Fl law require probable cause to board.

[scuba0_1]

Workman wants FWC to stop hassling boaters

Possible New fl law will require probable cause to stop and board us. This would be great.
Please thank Rep. Ritch Workman fl.


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[natraps116]

A good start, I was pulled over 3 times in two months for "safety inspections" in ft Lauderdale

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[hellosailor]

Out of curiousity...has anyone complaining had a USCGAux safety sticker on their boat?
That's usually been interpreted, even by overzealous locals, as "Go 'way son, you'll get more money from somebody else".


Good PR for an elected politician in an election year, though.

[Perstarebob]

My opinion , any bill submitted this late in the session and not on the Speakers priority list will never see the light of day ! This is old tactic by house members to satisfy a constituency . Check with the Tampa Bay Buzz !

[Boatguy30]

I actually thought this had been litigated in the keys some years back and they DID need probable cause already, but the desire to check the holding tank was deemed probable cause.


Was written about in Southwinds. Doubt any new law would change CG boardings.

[FSMike]

There is a difference between being stopped and having the FWC actually board your boat. Probable cause has been required for the latter unless things have changed.

[reed1v]

Probable cause is not much more than "what was your excuse" for searching a boat. Easy as saying "erratic" behavior or an "anonymous" complaint. True for boats, cars, and even public transportation. Yes, an inspection sticker might help but a better idea is to display your Power Squadron decal. Or just sail an expensive boat like a Hinckley. Otherwise your fair game.

An acquaintance in the IT industry has various "go-pro" type cams on board with little blinking red lights, topside and down below. Been approached but never been stopped. This in Miami. Of course his "Your now on YouTube" signs probably help. Who wants to botch a search with several million folks watching?

[Cheechako]

Then again...... you can shoot someone 16 times who is walking away from you and be cleared of any wrong doing based on "probable cause"....

[WindwardPrinces]

Originally Posted by natraps116

A good start, I was pulled over 3 times in two months for "safety inspections" in ft Lauderdale

Was this before or after you went to Cuba?

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Then again...... you can shoot someone 16 times who is walking away from you and be cleared of any wrong doing based on "probable cause"....

"Justice" is another name for Probability

[alansmith]

Windward, go wash out your mouth right now. That was cold, dude!

[Rough Magic]

I guess whether you think of these stops as invading your space, or protecting lives and the country from some self styled martyr is really a mind set. I live by the Port of Los Angeles, have been stopped by the Coast Guard three or four times in ten years, and have been the guest on other boats that have been stopped. Always courteous and polite. They have the right to board any boat for any reason at any time in US waters. I don't like the inconvience, but I'm glad they do it. I sleep better at night.

[LEOCAT66]

The Coast Guard, stands head and shoulders above the Florida Water Cops. Have encountered both. These two Agencies have a very different approach an have a totally different agenda, and it shows through attitude. No violations here just approached, quizzed, and on our way. As I understand the law, only the CG can board without permission of the Captain.

If this congress person is sincere I applaud him. Hopefully it cannot hurt, for with a bit of stroke he will at least receive some attention, and apparently already has.

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by Rough Magic

I guess whether you think of these stops as invading your space, or protecting lives and the country from some self styled martyr is really a mind set. I live by the Port of Los Angeles, have been stopped by the Coast Guard three or four times in ten years, and have been the guest on other boats that have been stopped. Always courteous and polite. They have the right to board any boat for any reason at any time in US waters. I don't like the inconvience, but I'm glad they do it. I sleep better at night.

Guess you never had your boat rammed by a cc nor had your granddaughter shoved aside as the stormtroopers wanted to check out her teddy bear? Or some friends of color who were detained for 12 hours because they did not have "proof" they were really us citizens. Embarrassiing because the white crew were not asked to prove anything. Even worse, the friends were fellow surgeons at Walter Reed Hospital.

Nope, only bad experiences with these para military types. Very soviet.

[WindwardPrinces]

Originally Posted by alansmith

Windward, go wash out your mouth right now. That was cold, dude!

My apologies -- I didn't really mean it to be.