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Police Marine Units
Looking for a little bit of direction here. I've been recently assigned to
my department's Marine Unit. I've been a cop for 15 years. I lived in NJ at the shore around boats most of my life, but never owned one. I rarely even went out on boats except for fishing or waterskiing. I moved to Florida in late 2000, and I'm still working as a cop (just in a nicer place). As a result of some administrative changes in my department, I was assigned to the Marine Unit. I've completed the necessary training and such, but one thing is lacking: experience. I'll try to get to the point - I'm open for comments and opinions. I know what the law says, and I know what my job is, but I try to use more common sense than what the law may actually say in black & white. What do you (as boaters) feel the most important issues are for the Police to deal with on the water? Would you like to see more O.U.I. enforcement? More vessel stops for no wake zone infractions? More safety inspections? More after dark patrols of inlets, channels, and harbor areas? You tell me. I'm asking for your honest opinions here. As a rule I use more common sense than anything on the job. I treat people fairly, and as a result I rarely ever have to appear in court. I would like to do the same on the water. Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. |
Police Marine Units
swatcop wrote:
Looking for a little bit of direction here. I've been recently assigned to my department's Marine Unit. I've been a cop for 15 years. I lived in NJ at the shore around boats most of my life, but never owned one. I rarely even went out on boats except for fishing or waterskiing. I moved to Florida in late 2000, and I'm still working as a cop (just in a nicer place). As a result of some administrative changes in my department, I was assigned to the Marine Unit. I've completed the necessary training and such, but one thing is lacking: experience. I'll try to get to the point - I'm open for comments and opinions. I know what the law says, and I know what my job is, but I try to use more common sense than what the law may actually say in black & white. What do you (as boaters) feel the most important issues are for the Police to deal with on the water? Would you like to see more O.U.I. enforcement? More vessel stops for no wake zone infractions? More safety inspections? More after dark patrols of inlets, channels, and harbor areas? You tell me. I'm asking for your honest opinions here. As a rule I use more common sense than anything on the job. I treat people fairly, and as a result I rarely ever have to appear in court. I would like to do the same on the water. Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. More DUI enforcement, more anti-noise enforcement, more "reckless boater" enforcement. Most folks I know who enjoy the water don't want to be annoyed or put at risk by idiots who do not behave decently. Good luck and be very careful. Most of the boaters you encounter will treat you decently and with respect, but a couple years ago out in the Chesapeake Bay, some unknowns assaulted a woman DNR watercop and it was damned serious. I seemed to recall the assailants were druggies, and they either beat or shot the officer. I'm not sure, but I think I knew the watercop in question. She had frequently checked out boats in our area for proper registration and fishing licenses, and was very pleasant about it, so much so that one of my fishing buddies tried to ask her out on a date (she was very pretty). I've not seen the woman since I heard about the incident. This was, oh, probably three years ago. -- Email sent to is never read. |
Police Marine Units
"swatcop" wrote in message
... Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. Here in Rochester NY, there's a busy area where the sherrifs behave like giant mosquitoes, pestering anyone who looks wrong. I think it's a great idea, even though they've bugged me frequently to check my fishing license. I have to imagine they nail people for more serious stuff. So, I'd say "Be the biggest pain in the ass you can". My pet peeve involves something that happens constantly when I'm fishing. The bay here is about a mile wide, and from side to side, it's deep enough for any boat. There's one spot where small fishing boats have been congregating for years because that's where the perch hang out. The spot's about an acre in size. Without fail, there's at least one moron per hour who feels the need to crank past the fishermen at top speed, throwing 3-5 ft wakes. I don't know the official legal name of the law covering wakes, but when my son's in the boat, I call it "attempted murder". One of these days, someone's gonna get a bullet in their fuel tank. Do something about that, wherever you work. |
Police Marine Units
You can go by the book enforcing any laws at your disposal related to the
operation of jet skis... "swatcop" wrote in message ... Looking for a little bit of direction here. I've been recently assigned to my department's Marine Unit. I've been a cop for 15 years. I lived in NJ at the shore around boats most of my life, but never owned one. I rarely even went out on boats except for fishing or waterskiing. I moved to Florida in late 2000, and I'm still working as a cop (just in a nicer place). As a result of some administrative changes in my department, I was assigned to the Marine Unit. I've completed the necessary training and such, but one thing is lacking: experience. I'll try to get to the point - I'm open for comments and opinions. I know what the law says, and I know what my job is, but I try to use more common sense than what the law may actually say in black & white. What do you (as boaters) feel the most important issues are for the Police to deal with on the water? Would you like to see more O.U.I. enforcement? More vessel stops for no wake zone infractions? More safety inspections? More after dark patrols of inlets, channels, and harbor areas? You tell me. I'm asking for your honest opinions here. As a rule I use more common sense than anything on the job. I treat people fairly, and as a result I rarely ever have to appear in court. I would like to do the same on the water. Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. |
Police Marine Units
From my experience, where the cops are NOT is patrolling almost anywhere after
dark. I bet more constituants care about after dark piracy along the water front than all the traffic tickets you can write. Getting rocked by a wake or hearing a loud boat is a minor irritation compared to waking up and finding your engine gone. Other than that I imagine a boat cop is juat like being in the roller. You spend most of your shift clearing radio calls. |
Police Marine Units
I'll echo Harry's points above -- DUI, noise, and careless & reckless. If
your jurisdiction couples careless with reckless, you can probably squeeze even more of the yahoos than with reckless alone. Depending on what part of FL, your department probably has some pretty well thought out patrol and enforcement objectives, but those three would probably yield the greatest aggregate benefit to the boating community and the public at large. Thanks for asking, and thanks for doing your job. JG |
Police Marine Units
Hi!
This might parrot what others said, but in my opinon the more you can hound wreckless jet-ski's the better. hehe And then of course wreckless boaters in general. OUI is important too, but use your head. A couple guys out in a rowboat with a 5hp Jonnyrude, fishing, with a 12 pack in the cooler ain't the real big problem, it's the speedboats with intoxicated operators that think they're Mario Andretti. LOL. Equipment checks are a good way to "bust balls" of someone you stopped for operation. But to stop people *just* to do equipment checks is annoying as all hell. There's enough strange operatoin out there to keep you busy. And lastly, don't "become" the problem. There are a lot of narrower places that just by inserting your boat in the middle - you *create* a no wake area - this really ****es off people pulling skiiers and tubes etc. They have have to drop of plane or get ticketed by Marine Patroll *because* of the damn Marine Patroll boat. So...in narrow areas stay near the edges please. And as a personal favor. grin Older couples often don't have an extra person to "spot" for the skiier.Yes, I know the law (in most states) requires a spotter, but it's often just me and my wife. So I put a rearview mirror on the boat and call the German shepard my spotter. A warning will do just fine - as we're at least *trying* to get it right with the mirror. Sometimes you just can't find a spotter without kidnapping someone - a worse crime. Don't make me have to get a blow up doll.grin -W "swatcop" wrote in message ... Looking for a little bit of direction here. I've been recently assigned to my department's Marine Unit. I've been a cop for 15 years. I lived in NJ at the shore around boats most of my life, but never owned one. I rarely even went out on boats except for fishing or waterskiing. I moved to Florida in late 2000, and I'm still working as a cop (just in a nicer place). As a result of some administrative changes in my department, I was assigned to the Marine Unit. I've completed the necessary training and such, but one thing is lacking: experience. I'll try to get to the point - I'm open for comments and opinions. I know what the law says, and I know what my job is, but I try to use more common sense than what the law may actually say in black & white. What do you (as boaters) feel the most important issues are for the Police to deal with on the water? Would you like to see more O.U.I. enforcement? More vessel stops for no wake zone infractions? More safety inspections? More after dark patrols of inlets, channels, and harbor areas? You tell me. I'm asking for your honest opinions here. As a rule I use more common sense than anything on the job. I treat people fairly, and as a result I rarely ever have to appear in court. I would like to do the same on the water. Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. |
Spotter shortage?
Meet my new ski spotter??
http://realdoll.com/ -W "Clams Canino" wrote in message news:29LCb.383435 Sometimes you just can't find a spotter without kidnapping someone - a worse crime. Don't make me have to get a blow up doll.grin -W |
Spotter shortage?
Clams Canino wrote:
Meet my new ski spotter?? http://realdoll.com/ -W "Clams Canino" wrote in message news:29LCb.383435 Sometimes you just can't find a spotter without kidnapping someone - a worse crime. Don't make me have to get a blow up doll.grin -W Finally...a woman perfect for our right-wingers. -- Email sent to is never read. |
Police Marine Units
First off, thanks for asking! And welcome to Florida waters!! What kind of
problems really depends on were you are, East coast is VERY different from West as far as perceived problems. OUI is always a concern for me as a tour operator as well as inexperienced operators. I don't want to jump on the PWC bashing bandwagon, but lots of these folks have no idea what safe operation is, not all of them mind you. I have to tell you, a night patrol on occasion will do a lot to ease many minds. As far as wake violations, I'm all for enforcement but some E.O.s from many fields have been over zealous and would likely written a citation for boats at anchor in a strong spring tide if given the chance. Welcome! I'm just glad you are here!Conscientious law enforcement on the water is a good thing for all concerned even those that may be inconvenienced. Capt. Matt "swatcop" wrote in message ... Looking for a little bit of direction here. I've been recently assigned to my department's Marine Unit. I've been a cop for 15 years. I lived in NJ at the shore around boats most of my life, but never owned one. I rarely even went out on boats except for fishing or waterskiing. I moved to Florida in late 2000, and I'm still working as a cop (just in a nicer place). As a result of some administrative changes in my department, I was assigned to the Marine Unit. I've completed the necessary training and such, but one thing is lacking: experience. I'll try to get to the point - I'm open for comments and opinions. I know what the law says, and I know what my job is, but I try to use more common sense than what the law may actually say in black & white. What do you (as boaters) feel the most important issues are for the Police to deal with on the water? Would you like to see more O.U.I. enforcement? More vessel stops for no wake zone infractions? More safety inspections? More after dark patrols of inlets, channels, and harbor areas? You tell me. I'm asking for your honest opinions here. As a rule I use more common sense than anything on the job. I treat people fairly, and as a result I rarely ever have to appear in court. I would like to do the same on the water. Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. |
Spotter shortage?
Why? So they can't breed? -W "Harry Krause" wrote in message ... Clams Canino wrote: Meet my new ski spotter?? http://realdoll.com/ -W "Clams Canino" wrote in message news:29LCb.383435 Sometimes you just can't find a spotter without kidnapping someone - a worse crime. Don't make me have to get a blow up doll.grin -W Finally...a woman perfect for our right-wingers. -- Email sent to is never read. |
Spotter shortage?
Clams Canino wrote:
Why? So they can't breed? -W "Harry Krause" wrote in message ... Clams Canino wrote: Meet my new ski spotter?? http://realdoll.com/ -W "Clams Canino" wrote in message news:29LCb.383435 Sometimes you just can't find a spotter without kidnapping someone - a worse crime. Don't make me have to get a blow up doll.grin -W Finally...a woman perfect for our right-wingers. -- Email sent to is never read. Naw. They don't like real women or real sex. -- Email sent to is never read. |
Police Marine Units
"Snafu" wrote in message nk.net... You can go by the book enforcing any laws at your disposal related to the operation of jet skis... I agree on that subject - not to worry. Thanks. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
"Greg" wrote in message ... From my experience, where the cops are NOT is patrolling almost anywhere after dark. I bet more constituants care about after dark piracy along the water front than all the traffic tickets you can write. Getting rocked by a wake or hearing a loud boat is a minor irritation compared to waking up and finding your engine gone. Other than that I imagine a boat cop is juat like being in the roller. You spend most of your shift clearing radio calls. Ah-ha! Someone who agrees with me! I usually work the road after dark, and my biggest pet-peeve is business checks and residential checks. I take it personally if my sector has a burglary when I'm working because I'm very thorough. The crime rate in my sector dropped 10% last year, which I'm very proud of and attribute to high visibility patrol after dark. I plan on doing the same thing with the Marine Unit by patrolling the channels and such. Thanks. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
"John Gaquin" wrote in message ... I'll echo Harry's points above -- DUI, noise, and careless & reckless. If your jurisdiction couples careless with reckless, you can probably squeeze even more of the yahoos than with reckless alone. Depending on what part of FL, your department probably has some pretty well thought out patrol and enforcement objectives, but those three would probably yield the greatest aggregate benefit to the boating community and the public at large. Thanks for asking, and thanks for doing your job. JG Actually, there are no current enforcement objectives (thus the change in administration). I've spoken with some of the surrounding agency's marine officers and have gotten some pretty good ideas, but I want to know what the PUBLIC wants done. Thank you for your input. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
"Harry Krause" wrote in message ... swatcop wrote: Looking for a little bit of direction here. I've been recently assigned to my department's Marine Unit. I've been a cop for 15 years. I lived in NJ at the shore around boats most of my life, but never owned one. I rarely even went out on boats except for fishing or waterskiing. I moved to Florida in late 2000, and I'm still working as a cop (just in a nicer place). As a result of some administrative changes in my department, I was assigned to the Marine Unit. I've completed the necessary training and such, but one thing is lacking: experience. I'll try to get to the point - I'm open for comments and opinions. I know what the law says, and I know what my job is, but I try to use more common sense than what the law may actually say in black & white. What do you (as boaters) feel the most important issues are for the Police to deal with on the water? Would you like to see more O.U.I. enforcement? More vessel stops for no wake zone infractions? More safety inspections? More after dark patrols of inlets, channels, and harbor areas? You tell me. I'm asking for your honest opinions here. As a rule I use more common sense than anything on the job. I treat people fairly, and as a result I rarely ever have to appear in court. I would like to do the same on the water. Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. More DUI enforcement, more anti-noise enforcement, more "reckless boater" enforcement. Most folks I know who enjoy the water don't want to be annoyed or put at risk by idiots who do not behave decently. Good luck and be very careful. Most of the boaters you encounter will treat you decently and with respect, but a couple years ago out in the Chesapeake Bay, some unknowns assaulted a woman DNR watercop and it was damned serious. I seemed to recall the assailants were druggies, and they either beat or shot the officer. I'm not sure, but I think I knew the watercop in question. She had frequently checked out boats in our area for proper registration and fishing licenses, and was very pleasant about it, so much so that one of my fishing buddies tried to ask her out on a date (she was very pretty). I've not seen the woman since I heard about the incident. This was, oh, probably three years ago. Thank you for your input, I'll take all of your points into consideration. As a rule, I'm a very "officer safety" oriented cop as I'm on the S.W.A.T. team and other similar functions already, but I certainly appreciate the concern. Thank you. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
Clams Canino wrote:
This might parrot what others said, but in my opinon the more you can hound wreckless jet-ski's the better. hehe And then of course wreckless boaters in general. I think the "wreckless" ones should be left alone and go after those with many wrecks to their credit. Rick |
Police Marine Units
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message ... "swatcop" wrote in message ... Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. Here in Rochester NY, there's a busy area where the sherrifs behave like giant mosquitoes, pestering anyone who looks wrong. I think it's a great idea, even though they've bugged me frequently to check my fishing license. I have to imagine they nail people for more serious stuff. So, I'd say "Be the biggest pain in the ass you can". My pet peeve involves something that happens constantly when I'm fishing. The bay here is about a mile wide, and from side to side, it's deep enough for any boat. There's one spot where small fishing boats have been congregating for years because that's where the perch hang out. The spot's about an acre in size. Without fail, there's at least one moron per hour who feels the need to crank past the fishermen at top speed, throwing 3-5 ft wakes. I don't know the official legal name of the law covering wakes, but when my son's in the boat, I call it "attempted murder". One of these days, someone's gonna get a bullet in their fuel tank. Do something about that, wherever you work. I'm not sure of the actual name of the statute (as I said I'm new at this aspect of policing), but I know it exists. Part of my training was with the Coast Guard, and I remember the instructor really driving his point home about boaters being responsible for their wake. One of his examples was a woman drinking coffee on her husband's boat. Some schmuck flew past them and she spilled her coffee on her lap resulting in burns. The operator of the other boat was heavily fined and also came under civil suit. I will definitely keep an eye on the wakes of vessels. Thank you for your input. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
"Gene Kearns" wrote in message ... On Sat, 13 Dec 2003 17:43:47 GMT, "swatcop" wrote: Looking for a little bit of direction here. I've been recently assigned to my department's Marine Unit. I've been a cop for 15 years. I lived in NJ at the shore around boats most of my life, but never owned one. I rarely even went out on boats except for fishing or waterskiing. I moved to Florida in late 2000, and I'm still working as a cop (just in a nicer place). As a result of some administrative changes in my department, I was assigned to the Marine Unit. I've completed the necessary training and such, but one thing is lacking: experience. I'll try to get to the point - I'm open for comments and opinions. I know what the law says, and I know what my job is, but I try to use more common sense than what the law may actually say in black & white. What do you (as boaters) feel the most important issues are for the Police to deal with on the water? Would you like to see more O.U.I. enforcement? More vessel stops for no wake zone infractions? More safety inspections? More after dark patrols of inlets, channels, and harbor areas? You tell me. I'm asking for your honest opinions here. As a rule I use more common sense than anything on the job. I treat people fairly, and as a result I rarely ever have to appear in court. I would like to do the same on the water. Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. Enforcement Needed: Inconsiderate and dangerous operation.... wakes, skiing in areas that just aren't safe, and the like. Drug interdiction. Violation of "green" laws. Enforcement Not Needed: Don't stop boaters unless you explain the WHY. In some areas, enforcement amounts to harassment. Stopping nearly everybody on the water isn't the best use of police resources (which are usually thin enough) and doesn't go a long way toward community opinion, especially, if a stop is just "a stop." Remember: A citation is not always the best answer. Hopefully you are looking for a favorable change in public behavior and are not acting principally as a profit center for the municipality. In short? Don't proudly and visibly stomp on the ants while letting the elephants run wild. -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC. http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/ Homepage http://www.southharbourvillage.com/directions.asp Where Southport,NC is located. http://www.southharbourvillage.com/autoupdater.htm Real Time Pictures at My Marina http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide Duly noted. Just F.Y.I., I plan on using the same discretion that use with road patrol. I figured out my traffic stop vs. citations ratio on another newsgroup about a month ago. It seems that I only write citations to 28% of the people that I stop. I plan on doing the same on the water, and I agree that citations are most definitely not always the answer. I am indeed looking for a favorable public opinion, which is the main reason that I posted this message. I want to know what the PUBLIC wants. I already know what the administration wants, but the administration isn't going to be out on the water - I am. As far as your ants vs. elephants theory, well, there's no challenge in hunting ants and I like a challenge. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
I would make one additional suggestion....
Know the maritime law for the area you are in...... I have been boating in IL for 20 years and now in FL for 20 years and I come across MANY officers who do not know the USCG rules of the road or common marine etiquite. The biggest error I have seen is the difference in NO WAKE IDLE SPEED and SLOW SPEED MINIMUM WAKE. I have a 48 ft sport fish and during manatee season, the ICWW is SLOW SPEED MINIMUM WAKE. A 48' Boat can go almost 2x the speed of a smaller boat and meet the legal definition of SLOW SPEED. The way it was expained to me by USCG officals was that a vessel can go as fast as they want, as long as the boat does not "begin to go on a plane" Which means the bow does not begin to rise. Most also have no clue as to signalling rules for passing. I have hit the horn before expecting a response and they just look at me funny... Have fun and stay safe. swatcop wrote: Looking for a little bit of direction here. I've been recently assigned to my department's Marine Unit. I've been a cop for 15 years. I lived in NJ at the shore around boats most of my life, but never owned one. I rarely even went out on boats except for fishing or waterskiing. I moved to Florida in late 2000, and I'm still working as a cop (just in a nicer place). As a result of some administrative changes in my department, I was assigned to the Marine Unit. I've completed the necessary training and such, but one thing is lacking: experience. I'll try to get to the point - I'm open for comments and opinions. I know what the law says, and I know what my job is, but I try to use more common sense than what the law may actually say in black & white. What do you (as boaters) feel the most important issues are for the Police to deal with on the water? Would you like to see more O.U.I. enforcement? More vessel stops for no wake zone infractions? More safety inspections? More after dark patrols of inlets, channels, and harbor areas? You tell me. I'm asking for your honest opinions here. As a rule I use more common sense than anything on the job. I treat people fairly, and as a result I rarely ever have to appear in court. I would like to do the same on the water. Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. |
Police Marine Units
"Clams Canino" wrote in message news:29LCb.383435$ao4.1278020@attbi_s51... Hi! This might parrot what others said, but in my opinon the more you can hound wreckless jet-ski's the better. hehe And then of course wreckless boaters in general. OUI is important too, but use your head. A couple guys out in a rowboat with a 5hp Jonnyrude, fishing, with a 12 pack in the cooler ain't the real big problem, it's the speedboats with intoxicated operators that think they're Mario Andretti. LOL. Equipment checks are a good way to "bust balls" of someone you stopped for operation. But to stop people *just* to do equipment checks is annoying as all hell. There's enough strange operatoin out there to keep you busy. And lastly, don't "become" the problem. There are a lot of narrower places that just by inserting your boat in the middle - you *create* a no wake area - this really ****es off people pulling skiiers and tubes etc. They have have to drop of plane or get ticketed by Marine Patroll *because* of the damn Marine Patroll boat. So...in narrow areas stay near the edges please. And as a personal favor. grin Older couples often don't have an extra person to "spot" for the skiier.Yes, I know the law (in most states) requires a spotter, but it's often just me and my wife. So I put a rearview mirror on the boat and call the German shepard my spotter. A warning will do just fine - as we're at least *trying* to get it right with the mirror. Sometimes you just can't find a spotter without kidnapping someone - a worse crime. Don't make me have to get a blow up doll.grin -W I'll be looking for the ski-boat with the blow up doll in the back - you got me to laugh on that one! Anyway, I agree with your points on jetskis and reckless operation, I plan to hit them pretty hard. Thanks for the tip on the narrow areas, although I would have thought that to be common sense. Maybe it's different in your area. And as a question on the safety checks, other than the marinas in my town, most people use a public boat ramp area. Would you be offended if the cops did a safety inspection on your vessel while you were waiting in line to launch at a boat ramp? It seems to me like it would save time that way. Thank you for your input. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
"Capt. Matt" wrote in message ... First off, thanks for asking! And welcome to Florida waters!! What kind of problems really depends on were you are, East coast is VERY different from West as far as perceived problems. OUI is always a concern for me as a tour operator as well as inexperienced operators. I don't want to jump on the PWC bashing bandwagon, but lots of these folks have no idea what safe operation is, not all of them mind you. I have to tell you, a night patrol on occasion will do a lot to ease many minds. As far as wake violations, I'm all for enforcement but some E.O.s from many fields have been over zealous and would likely written a citation for boats at anchor in a strong spring tide if given the chance. Welcome! I'm just glad you are here!Conscientious law enforcement on the water is a good thing for all concerned even those that may be inconvenienced. Capt. Matt Thank you for your input. Seems the jetskis are a common topic, and will be dealt with more severely. As for the waterway, I'll be on the west coast in the Gulf of Mexico. Thank you for the welcome and for the information, I plan on making a POSITIVE change out there and not just becoming another pain in the ass. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
"Ed" wrote in message ...
Most also have no clue as to signalling rules for passing. I have hit the horn before expecting a response and they just look at me funny... I agree. Around here (upstate NY), it seems that 75% of boaters don't know the rules for passing. Meanwhile, I learned that when I took power squadron courses at age 13. Perhaps those courses should be required, and validated by a tattoo on the student's arm, to avoid swapping credentials. :-) Around here, we have a name for the yahoos: floating Camaros. If you got into a shouting match with 50 of them and guessed their names and called them Vito, you'd be right 45 times. It's a real problem. They're not like the Italians I grew up with around NYC. They're caricatures. |
Police Marine Units
"Ed" wrote in message ... I would make one additional suggestion.... Know the maritime law for the area you are in...... I have been boating in IL for 20 years and now in FL for 20 years and I come across MANY officers who do not know the USCG rules of the road or common marine etiquite. The biggest error I have seen is the difference in NO WAKE IDLE SPEED and SLOW SPEED MINIMUM WAKE. I have a 48 ft sport fish and during manatee season, the ICWW is SLOW SPEED MINIMUM WAKE. A 48' Boat can go almost 2x the speed of a smaller boat and meet the legal definition of SLOW SPEED. The way it was expained to me by USCG officals was that a vessel can go as fast as they want, as long as the boat does not "begin to go on a plane" Which means the bow does not begin to rise. Most also have no clue as to signalling rules for passing. I have hit the horn before expecting a response and they just look at me funny... Have fun and stay safe. I agree that most people don't know anything about the USCG rules, which is exactly why I attended the USCG "Basic Skills and Seamanship" course. It covers all of the points that you made, and I certainly know a lot more about boating than I did before taking the course. Thank you for your input. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
"swatcop" wrote in message
m... Would you be offended if the cops did a safety inspection on your vessel while you were waiting in line to launch at a boat ramp? It seems to me like it would save time that way. That's a good idea. Include proper anchors in the list of necessary toys. I've had the CG look over my yacht and check everything EXCEPT the anchor. I can't tell you how many times I've had to hoist MY anchor to get out of the way of some putz with an undersized anchor whose boat starts drifting and threatening other anchored boats because the guy's motor won't start fast enough. Fishing is my church. Nobody disturbs my worship with my whining about it. :-) |
Police Marine Units
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message ... "Ed" wrote in message ... Most also have no clue as to signalling rules for passing. I have hit the horn before expecting a response and they just look at me funny... I agree. Around here (upstate NY), it seems that 75% of boaters don't know the rules for passing. Meanwhile, I learned that when I took power squadron courses at age 13. Perhaps those courses should be required, and validated by a tattoo on the student's arm, to avoid swapping credentials. :-) Around here, we have a name for the yahoos: floating Camaros. If you got into a shouting match with 50 of them and guessed their names and called them Vito, you'd be right 45 times. It's a real problem. They're not like the Italians I grew up with around NYC. They're caricatures. "Floating Camaros?" I love it! The go fasts should have the word "IROC" on the sides. Thanks for your input. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
"Doug Kanter" wrote in message ... "swatcop" wrote in message m... Would you be offended if the cops did a safety inspection on your vessel while you were waiting in line to launch at a boat ramp? It seems to me like it would save time that way. That's a good idea. Include proper anchors in the list of necessary toys. I've had the CG look over my yacht and check everything EXCEPT the anchor. I can't tell you how many times I've had to hoist MY anchor to get out of the way of some putz with an undersized anchor whose boat starts drifting and threatening other anchored boats because the guy's motor won't start fast enough. Fishing is my church. Nobody disturbs my worship with my whining about it. :-) Alrighty then. I'm actually writing down everything that I get out of my inquiry, so thank you for your input. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
"swatcop" wrote in message news:INMCb.12534 Thanks for the tip on the narrow areas, although I would have thought that to be common sense. Maybe it's different in your area. It's different here. We have a patch of river 8 miles long and 200 - 300 feet wide. And often the Marine Patroll doods troll right up the middle, particularly the newer younger guys. I mean, it is "instinct" to drive up the middle, but if you see a skiier coming it's *nice* to pull aside, as opposed to watching to see if he'll slow down for you. And as a question on the safety checks, other than the marinas in my town, most people use a public boat ramp area. Would you be offended if the cops did a safety inspection on your vessel while you were waiting in line to launch at a boat ramp? It seems to me like it would save time that way. *I* wouldn't be offended at the ramp, no. I tend to be be a comedian about it and show him the life-preservers, throwables, ski-vests, fire extinguisher, flares, whistle, horn, anchor, sunscreen, sunglasses, TCW-3, 12 soda, 6 beer, 1 energy drink, 1 milk, 1 orange juice, 1 orange, 2 apple pies, 1 canned ravioli, 1 Spaghetti-O's Etc etc... (yanno - we might think it's funny - until the day the Marine Patroll finds a subject in hypoglycemic shock and comes screaming after my boat to get my goodies - *then* he'll be glad I showed him the Hostess Apple Pies!) But anyway, a lot of people tend to view a "safety check" like an "MV stop" - they wanna know what they did to draw your attention in the first place. shrug Speaking of the ramp, I don't know how enforcable it is (perhaps via loitering laws hehe) but some of the idiots that tie up / slow down the ramps need a ticket for *something* LOL. -W PS: Look at bright side - it's *got* to be a lot more fun than S.W.A.T. work is!! Just still be carefull out there. Binoculars are your friend. If you run into drug runners on a boat, it's way too easy to just shoot the cop and sink the evidence. Remember *they* already know what's up as your approaching them. |
Police Marine Units
MOST importantly. Come back HERE often to post the best "idiot" stories.
!!! I'll give you the best one I ever heard: A friend of mine is a State Trooper. One night he was gassing up his vehicle at one of the little "Statie stops" they have here for the Troopers to gas up at. So while he's filling his (unmarked) car, the subject pulls up to the pumps, drunk as a skunk, and when the Officer comes over to the subjects window to see what he possibly could want - he slurrs: "Fill her up please". A moment of silence follows while the officer looks at the subject , meanwhile the subject is looking the officer up and down, and becomes dimly aware of the real situation. Subject rolls down his window - stucks out both hands - and says "OK you got me - that was pretty clever" Poor cop said he had a hard time stopping laughing long enough to ask the guy for his liscence and reg so he could start the OUI arrest.. LOL. "So how'd you get this one?" "He just kinda drove up and surrendered." -W "swatcop" wrote in message news:a1NCb.12546 Alrighty then. I'm actually writing down everything that I get out of my inquiry, so thank you for your input. |
Police Marine Units
Harry Krause wrote: More DUI enforcement, more anti-noise enforcement, more "reckless boater" enforcement. Most folks I know who enjoy the water don't want to be annoyed or put at risk by idiots who do not behave decently. Don't take anything krause has to say too seriously or you'll be embarassed sooner or later to have believed him. He's the resident rec.boats vicarious boater. -- Charlie ----== Posted via Newsfeed.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
Spotter shortage?
WaIIy wrote:
On Sat, 13 Dec 2003 21:11:59 GMT, "Clams Canino" wrote: Meet my new ski spotter?? http://realdoll.com/ I see you found a picture of Krause's "young" wife. Poor Wally. Still being turned down for sex by... ....his hand. -- Email sent to is never read. |
Police Marine Units
"Doug Kanter" wrote in. That's a good idea. Include proper anchors in the list of necessary toys. I've had the CG look over my yacht and check everything EXCEPT the anchor. I don't know where you are, Doug, but the requirement to have an anchor aboard is not Federal. Many states have placed their own requirement for an anchor, and generally the CG will include the anchor as required in those states. JG |
Police Marine Units
Floating Camaros? Never heard that one, In our part of NY we used to
call them, "Guinea Go Fast Boats" UD http://community.webtv.net/capuglyda...inUglyDansJack |
Police Marine Units
Sir,
I am impressed! I have always had positive dealings with law enforcement, as a P.S. teacher and as a boat captain. But the fact that I see you not only ask but reply to local boaters, I think we have a real asset on the water with you! If you are in the Naples to E.G.C. area I hope to see you 'unofficially on the water. Be safe, I'll do the same! Capt. Matt "swatcop" wrote in message m... "Capt. Matt" wrote in message ... First off, thanks for asking! And welcome to Florida waters!! What kind of problems really depends on were you are, East coast is VERY different from West as far as perceived problems. OUI is always a concern for me as a tour operator as well as inexperienced operators. I don't want to jump on the PWC bashing bandwagon, but lots of these folks have no idea what safe operation is, not all of them mind you. I have to tell you, a night patrol on occasion will do a lot to ease many minds. As far as wake violations, I'm all for enforcement but some E.O.s from many fields have been over zealous and would likely written a citation for boats at anchor in a strong spring tide if given the chance. Welcome! I'm just glad you are here!Conscientious law enforcement on the water is a good thing for all concerned even those that may be inconvenienced. Capt. Matt Thank you for your input. Seems the jetskis are a common topic, and will be dealt with more severely. As for the waterway, I'll be on the west coast in the Gulf of Mexico. Thank you for the welcome and for the information, I plan on making a POSITIVE change out there and not just becoming another pain in the ass. -- -= swatcop =- "If it wasn't for stupid people I'd be unemployed." |
Police Marine Units
On Sat, 13 Dec 2003 17:43:47 GMT, "swatcop"
wrote: Looking for a little bit of direction here. I've been recently assigned to my department's Marine Unit. I've been a cop for 15 years. I lived in NJ at the shore around boats most of my life, but never owned one. I rarely even went out on boats except for fishing or waterskiing. I moved to Florida in late 2000, and I'm still working as a cop (just in a nicer place). As a result of some administrative changes in my department, I was assigned to the Marine Unit. I've completed the necessary training and such, but one thing is lacking: experience. I'll try to get to the point - I'm open for comments and opinions. I know what the law says, and I know what my job is, but I try to use more common sense than what the law may actually say in black & white. What do you (as boaters) feel the most important issues are for the Police to deal with on the water? Would you like to see more O.U.I. enforcement? More vessel stops for no wake zone infractions? More safety inspections? More after dark patrols of inlets, channels, and harbor areas? You tell me. I'm asking for your honest opinions here. As a rule I use more common sense than anything on the job. I treat people fairly, and as a result I rarely ever have to appear in court. I would like to do the same on the water. Here's your chance to make a difference, because I will take every opinion into consideration. Thanks for your help. You don't sound like the type, but just for future reference: I went striper fishing one early morning, in the pouring rain, by myself, in my 14' jon-boat, on the Hudson River. I launched in the dark, and although I had two approved throwable PDF's onboard, I left my "wearable" PDF on the launch ramp. A few hours later, a DEC center cabin comes roaring up, and hooks my gunwale. My little anchor is holding both of us, against a rising tide and current, and he damned near swamps me. I disobey his instruction to leave my anchor set, and pull it before my jon goes under. I'm wet, cold, with no fish, and he writes me up for no "wearable" PDF. Yup, it was my mistake, but he was bustin' my ass, and he was an idiot. In a 14' jon, the law does not require me to wear the "wearable", just "have one on board", so what's the difference between "wearable" and "throwable"? If he hadn't hooked my boat, I wouldn't have needed the friggin' "wearable". I was the only boat on the river that morning for miles, so I guess he had to find "something". After writing me up, he ordered me off the river. Barney Fife. I paid the fine, and thanked the judge for making it a very small one. I think the judge was a fisherman. :o) You sound like a reasonable guy. People will appreciate that, so do what you gotta' do. Thanks for listening. Regards, noah To email me, remove the "OT-" from OT-wrecked.boats.noah. ....as you were. :o) |
Police Marine Units
On 13 Dec 2003 21:30:17 -0600, noah
wrote: ....uhm sheepishly, "PFD". If I had known that Typing Class was more important than making-out with Donna under the bleachers, I still woulda' been under the bleachers. :o) Regards, noah To email me, remove the "OT-" from OT-wrecked.boats.noah. ....as you were. :o) |
Police Marine Units
"swatcop" wrote in message
m... I don't know the official legal name of the law covering wakes, but when my son's in the boat, I call it "attempted murder". One of these days, someone's gonna get a bullet in their fuel tank. Do something about that, wherever you work. I'm not sure of the actual name of the statute (as I said I'm new at this aspect of policing), but I know it exists. Part of my training was with the Coast Guard, and I remember the instructor really driving his point home about boaters being responsible for their wake. One of his examples was a woman drinking coffee on her husband's boat. Some schmuck flew past them and she spilled her coffee on her lap resulting in burns. The operator of the other boat was heavily fined and also came under civil suit. I will definitely keep an eye on the wakes of vessels. Thank you for your input. When you stop those people, always begin the conversation with "please kneel on the deck and keep your hands where I can see them". Fear is good. This is why I'm not a cop. I'd execute people for allowing their dogs to roam the neighborhood unsupervised. |
Police Marine Units
"swatcop" wrote in message
m... That's a good idea. Include proper anchors in the list of necessary toys. I've had the CG look over my yacht and check everything EXCEPT the anchor. I can't tell you how many times I've had to hoist MY anchor to get out of the way of some putz with an undersized anchor whose boat starts drifting and threatening other anchored boats because the guy's motor won't start fast enough. Fishing is my church. Nobody disturbs my worship with my whining about it. :-) Alrighty then. I'm actually writing down everything that I get out of my inquiry, so thank you for your input. By the time we're done with you, you may regret having asked for input. :-) |
Police Marine Units
"John Gaquin" wrote in message
... "Doug Kanter" wrote in. That's a good idea. Include proper anchors in the list of necessary toys. I've had the CG look over my yacht and check everything EXCEPT the anchor. I don't know where you are, Doug, but the requirement to have an anchor aboard is not Federal. Many states have placed their own requirement for an anchor, and generally the CG will include the anchor as required in those states. Well, then people without anchors should be tried on the spot by the nearest 12 *other* boaters. If judged to be stupid, they should be fed day-old unrefrigerated nightcrawlers. I have spoken. |
Police Marine Units
"Clams Canino" wrote in message
news:4uNCb.533010$HS4.4073001@attbi_s01... Speaking of the ramp, I don't know how enforcable it is (perhaps via loitering laws hehe) but some of the idiots that tie up / slow down the ramps need a ticket for *something* LOL. I know what you mean. There's a whole list of behaviors which fall into the category of "general lack of consideration", like warming up your 17 year old Chevy Blazer for 20 minutes right outside your neighbor's open window, because you think them darn EPA hippies are wrong about fumes being bad for you. At one of our local ramps, there's some sort of unofficial thing that goes on. Officially, they have nubile babes collecting the ramp fee. And officially, boaters are "advised" by 2-3 old guys who look like they spent the last 6 months in a life raft. Mostly, they spend their time reminding the illiterate that ramps are designated for "in" or "out" depending on traffic, and that the "IN" and "OUT" signs mean (quizzically) "In" or "Out". UNofficially, these old guys are usually accompanied by equally ancient buddies who hang around helping kids with bait, or showing newbies how to operate a cleat. You can sort of tell who's who by the presence or absence of polo shirts with the township's emblem. ANYWAY....this crew of life raft veterans does a good job of mildly embarrassing morons at the ramp. Imagine Don Rickles, toned down by 50%. My first time at the ramp, this young woman backs her PWC into the water and ties it up right at the bottom of the ramp. Why move it down to the end so someone else could launch while you park, especially since there were 30 cars waiting. She parks her car and sits in it for about 5 minutes doing something to her hair. Meanwhile, nobody can move. One of the old guys yells to her "Are you gonna get a manicure too, 'cause there are people waiting but I could see if they'll come back tomorrow". Needless to say, she ended her beauty parlor routine instantly. You can't argue with a 100 year old man who obviously knows what he's talking about. :-) There was much laughter from the waiting cars. Other nonsense: Signs all over the parking area say "Boaters Only - Vehicles Without Trailers Will Be Ticketed". All day long, people come up to the booth and ask the attendant "Do ya think I'll really get a ticket? I don't have a trailer". Sometimes they approach the cop who's writing tickets and ask if they can just park for a couple of hours without getting a ticket. :-) I really want to make a movie about this stuff. I need a catchy title. The dumbest people will be featured in the movie without their permission. Especially the monkeys who, on a really busy afternoon, let their 4 kids run up and down the dock with fishing poles while other boaters are scrambling to get in or out and make way for the next person. Or, the knuckleheads who need help docking on a windy day, and when they toss you their line, it's always 2 feet shorter than the distance from the boat to the dock. Wouldn't want to buy a 15 ft rope when a 3 footer will work just as well. Sort of. :-) |
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