US Coast Guard - Boat Safety Inspection

Here is my latest fishing video: • Video
US Coast Guard performs boat safety inspection on my boat.
US Coast Guard inspects my boat on Lake Michigan.
US Coast Guard is promoting boat safety with inspections.
Everything was in order.
US Coast Guard fulfilling their duty serving under US Code Jurisdiction.
Many controversial comments, but many more supportive comments found in the comment section below. I invite you to make a comment, I've responded to all of them.
Those that are vulgar get deleted.

[@DeerHunter2100]

If you have everything in order, and you are a RESPONSIBLE captain it's never an issue to be boarded. All encounters I've had with the Coasties, the crew has always been professional and helpful. Even when you respond in the affirmative that you have a weapon, just follow their instructions and ask if you don't understand their instructions. If you notice, that's the first question, weapons onboard ? "Yes, on my left side belt line, ID, is in my right pocket with the paperwork. Follow instructions and all will be well. Don't ever mislead these guys and girls. They have families like we do, and we want to see the again. Thanks to all our service men an women. Both "landlubbers" one those at sea.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thanks for the comment.

[@officialWWM]

Common sense really...

[@michaeldennis3240]

Deer Hunter ,Good ignorant slave you make!

[@fringestream990]

Basically, obey and you will be fine

[@Francois_Dupont]

if you got nothing to have you have nothing to fear, then bend over so we can proceed to a cavity search.

[@MrThaiboxer01]

In Australia we have water police or marine safety patrol boats that board us for these checks. I have never met a "rude" or "nasty" one yet. They have always been respectful and straight to the point. Glad to see you have decent coast gaurds there in the U. S

[@apologiamixer]

I was boarded by the Coasties once north of Seattle near Canadian border. I had to drop sails on a 47 ft ketch in 6 ft chop. Not so fun. Get booms tied down so no one would get killed by them swinging wildly. We passed inspection and were glad to see them go. They were training some new troops.

[@smithsmitherson9449]

That is one stylish jacket/life vest.

[@galenburns69]

Ty for sharing I'm getting a boat to take the family out and fish like getting some pointers be safe out there

[@DaebakMonkey]

Excellent job. You sir, are a perfect example of what to do. Remain calm, be honest, and always have the proper safety gear and you will be fine.

[@andyburk4825]

Obey. Comply. Acquiesce. Submit. Supplicate. And you'll be alright - maybe.

[@bradmagnuson6963]

@Analog Human showing you really don't understand realiry, or maritime laws

[@jhondoe1483]

@@andyburk4825 that’s not really the context of marine safety law 😂

[@billsutherland1310]

Notice how expertly & gently they nestle the boats together.

[@jacksonmtown1]

That’s the weather

[@stansmith4054]

​@@jacksonmtown1Nope, that's skill.

[@jjc4577]

you don't make Coxswain without knowing how to deftly handle a boat

[@dws26072]

This was really cool to watch. I've never seen this kind of inspection before. Thanks for sharing.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

You're welcome.

[@kennethsmith8844]

While fishing off the west coast of Kauai we were inspected two times. Great program!

[@garneauweld1100]

Thank you for the reminder. It's so simple but some people forget to check. You probably saved one or two lives with this video presentation.

[@hpac8381]

This is great video. Thank you for this. It really helps new boaters know what to look for an expect

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@glenniesan8820]

Interesting to see how they go about with the safety inspection. Thanks for sharing.

[@dongorsegner4607]

I appreciate the video, this summer I’ve started to venture out into the Puget Sound after years of staying on small to medium lakes. It’s good to see what the coast guard is looking for.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you for the comment!

[@greatmusicgoodfeel826]

Awesome , thanks for this, let's me know what to expect . Safety first

[@offgridcabin1557]

My Dad was a Coastie during WWII, then after the war he was Coast Guard Aux on the Puget Sound. I was with him one day when he warned a US Navy Supply Ship (I served in the Navy in later years) on the radio that it was going to run aground in Budd Inlet if it continued on the course it was on. We had Coast Guard Aux placards hanging on our boat. The Officer aboard the vessel told us they had it under control and to basically mind our own business. A few minutes later the ship did indeed run aground. It was in all the papers and was stuck on a shallow mud bottom for several days until the Navy could get commercial ship rescuers onsite. Then it took another two days to free it. I always wondered what happened to that officer that told us to mind our own business. This happened in 1967 or 68. We had a nice red and white Chris Craft cabin cruiser at the time.

[@chrisask2065]

I remember that

[@True-Patriot]

For what it's worth, the coastie without a firearm, is aux.

[@plainolamerican1557]

Good job, Rick. The Coast Guard is there to protect us. Some negative comments on here say otherwise,probably change their tune if they were drifting at night with no power and storm waves starting to break over the gunnels . Been there and done that, on the Pacific ocean and the Great Lakes. There is no greater sound on this earth in that situation then the roar and whine of a C.G. chopper turbine or a rescue boat coming into view on the horizon. My youngest uncle also gave his life in the service of the Guard on Superior,so my family has blood in the game. Thanks again for posting this.

[@SailingPauHana]

We were boarded twice in the same day, 10-15 minutes apart. It was hilarious.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Huh. Video record it to KZbin. Look at all the views!

[@Faifstarr]

@@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner means they where filling daily quotas and u was last stop that shift so they just knew u wont take long and they get to fill out.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

@@Faifstarr No. They were performing duties.

[@henrye718]

@@Faifstarr they give you a sheet and tell you wave it at the next guy that tries to stop you and they will look in their computer run your reg and see you have been checked and leave you alone.

[@henrye718]

Yep that sheet thing also happened a few years before, my bay is not very big so you get targeted an aweful lot. Ive gotten fed up with them trying to inspect me all the time. Makes me feel like a criminal, like I'm doing something wrong. I go out there for peace and enjoyment. Get away from the everyday junk of life and that ends up happening all the time. It's like you can't get away from it.

[@matthewmuhlberg9894]

the guy checking you was a true professional imo, to the point, nothing in excess, AND he put your O-ring seal back in place on your flare set, that is a decent human being if i ever saw one, After all IT IS THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER

[@DanB95]

Love those guys. Also love how perfectly prepared you are.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you. I like the Coast Guard too.

[@randycorreia349]

Coast guards are awesome here in Rio Vista, Ca I see them do rescues quite often

[@Butchsiek]

when I was in Rio Vista, we use to fish off the LC at the army base.. one Army reservist left his M-16 behind during a drill and i walked upon it seeing the red safety tip from a distance, so i headed for the rifle and then came a sprinting young kid, it was funny, he was all freaking out looking like a squirrel trying to find nuts on the ground.. I said you looking for that and pointed to it... he was thrilled and gave me a hug... good thing no one else saw it..

[@randycorreia349]

Jimmy Crickets what does this have to do with a Coast Guard inspection?

[@ldbrush9941]

Good job USCG ... keep us all safe out there!

[@DaebakMonkey]

I decided to delete mine because they weren't helping anyone. We need a little less hate in the world and my comments weren't helping.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Ok. There are way more good comments than bad.

[@1234wtmf]

THEY, the CG, NEED to OBEY the Constitution

[@williamthethespian]

Great educational video. Thank you.

[@jonrobinson1958]

Always very courteous and professional

[@mistertofu]

Wow, coast guards are so polite and nice.

[@PokemonHaloFan]

The Coast Guard are true respectful professionals. I admire them greatly and all that they do.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you for the comment!

[@cats400]

Never been stopped by Coast Guard and would definitely be getting a ticket for not having all of our safety equipment. Should probably look into that since we had a close call a few months ago where the vessel was taking on water.

[@bradmagnuson6963]

@Zionism toHell idiotic response

[@bradmagnuson6963]

@Zionism toHell that would be you, fool. Ignorance knows no bounds with people like you. Go fuck yourself

[@robinstewart6510]

When it comes to equipment violations, the first "ticket" is usually a "fix-it ticket," with so many days to fix the problem before further punitive action is taken. Of course, operational violations are true tickets, with fines or similar imposed. Serious violations (DUI, etc) are arrestable offenses. Get your safety equipment in order. It's for your own safety. BC-ATM, USCGA.

[@JohnSmith-jr5ly]

Great video ! I'm pretty confident I have the necessary safety equipment after watching this. I'm just learning to salmon fish from a boat.

[@samkelton5118]

John Smith if you have any questions just ask. As you know already you need a pfd for everyone. throwable pfd. sound signal and fire extinguishers. sound signal and fire extinguisher are subject to the size of your boat. flares are required in different parts of the water.

[@bradmagnuson6963]

Make sure you also have an EPIRB.

[@noirth-security]

Very nice video, I like your presentation and hope more videos come.

[@fishinman69]

They did the same thing to me last year on the Detroit river. My fire extinguisher was low and I didn't have a throwable and no flares. As long as you cooperate everything goes smoothly. Didnt get any fines. They were actually nice.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Excellent comment, proves the CG is not out there to sink your boat... Ha!

[@c-joneslawntree3852]

Great video man, very cool encounter with some good guys!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Saviors!

[@diegomanuel5065]

Nice hat, I like henschel breezer hats very similar style to the one you have.

[@lovingatlanta]

💡Note to self: Safety Recap Driver’s License Boat Registration Life vest / Life Jacket - US Coast Guard approved Throwable Noise maker - horn / whistle Fire extinguisher Flare kit Toilet Registration - if applicable, depends on type of boat if it has an onboard marine toilet Make sure State registration stickers and boat registration numbers / letters are appropriately applied to the boat Make sure all lights are working on the boat if out at night Firearms registration if applicable, if you answer “yes” o the question...be very clear about where it is located on you or on the boat

[@jamiemcfly1671]

smooth and no stress , and you passed the tests.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Right on!

[@USMiniTrucks]

The water was calm, but is it the best procedure for them to make you remove your life vest to show compliance?

[@joeyfesta2042]

Very cool video.Good preparation is key & safty 1st..Kudos.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@joescott701]

I'm guessing this was on the great lakes. The background looked similar to the main gap in Milwaukee. other things than can get checked are nav lights and boat battery needs to be secured and covered.

[@dan79102]

I was looking at the 2 piers reminded me of Sheboygan North and South Piers but the North Pier on video had a larger structure than in Sheboygan. But He did mention Two Rivers which is about 25 miles north of Sheboygan on Lake Michigan. I grew up in Sheboygan and fished on the piers. But I haven't lived in Sheboygan since 1982.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

This is the Manitowoc Harbor.

[@davidshawkinsrealtor]

great video, very polite. great job.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@deandejoseph3102]

Very cool boat!

[@natersthegamer1953]

Very good video to be on youtube. Everyone should see this before they go out on the water. It'll make you less nervous if you sorta know what to expect.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

There you go. Thanks for the comment.

[@Petesworkshop2225]

Have a small fishing boat. I wanted to fish lake Tahoe, I had to get all this gear just to fish. Flares, VHF, horn. Fun.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I don't know what are the rules on a reservoir, but its smart to load up on precautions. Everyone is good when there are no issues, but those not prepared sometimes die.

[@natecook3]

@Richard Bushy- I have been stopped on the water and at the dock several times by the coast guard and this appeared to be a basic safety inspection. It is important for EVERYONE who is on Lake Michigan to know what is required by law and to have all of the necessary safety equipment, whether or not you anticipate being stopped and checked.

[@timflynn2136]

God Bless the US Coast Guard!!! Saved alot of people!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yes indeed!

[@randyc750]

My Dad and I were boarded last year in Mississippi. We went to anchorage and forgot to turn on the running lights when the Sun went down. They came aboard, did the inspection, reminded us of the rules, and left. Nice young men. I'm a Libertarian leaning type, but I have no problem with this. I'd rather be boarded by USCG than cartel pirates or whatever we'd have without them.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Excellent point thanks for the comment.

[@signin4615]

What kind of boat / motors?

[@MaynardFreek]

Years ago my family and I including our dog were out riding around in our new boat and we were stopped by a marine police. He asked for my boating license and to see our safety equipment. First thing my wife pulled out was the dogs life jacket. When he saw that he said forget it and we were on our way

[@danielgroenendyk7133]

Yeah Coast Guard! I'm a Coast Guard Auxiliarist who works as a Comm Watchstander in Grand Haven. Very professional! Semper Paratus!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@CRXPhil]

Here in Fl, being a boater of over 20 years ive never been pulled by the Coast Guard. Only Marine Patrol and Sheriff.

[@peterleiza4351]

Been there done that. CG guys very professional & courteous to me.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Excellent. Thanks for the comment.

[@terrysouthard2417]

Good job Captain.

[@chevyvictor]

Far out that's a very thorough inspection. We different here in NZ not that strict

[@OUTLAW1968]

Good video Thanks for posting.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thanks for the nice comment. :-)

[@johnknowing-zr8de]

What pisss me off is you NOW have to get a saltwater fishing Lic to fish the surf etc. Thats NUTS!!!

[@Raxcsdecoon]

Yeah it sucks down here like that in Louisiana you basically have to have both. Otherwise B's insues

[@vinsisson4262]

good video.. thanks!

[@ricardolima2559]

Congrats!

[@duccibound7088]

Thank god for the coast guard or i wouldn't be here today!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

What happened?

[@joserodriguez-tu8fl]

ducci bound wat happened

[@ratherbfishing455]

ducci bound I was rescued last year!

[@ratherbfishing455]

typeav I wish I was a Cuban rafter! Free housing, free education, free food, and free medical expensises!

[@DannyOvox3]

TELL US WHAT HAPPENED? dont be rude.

[@MrRockguy01]

im so glad the coast guard is here to PROTECT THE COMMERCIAL FISHING IND.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Without inspections there would be way more problems out there.

[@MrRockguy01]

@@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner , yeah i'm sure, but while i seen quite a few of similar videos i've never seen them screw with a commercial vessel.that is my point..

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

@@MrRockguy01 I've seen in on those Alaskan crab shows.

[@swleet]

Well here to educate, Your requirements depend on size boat and where your location. any specific questions feels free to ask me. I'll happily help you out with needed equipment.

[@noahwolfgram4743]

Is this on Lake Michigan by the Milwaukee harbor

[@andybartlett9684]

Never met a disgruntled USCG crew member. Worked with them several times, always nice and educational. USCG Station Cape Cod, and USCG Station Scituate, And USCG Station Pt. Allerton, Hull Massachusetts. The crew at Pt Allerton saved my ex-wife, Gave them thanks with cookies, brownies, and other assorted goodies. The save made the news, The Quincy Patriot Ledger, 1984, Mothers' Day weekend.They also saved my Force Five sailboat.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thanks for the comment!

[@tagamial]

Thanks for the video. I didn't know that I need my boat registration with me .

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Glad I could help

[@wesleywlee]

Love the coaster! I’ll clown on them until the day I die, because I was in the army and not the toilet bowl navy. But still love them and what they do, good folks all around. Can’t say I agree with deleting comment because you disagree with the language used, but that’s your choice. Glad you were polite and cooperative with these nice folks, hope you had a great day of fishing!

[@russrusselson2136]

those coast guard boats are so cool.

[@snowdenmay7176]

Was this in manitowocs harbor

[@ColeBender]

Same thing happens to me when I was 13. It was in the middle of the channel. I remember thinking that the coast guard boat looked like a floating tank and I nearly had a heart attack when they pulled me over in the middle of a tiny channel. Also, do you always need to have your license on you? I have everything else but it's hard to always have my license on me (for reasons that arnt needed to be explained)

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

I don't know. I suppose they would miss something once and awhile. While the presence of the Coast Guard is not natural, neither are us in these boats.

[@MaynardFreek]

What was the piece of paper for they gave you?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

The boat passed the inspection. If you present it to another Coast Guard inspection within a year they could let you pass without an inspection.

[@bornonfire452]

Never new you had to have so much. Fire extinguisher flares Bowie life jacket paperwork.

[@teamrebarealestate.]

seeing this 3 years later, did you get your flares updated since they expired in Oct 2018?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

No. I haven't taken out a boat on Federal waters the last two years. The hydraulic lift on the trolling motor for this boat leaks fluid and I didn't have enough money to fix it for awhile. I might get it fixed this spring though. Thanks for the reminder.

[@maximus01152891]

I have a boat, didn't know they do inspections 😁...thanks for sharing in details

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yes they do

[@ricardolima2559]

Congrats!!

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thanks. :-)

[@patrickrussell3763]

my dad is a coastie los angeles ca enjoyed your video

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you. Thank your Dad for his service for me please.

[@zillsburyy1]

did they ask to see your toothbrush?

[@BlastedKat]

Well done.

[@natewrong6861]

where is this? i have never been asked for a boat registration before.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Wisconsin.

[@markcollins5464]

Well done

[@rogernorris9543]

slow day?

[@OvisHerder1]

I think that was pretty cool.

[@RH-qk5lt]

Fantastic video.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you very much!

[@saula21100]

Thank you Sr now I have to buy more flares

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yep!

[@finpainter1]

whats the size of your boat.?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

17'.

[@chadhildwein2178]

lol normally Im used to the sheriff pulling me over but I got pulled over on my jetski by this same looking boat and it made me a little nervous. Crew was very polite though and gave me a warning for not having a whistle.

[@charlesedwards8800]

OhRifty I'm with you

[@PleitezMoy]

wow very important to know this

[@evsta100]

Coasties seem to be the best at cordiality and respect

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Indeed. They do have the highest calling.

[@robinstewart6510]

👍 FYI. The Coastie he was talking to at 4:53 was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Note the absence of a firearm, only authorized under special conditions. Beyond one other (coiling the rope in front at 7:10), the rest were active duty Coast Guard personnel (with firearms).

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Very interesting observations! Thank you for this comment.

[@frankcolasacco]

What Lake is this?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Michigan.

[@inthewoods5640]

I showed my wife the video, who is a a a three state license attorney .she says that the law should change that you shouldn’t have to take your life jacket off on the water that it should be stamped outside visible for them to check . We have a four-year-old son who isn’t that great at swimming and on the open water we anyone would tell me to remove his lifejacket I’ll would say “write a ticket that he’s not taking off the lifejacket”. And we would fight it ticket up the court system so that they would Modify law.

[@davidmalmquist8910]

30 years ago the Coast Guard had the same rights however the policy at least in Duluth Minnesota and Bayfield Wisconsin was not to board and less they observed some erratic behavior or suspicious activity or if you called them for assistance there was no random harassment

[@spongebobsquarepants2922]

This was taken in wisconson right?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yes. Manitowoc Harbor.

[@phillipbrowne8132]

Cool. Now I know what to expect. Thank you. If I get inspected I will ask to see their boat too!!!

[@dg-vg9di]

We’ve been checked multiple times. My son got checked once and the sheriff almost sank his boat by the way came along side. They were a little rough and the boat got swamped.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

File a complaint with the operator's superior.

[@robo2901]

Why do they ask for drivers license?(not that it's a big deal) Not required for boating is it?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

The entire licensing, data, past record (investigations), are all being consolidated to this single source. I even have to use it for a fishing license, for crying out loud. Well, one thing this does is lower the amount of officers needed to enforce the rules.

[@axelfh6710]

good video! cheers from Germany

[@larryspiller6633]

Genau!!!

[@bradmagnuson6963]

@Zionism toHell just shut your pie hole

[@bradmagnuson6963]

@Zionism toHell I wouldn't know, I was never in the navy. Why don't you go ask a navy midshipman?

[@farouqomaro598]

You are a good boater

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you!

[@Unqualified2ride]

joining next fall! boatswains mate is an option that im looking at! (what these guys are)

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Excellent!

[@williamvalerius7507]

milwaukee harbor?

[@oogaboogaman753]

William valerius Was wondering that too, lmao.

[@contrazcarino2861]

So if you're alone fishing and fall overboard who throws you the life ring lol

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

What is that suppose to mean?

[@jankjaer1731]

You shall always sit Down when you are fishing from a boat and you shall have your lifejacket on.

[@scottheitmanmarinesurvey3557]

Lol.

[@oogaboogaman753]

this is the Milwaukee river entrance?

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Manitowoc.

[@samdebartolo6216]

I thought that looked familiar. That's auxiliarist Bob. He's a volunteer that just liked getting out with us.

[@machinist1337]

The Coast guard is really cool, been stopped by them many times and never had a problem ever. They are usually really nice, unless you have been drinking or you are being rude to them.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Thank you for the comment.

[@machinist1337]

Rick Larson, if you get a coast guard hat they will usually not bother you.

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

If I can video record the exercise they can stop me every trip!

[@pavelavietor1]

hello nice video thanks

[@av8rkirk]

A lot of people that don't know much about the Great Lakes don't realize that the u.s. Coast Guard patrols them not just our ocean coastlines but the Great Lakes as well

[@RickLarsonPermacultureDesigner]

Yep.