Canada /USA relations: was Kisers; GPS


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Posted by Dan Lind on October 16, 2003 at 04:05:01 from 24.69.255.205 user captain.

In Reply to: Re: Kisers; GPS posted by Ross Cossar on October 16, 2003 at 00:53:38:

My fellow North Americans:

(Re: Latin. Didn't someone comment recently, during an proliferation of Latin discussion here, that if one could read 'this', they were over educated?)

During the last cruise of the MARGOLETTA through the San Juan Islands (the ones between Vancouver and Seattle) IT was boarded by the United States Coast Guard - which from my readings of the nautical press, is both respected and feared. The MARGO is Canadian registered and had a crew of citizens of Canada, the United States and me, being both.

The USGC vessel was somewhat overwhelming - large, noisy, powerful, and it appeared, to be capable of turning itself end over end if need be. We had cleared a passage just south of Orcas Island (named after the 'killer whales' and were about to open another round of ales when along it came with lights and siren. We stopped and had a discussion wiht the USCG vessel - much shouting because of the noise - and I decided that a Boarding For Safety Inspection would be a great idea!

I declared my handguns (unloaded) before the boarding and was told to leave there where they were, and proceed to and remain in the cockpit. Three well-armed USCG types came aboard, lead by a (very cute)lady officer. The weather was calm so a minimum of fenders were used. The USCG vessel then hovered, noisly, near by - about ten meters away - for the duration. There was an extensive examination of identification and many cell phone calls made to make confirmation. Then the inspection began.
It was a much reduced inspection, given that the MARGO was a foreign vessel, however it included a close look at both bilges for leaks, bilge pumps, operator's licences, registration, log book, life jackets, radio licences, toilet and holding tank valves, and since it was almost dark, navigation lights. (It seemed the USCG members looked a bit thirstfuly at MARGOS's supply of booze, but perhaps I was mistaken.)
The MARGO and crew passed with flying colors, and were given a receipt to verify same. The inspection ended with many good wishes on both sides - and they returned my guns at the very end.
North American cooperation at its best - but I'm glad they didn't find anything wrong!



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