water. Basically, the feds can do ALMOST anything they want, enforcement-wise, as regards national security. Local LE is much more limited in it's scope. As to probable cause and it's existence or not on the water, I'd have to do a bunch of research on federal case law, and realistically, I don't have the time
nor inclination or desire. :lol: Perhaps Pat could enlighten us. :? I just do what I have to do out there and I'm obviously VERY respectful of any LE agency that contacts/boards me.

I was just talking about this very issue yesterday, with everyone on the boat; the topic came up in obvious relation to our experience upon launching at Everett. Compared to my LE experience, I didn't have the answers to the questions presented as regards case law, probable cause to board etc. Maybe after my surgery I'll do some research, as I'll probably have some free time on my hands. :roll:
 
The Coast Guard in some ways has much broader authority than state and local law enforcement. They are both a federal military agency and a federal law enforcement agency. Coast guard officers, petty officers, etc. are also designated at U.S. customs officers. In contrast to state and local law enforcement limitations the Coast Guard does not need probable cause to stop, search, detain,etc. most any vessel. Their authority comes from the U.S. federal code, specifically: -- 14 U.S.C. 89 which authorizes the Coast Guard to go onboard any vessel subject to the jurisdiction or operation of any law of the United States, whether on the high seas, or on waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, in order to make inquiries, examinations, inspections, searches, seizures, and arrests for the prevention, detection, and suppression of violations of laws of the U.S. So...they don't need reasonable suspicion or probable cause to contact a vessel. Personally I have no problem with it and am glad they're out there.

Note that this applies to any vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction and on the high seas as well as U.S. waters so foreign vessels are fair game as are all of us.
 
I just did a quick search on google and located the following quotes ......"The Coast Guard has authority to enforce federal boating safety standards, vessel documentation schemes, marine pollution, and fisheries regulations (random regulatory search). To accomplish these inspections, they have authority under 14 USC 89 to go onboard any vessel in US waters and any US vessel on the high seas. Under 14 USC 89, Coast Guardsmen are not mere regulatory officials--they are full blown cops with all the authority of the FBI, Secret Service or ATF to make arrests etc." "So under 14 USC 89 the Coast Guardsman can lawfully board any vessel in US waters since he is not only a cop but a regulatory officer. But once on board he is also a cop so that if in the course of his regulatory inspection he sees, in plain view, some contraband, he can seize it and arrest the crew. Because the Coast Guard has so many regulatory functions, the Coast Guardsman as regulatory inspector can go almost anywhere in the vessel and inspect almost anything. He becomes a Customs Officer or DEA agent, or Border Patrol Officer and seizes the evidence and starts arresting people."

"No other law enforcement officer, federal or state, has such sweeping authority".

"Essentially, what this means is that the Coast Guardman is the only law enforcement officer in America to whom the Fourth Amendment does not apply, at least when he is on a vessel."

(I located this on google by typing in 14 USC 89 and found a three page article labeled "Hot Boating Tip").
 
The original post was regarding "targeting" Friday Harbor. I don't see it so much as "targeting" - it's their particularly duty assignment. Sometimes the CG patrols the opening to the jetties in our area, other days it's the ship channel. If someone in their chain of command feels there is a need, they will be assigned to a particular area. It's not "targeting", it's their job. Yes, it may be an inconvenience when they board your boat (and we've been boarded numerous times), but we've never felt targeted. They are doing their job and you happen to be where they're doing it. Have the proper equipment and paperwork ready, don't have an attitude... they will have done their job and you can be on your way. There isn't a day that goes by when we're on the water that we don't see some idiocy in action - imagine what that would be like without some LE on the water?

I'm glad they're there.

Respectfully,
Jim B.
 
What Dave and Barry found...it is in the dual nature (or more accurately multiple nature) of regulatory functions and LE functions. I found much of the same stuff on Google a long time ago. But I truly never have understood how a statute could give the CG powers that it would be impossible for Congress to give to another LE agency. The Fourth Amendment is a limitation on the power of Congress after all. Until 9/11 federal agencies operated under most of the same contraints that local LE does, and it is only under the emergency powers of the President, even though Congress has passed legislation, that any of the things that would normally violate Fourth Amendment principles, can be justified (and that is a matter of a lot of legal contention, as we all know). I understand CG authority at or near the border, but I sure don't understand it on Lake Washington. The Mercer Island or Seattle Police cannot randomly board vessels like the CG can. But it is very well esablished that the CG has this authority. It is a fact of boating life, and you might was well get used to it.
 
starcrafttom":6nkj2fmc said:
I got pulled over twice the weekend the group was at friday harbor. I have been checked by some one on the water every other time I go out. The only problem I have with it is this. Why don't they have to have a reason to pull me over? They can not pull my car over with out a reason so why does the sheriff get to pull me over on the water with out a reason and board me with out cause? They cant search my house with out a warrant so why do the get to search my second home ( ask my tax lady) with out a warrant. Some are nice and some are ass's but Iam sure that has nothing to do with there job and more to do with them. unless I'm in the act of breaking the law or endangering some one other them my self they should stay away from us altogether
Click to expand...

HERE is a legal explanation of why the Coast Guard does not need a reason to board your boat.

Warren
 
The Coast Guard dose more the board boats'

Don Cherry of Hockey Night in Canada arrives by CG boat to Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI

Hockey Night in Canada pre game http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H39yGwp0h84&feature=related

Hockey Night in Canada Opening http://ballhype.com/video/pre_game_with_ron_maclean_wings_penguins_game_2_hockey/

I also was boarded by the CG this spring for an safety inspection. (I think they were just trying to fill their quota of inspections.) They were very nice and after looking our boat over (we past)and telling how they liked our boat they even joking ask if I would trade them boats. (No I did not trade - can't afford the gas for their boat)
 
Guys I don't have a problem with the coast guard , they are doing their job. I have been boarded by San Juan county, the city of everett , city of seattle and king county all on the salt . I know that the coasties have different rules but why does every cop shop with a blow up raft get to board me? oh I know they need the money to pay for the boat. If the cops cant search my car or pull me over with out cause then why can they Or more to the point CAn they? stop my boat???
 
starcrafttom":2l3n08mx said:
I know that the coasties have different rules but why does every cop shop with a blow up raft get to board me? oh I know they need the money to pay for the boat. If the cops cant search my car or pull me over with out cause then why can they Or more to the point CAn they? stop my boat???
Click to expand...

Excellent question. I suspect that they do it because they can, and the reason they can because no one is willing to be the subject of a test case. Ask your local ACLU and maybe they will take this on.

Warren
 
Tom, I think its your black hair. On top of everything else you are being profiled.

I agree with some of the comments along the lines of this being part of boating.

The line for LE of all agencies has been moved though, and it is not, in my opinion, un American or dis respectful to be reluctant in terms of welcoming these changes or even accepting that they are permanent changes.

We are not just close to the border by virtue of living on the coast but are also close to the common border with Canada. This makes the entire Puget Sound and points North an enforcement emphasis zone. Still, F & W, local Harbor Patrol or any State Police who go past the core mission as they interact with me or those on my vessel will be responding to the director of their agency after they get my letter requesting an explanation. And if I had the frequency of interaction with no cause that you had Tom, my US Senators and Rep would be getting a simular letter.
No point what so ever in being anything less than compliant, but I would collect the names of those in charge of the crew. We owe it to our government to give them feedback and to expect when appropriate an explanation.
 
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