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 Early last summer the Ludington U.S.C.G Chief contacted LACA by email saying that he had received orders to begin boarding charterboats at random and conduct safety inspections. Following two meetings at LACA's request we were given a list of items that would be checked during these boardings. The list included a Certificate of Documentation for all charterboats (AKA: UPV's) greater than 5 net tons (about 25’) and USCG approved PML’s (personal marker lights) for each PFD.
After much research and many conversations between the Association and the USCG, it is now clear that both documentation and Personal Marker Lights are required by the USCG on all UPV’s carrying 6 passengers or less on navigable waters.
Beginning in the spring of ‘08, the USCG will begin random boardings of MDNR inspected charterboats, with a safety check list which requires both documentation and PML’s. Every Charterboat will need to have on their boat a Certificate of Documentation (COD) with a “Coastwise” endorsement. Read More:
Do you need a testing kit aboard your vessel?
The USCG now requires
that you and your crew take an approved alcohol test within
two (2) hours if you're involved in a boating accident.
The MCBA Drug Screening
Program has been dealing with the USCG Drug & Alcohol
program on this issue. Do to the fact your association has
established a network of testing sites all along our coasts
on the Great Lakes where this can be accomplished the United
States Coast Guard has taken the position that 99% of our
members are within 2 hours of a facility and are not required
to maintain testing kits onboard.
Read More:
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