Required to present ID in boardings?

[jsc7]

Concerning US coast guard "behavior".

(1) will they demand "ID" from whoever they think is the captain?

(2) will they demand "ID" from passengers?

(3) what do they do if the person they think is the captain is unwilling or unable to produce "ID"?

(4) do they care if the "ID" of the supposed captain does not match the name on the registration of the vessel? what do they do if there is no match? what do they do if the vessel is registered to a corporate or company entity?

(5) if an "ID" is of an unexpected type, like foreign passport, foreign drivers license, mickey mouse club membership card, etc, how do they react?

(6) are there fixed "regulations" that are published which define their behavior, or do they make it up as they go along?

[Kenomac]

Having been boarded several times in Los Angeles Harbor by the Coast Guard, Homeland Security and the LA Police, I can tell you with 100% certainty... they will require you to produce a proper ID and boat documentation papers. Probably not for the crew or visitors, but definitely for the guy or gal behind the wheel. And if you happen to have a firearm onboard (and they will find it), you'd better have all your ducks in line.

Each time boarded, I had a loaded short barrel shotgun onboard; the very first thing I offered up was the location of the gun and the fact is was loaded with one in the chamber. The officials had no problems with this, but they did conduct a complete inspection and background check while onboard which took around 45 minutes.

FYI: Keep your hands out of your pockets while the officials are aboard. No kidding.

Regarding your other concerns: The officals are genuinely nice people just doing their job, but don't expect them to have a sense of humor or accept any of your excuses.