The Coast Guard unveiled new restrictions Thursday for U.S. recreational
vessels traveling to Cuba, changing its focus from preventing
international incidents in Cuban waters to tightening the economic
embargo against the island.

The original restrictions were created by then-President Bill Clinton
after two exile group planes were shot down over international waters in
February 1996, hoping to avoid a similar situation.

.....The new restrictions, part of the Bush administration's crackdown on
travel to Cuba, prevent boaters from leaving any part of the United
States without first getting a permit, not just from the Coast Guard,
but also from the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments.

It no longer matters whether boat operators intend to enter Cuban
waters, Coast Guard Lt. Tony Russell said. Anyone who does so without a
permit will be in violation of U.S. policy, he said.

Coast Guard officials say boaters who violate the new rules could be
fined up to $10,000 on the spot. Violators caught without a permit could
later receive a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each day they were in
violation.

They also could be jailed and have their vessels confiscated by the
federal government.

"If you choose to ignore these regulations, there's a good chance you'll
be caught," Russell said.

Land of the Free and home of the Brave, eh? Do you have a link for that
article? I'd like to know who to bombard with my next nastygram campaign.

--
Karin Conover-Lewis
Fair and Balanced since 1959
klc dot lewis at centurytel dot net


"krj" wrote in message
. ..
The Coast Guard unveiled new restrictions Thursday for U.S. recreational
vessels traveling to Cuba, changing its focus from preventing
international incidents in Cuban waters to tightening the economic
embargo against the island.

The original restrictions were created by then-President Bill Clinton
after two exile group planes were shot down over international waters in
February 1996, hoping to avoid a similar situation.

....The new restrictions, part of the Bush administration's crackdown on
travel to Cuba, prevent boaters from leaving any part of the United
States without first getting a permit, not just from the Coast Guard,
but also from the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments.

It no longer matters whether boat operators intend to enter Cuban
waters, Coast Guard Lt. Tony Russell said. Anyone who does so without a
permit will be in violation of U.S. policy, he said.

Coast Guard officials say boaters who violate the new rules could be
fined up to $10,000 on the spot. Violators caught without a permit could
later receive a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each day they were in
violation.

They also could be jailed and have their vessels confiscated by the
federal government.

"If you choose to ignore these regulations, there's a good chance you'll
be caught," Russell said.

The link is:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...sfla-news-cuba
krj

Karin Conover-Lewis wrote:

Land of the Free and home of the Brave, eh? Do you have a link for that
article? I'd like to know who to bombard with my next nastygram campaign.

Thanks! The story doesn't provide a direct link to the directive in
question, though -- guess I'll have to hunt for it.

--
Karin Conover-Lewis
Fair and Balanced since 1959
klc dot lewis at centurytel dot net


"krj" wrote in message
.. .
The link is:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...sfla-news-cuba
krj

If true, it should be on the USCG site.

On Fri, 09 Jul 2004 10:25:50 -0400, krj
wrote:

The link is:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...sfla-news-cuba
krj

Karin Conover-Lewis wrote:

Land of the Free and home of the Brave, eh? Do you have a link for that
article? I'd like to know who to bombard with my next nastygram campaign.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


"Never eat more in a single day than your head weighs." --Jim Harrison

On Fri, 09 Jul 2004 10:25:50 -0400, krj
wrote:

The link is:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...sfla-news-cuba
krj

Karin Conover-Lewis wrote:

Land of the Free and home of the Brave, eh? Do you have a link for that
article? I'd like to know who to bombard with my next nastygram campaign.


It is my understanding that most Countries in this World require
the same type of permission to leave the Country. When you enter
another Country, you will be asked for this paper. Many places in the
World are amazed that US citizens do not have this paper.
Many US cruisers ask the US Coast Guard to issue a letter of
permission to travel because it is less disruptive during customs to
already have this paper.

"Skipper" wrote in message

snip

Pretty soon y'all need a permit to use the bathroom.
Sad situation to be in.

Here is the Federal Register article. Not quite as bad as it sounded at
first but still underhanded the way it was done without public comment
and no warning. Read the first paragraph under "Regulatory Information".

http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi...i on=retrieve

Karin Conover-Lewis wrote:

Land of the Free and home of the Brave, eh? Do you have a link for that
article? I'd like to know who to bombard with my next nastygram campaign.


--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

Thanks Glenn -- having trouble calling-up the article, but I'll keep trying.

--
Karin Conover-Lewis
Fair and Balanced since 1959
klc dot lewis at centurytel dot net


"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:gfzHc.2146$ri.8@lakeread04...
Here is the Federal Register article. Not quite as bad as it sounded at
first but still underhanded the way it was done without public comment
and no warning. Read the first paragraph under "Regulatory Information".


http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi...i on=retrieve

In article , "Karin Conover-Lewis" wrote:
Thanks Glenn -- having trouble calling-up the article, but I'll keep trying.


I can't view the page either.