Hey can we look at your boat

Do you mind if we look at your boat? When it comes from a Coast Guard boat that has pulled up next to you, you know it's not really a question.

Erie Coast Guard station

As we entered the Erie Basin we were focused on getting to our next marina before the fuel dock closed at 6. It was 5:30 and the marina was still 15 minutes away. We noticed a couple of
Coast Guard boats on the way out of the basin.  They looked like they were headed to the home base that we just past. I guess quitting time was 6:00 and they figured they had time to conduct one more random search and since we looked like smugglers with all the fuel and water stored on the deck, Lesson Plan was as good as any.

I turned around to check for traffic behind me and saw the blue flashing light on the Coast Guard boat coming up behind us. Since the channel was fairly wide at this point it was obvious that they were "pulling us over". They pulled up beside us and asked: "When was the last time you were boarded by the Coast Guard?"  I said: "Never".  "We would like to look at your boat and inspect it for safety."

We would like to look at your boat?!?!!

I have never been boarded by the coast guard and didn't know what to expect, so my stomach was doing flips.  I was pretty sure I had everything in order, but did I miss anything.  My thoughts were running a mile a minute.  What if I forgot about something and they impound the boat (I learned from my daughter to always imagine the worst).  I have read the stories about how difficult the Coast Guard can be to deal with.

They of course wanted to know if we had life jackets, check.  Do you have any firearms on board? We do not.  Do you have the documentation on the boat.  I whipped out my binder with all my info, documentation certificate, insurance, etc. etc.
Do you have flares?  Uhhhh my flares are expired but I have this flashing light and an EPIRB. Oh well you are good you don't need flares if you have that light. (big sigh of relief).
We need to inspect your bilges to make sure you are safe out here and not taking on water.  Say what, but whatever, I am not hiding drugs in the bilge, look to your hearts content.

Engine "room"  Oil placard on right side

Next they wanted to see the oil placard in the "engine room".  Remember the overheating situation from a few days ago. I haven't taken the opportunity to clean up the antifreeze that boiled over and spilled into the pan, so I pulled the steps back just far enough for him to see the placard and quickly closed it.  The pan under the engine is spic and span clean now.

Next they wanted to wanted to see the garbage placard.  I know I have one, crap, where is it, let me think.  No that's not it, uhhhhh, oh boy.  Is it in the head, no.  WAIT it's on the cabinet door under the sink. Another big sigh of relief.

Last question, have you taken a safe boating course.  Why yes I have.  I have taken the Boat US safety course, I have the certificate if you need to see it, no that's ok (they probably saw it flipping through my notebook), but had to ask anyway.  I didn't tell them I have a 50 ton USCG license, I figured it would lead to another set of questions.

It is a good thing they didn't notice the lens missing from the bow navigation light.  We noticed it the day before in Buffalo, but the West Marine there did not have one in stock. (I found one in Port Clinton, OH and have now replaced the light.)

Overall, they were very cordial and easy to deal with.  I am glad to know Lesson Plan is up to snuff with her safety equipment.  They gave us a report that they said should be good for at least six months, in case we are boarded again.

Check out the map for more pictures (click on the way point and then the link).

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