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nickkutzko · 02-12-2009, 16:50

i was just wondering if i was going from the east coast of canada into int'l waters down to the caribean can i be stopped in int'l waters. Also when im in the caribean can i be stopped by the USGC, dont they just have jurisdiction in american waters. Also what would be the best method for avoiding detection from a route from canada to the caribean. this is all hypothetical of course

Quickstep · 02-12-2009, 16:55

Be stopped by who? Somali pirates?

**skipmac** · 02-12-2009, 17:02

Back during prohibition the US gov passed a law called the hovering vessels act which asserted their "right" to board any vessel that might be involved in smuggling liquor to the US. That law was used extensively during the 70s and 80s to justify boarding vessels at sea that "might" be involved in smuggling drums into the US and now using it for anti terrorist actions. This has included vessels far offshore in international waters.

Not sure if the US applies this to non US flagged vessels or not but think they do if you are off the US coast. Also not sure if this is strictly legal under international law but who has the clout to take the US gov to court over the issue?

So, yes, it could happen.

Mark Zarley · 02-12-2009, 17:06

If you are totally above board why would you worry about the CSG or any other law enforcement agency ? Sounds like you have other issues.

DaveOnCudjoe · 02-12-2009, 17:12

Quote:

Also what would be the best method for avoiding detection from a route from canada to the caribean. this is all hypothetical of course

Hide in plain sight. Do what any cruiser carribean bound would do. Dave

MarkJ · 02-12-2009, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickkutzko

what would be the best method for avoiding detection from a route from canada to the caribean. this is all hypothetical of course

Camouflage trousers, Che Guevara T-Shirt, Sombrero and cigar. Have Cheech and Chong playing loudly on the stereo.

Chief Engineer · 02-12-2009, 17:16

What are you smuggling...Newfies?

**Ex-Calif** · 02-12-2009, 17:18

Maybe I am just overly paranoid but the internet is a pretty public place and I would guess that by posting the question on how to approach and pass US waters undetected you are probably already on a watch list.

I'd continue to be a good boy and keep it all hypothetical if I were you.

BTW - Welcome to CF!

**skipmac** · 02-12-2009, 17:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

What are you smuggling...Newfies?

Ok, so I'm a bumpkin from the south and have no idea. What's a Newfie?

cal40john · 02-12-2009, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipmac

Ok, so I'm a bumpkin from the south and have no idea. What's a Newfie?

Vasco · 02-12-2009, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Camouflage trousers, Che Guevara T-Shirt, Sombrero and cigar. Have Cheech and Chong playing loudly on the stereo.

Cheech and Chong don't have any music. Good DVD's though. Like wow!! Maybe Doors. Jim Morrison.

Sailor954 · 02-12-2009, 17:32

I'm retired law enforcement.
The USCG has the authority to board ANY vessel, at any time, for any or little reason, in US waters.
In International or foreign waters, the rules are different. If you're a US flagged vessel,, they can still board you, pretty much anytime they want and you are still under their jurisdiction.
If you're not a US flagged vessel, they can not board you in foreign waters unless there's a treaty with the host country that allows for this.
In International waters, they can still board you if for whatever reason they feel you're suspicious. Broad authority here but that's the way it is.
Bottom line, as with all law enforcement situations,, it's never a good idea to get confrontational with them. They will always win and then you'll have to explain yourself to a less than simpathetic judge. Better to co-operate and if necessary, make your case in court later.

**Ex-Calif** · 02-12-2009, 17:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vasco

Cheech and Chong don't have any music. Good DVD's though. Like wow!! Maybe Doors. Jim Morrison.

What! How about this classic...

I hate my ol' lady cuz she tell me how to live
dada dant dada dant dant dant dah
I didn't listen to her cuz my mind is like a sieve
dada dant dada dant dant dant dah...
...I'm so (filthy) rich and I only know 3 chords - Yaaaah!