Water cop update

[Aquah0lic]

I have been giving this matter serious consideration and I have decided to chalk this one up to experience.

My reasoning is, there were alot of cops there and it's all of their's words against mine. I really don't have proof of much except for the damage to my boat, which could have happened anywhere, anytime. My lack of evidence along with my desire to waste no more of my life persueing them and the fear of being added to some 'good ole boy' blacklist resulting in repeated harrassment, makes me think I should just get on with my cruise. I know, they win. But I'm in Florida now enjoying the sun, so I win.

However, lessons have been learned and I will handle things much differently next time. I learned alot reading that thread along with the links and I feel like I'm far less ignorant about my rights now.

I want to thank everyone for their contributions to the thread and general concern for a fellow cruiser.

[Morgan Paul]

Good move.

I know, they win. But I'm in Florida now enjoying the sun, so I win.

That says it all man. Have fun .

[David M]

It sounds like you have a very healthy attitude about it.

[bella]

My favorite comment when I have a situtation that just is over the top and irritates me is to either look the perp in the eye or mentally say to myself..

"Ya know buckwheat, when you are up here freezing your posterior off up here in the frozen north... I will be IN the bahamas, wearing flipflops and having a mojito in
sunny 70 degree weather.. have a great day.!!"

ps.... buckwheat is my new word for jerk/dip. does not refer to race creed or morning cereal eaten..

[hellosailor]

"contributions to the thread"
What thread is that? Yours appears as msg#1 here, nothing to refer to.

[TaoJones]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

"contributions to the thread"
What thread is that? Yours appears as msg#1 here, nothing to refer to.

Read this thread, hs:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ice-23399.html

TaoJones

[MarkJ]

One of the few people in the world I hate is a pathetic cretin however the pea-brain had one good idea.... The police rolled up to the door and he was able to put the video camera out of view but recording and watching what the police did.

When the police officer said a few naughty things the cop was on toast.

All I can say is if you are boarded try to get a camera going!

Mark

[nonam]

Hey Mark,is it against the law to photograph/record boardings in Australia?

[Wotname]

Depends on who you ask? Customs says it is. Police pretend it is. Some legal eagles say it isn't. I have never found any law that says it is illegal but there could be one that does.

There is also a bit of a debate as to who can board (and when) in Australia. Especially as each body (police, customs, fisheries, navy) has different rules but often pretend they can do whatever they like. One thing we don't have is USCG type organisation (yet).

I could go one but already I am drifting this thread - sorry .

[shadow]

Originally Posted by nonam

Hey Mark,is it against the law to photograph/record boardings in Australia?

I hope not!!! I think they may have the right to not be recorded on a public street, which is debatable. But, on your private property, you should be able to record anything you want. Some areas may require that you state that they may be recorded.

Hopefully, someone with local OZ law knowledge will chime in.

Hate to hear and know that the cops can record you without your permission but "they" can't be recorded. They need to be reminded that they are there to uphold the law, not be ABOVE it!!!

[Patient]

The best revenge is living well. Glad to see the entire ordeal is past you.

If possible, maybe you should consider writing out an outline of how you handled the ordeal and how others may benefit from what learned from the entire experience.

[gonesail]

hey welcome to Florida ... hope the cops treat you better here in the sunshine state.

[Amgine]

Congratulations on your decision, Aqua.

Your experience is, unfortunately, not unique. It's why despite being such a great destination in so many other ways, the USA is generically anathema to non-US cruisers. The hassle factor is often intolerable.

Heck, I sail a US registered boat between the US and Canada, and plan to export it to Canada solely to eliminate the hassle factor of US customs.

[hellosailor]

"Heck, I sail a US registered boat between the US and Canada, and plan to export it to Canada solely to eliminate the hassle factor of US customs."

There's the problem, USC&I know that a US "registration" must be a forgery, we have no national registration for boats. But ignoring that, do pray tell how you think have a Canadian-flagged vessel is going to make your passage through USC&I any easier?

Coming in as a foreigner, you'll have less rights than as a citizen. If that's possible. At least if you're a US citizen you can always tell them "Look, if you don't let me back in, I can't file my taxes on time, and you can bet I'm going to tell the IRS who stopped me from filing my tax returns!

There are, after all, some people and agencies that even Customs fears.<G>

[S/V Mother Ocean]

I emailed this to the charlston newspaper. If they contact you , you should let them invesgate it and expose them.

Dan