Being boarded by the United States Coast Guard can be an intimidating experience. With a little advanced preparation, courtesy and patience, you can survive.

We had just passed under the Bay Bridge when coming up fast from astern was a United States Coast Guard patrol Safeboat, all lights flashing. Our good friend Jim Seward had been recently boarded, now it looked like it was our turn. I confess that it's just a little scary to see them coming up from behind so quickly and with such determination.

Two handsome Coast Guard chaps asked permission to board. They didn't have to ask. The U.S. Coast Guard has the right to board and search any vessel in United States waters and any U.S. registered vessel worldwide.

We had spoken with a boater at Oyster Point Yacht Club who didn't know that the Coasties have the right to board your boat, anywhere, anytime. They hailed him while he was transiting the Estuary and he ignored them. After several more warnings, they eventually fired a shot across his bow which got his immediate attention. If the USCG requests permission to board, I recommend that you comply immediately.

Officers Kyle Owens and Francis Negrete were agile as cats as they stepped onto our swim step and into the tiny cockpit. Although we slowed down for the actual boarding, we resumed course and speed once the officers were safely on board. The patrol boat fell into position behind, waiting to retrieve its precious cargo.

I confess to being nervous, we hadn't been boarded since way back in 1987. There was no reason to feel that way. The officers were polite and cordial, even friendly. Francis asked who was the captain of the ship, and I almost swallowed my tongue when I confessed that Captain Sweetie was the man in charge (let him go to jail!).

They were looking for personal identification, ship documentation, safety equipment, including PFD's, and bell, signage for discharge of oil and garbage and of course correct MSD equipment.

The officers were thorough their inspection and thankfully everything went very smoothly. I even remembered where I had put the documentation papers!

Once all of the papers were signed, I asked why we had been selected to be boarded. Francis replied that it was random. In 2005, he had personally been involved in over 200 boardings. I also asked what they were searching for. He told me that they are checking to see that private yachts are compliant with federal regulations and that they carry the mandatory safety gear; fire extinguishers, PFD's and such. When I asked how a boater should respond to a boarding, he told me "Be patient and cooperate." Aye, aye, sir.

Francis Negrete and Kyle Owens were very professional, well trained, respectful of our property, courteous and, with their weapons in plain view, it appeared as if they were ready for whatever situation they might encounter.

 

The USCG crew who searched our boat each serve a three-day, 72-hour shift and their 25' inflatable patrol boat carries a crew of four. Francis and Kyle were stationed on Yerba Buena Island. After they disembarked, the Safeboat turned on a dime and sped away to their next encounter.

Coast Guard Station San Francisco is located on the South East Side of Yerba Buena Island. I only wonder why we haven't been boarded before?

After our uninvited guests departed, we continued on to Sausalito, our original destination, dignity intact.