SUBJECT: # 13230: Small craft advisories

Submitted by wd nunn (209.240.200.38) from NORTH CAROLINA on 12/26/1999 7:39:00 PM

Under what conditions do they put small craft adv. out ? What is considered small craft at that time? Can the coast gaurd keep you at bay if you are under the limit ? Thanks W.D. Nunn

1. 12/27/1999 4:42:00 AM Submitted by vic (209.244.244.95) from MASSACHUSETTS says small craft
   Several years ago I read where a small craft is considered less than 65 feet. With a 15' boat that seems big!

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2. 12/27/1999 10:24:00 AM Submitted by Local Motion (152.163.213.192) from NEW YORK says Advisories, take seriously....
   They post small craft advisories for a reason, dangerous wind/sea conditions for anything under the size of a ship.

   I have been 30 miles offshore when an advisory was posted in the afternoon. A very long ride home zig zagging/climbing over waves in a 24' boat.

   An advisory is the only reason I will cancel an offshore trip.

   If you go out offshore when an advisory is posted, it is irresponsible and you are putting your passengers in danger. The water can be so rough and turbulent that if someone was to fall off the boat you wouldn't be able to get him/her back in.

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3. 12/27/1999 12:18:00 PM Submitted by Ds (63.80.249.91) from MASSACHUSETTS says NOAA Definition
   SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY: To alert mariners to sustained (more than two hours) weather or sea conditions, either present or forecast, that might be hazardous to small boats. If a mariner notices a Small Craft Advisory pennant displayed he should determine immediately the reason by tuning his radio to the latest marine broadcast. Decision as to the degree of hazard will be left up to the boatman, based on his experience and size and type of boat. The threshold conditions for the Small Craft Advisory are usually 18 knots of wind (less than 18 knots in some dangerous waters) or hazardous wave conditions. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/cwd.htm

   Note that the next level up is a Gale Warning - minimum 34 knots, so the Advisory range of 18-34 is pretty broad.

   Others may better but I think the Coast Guard is technically limited in their ability to restrict your trip. If your voyage is declared a "Manifestly Unsafe voage," the have the right under law. But they have to reques this from their headquarters. As a practical matter, they can usually come up with administrative ways to convince you to turn around.

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4. 12/27/1999 2:10:00 PM Submitted by Brad (205.188.199.153) from CALIFORNIA says Manifest unsafe voyage
   All persons need to be aware that anyone may declare a MUV. Though you may not have the authority to stop a voyage, you can contact the authorities and they WILL intervene when an MUV is declared. It is everyone's responsibility to be on vigil for that eventuality.

   I was compelled to declare an MUV several years ago. There was a 18ft open bow runabout with obvious engine problems. There was 11 passengers including women and infants. This was during the winter months when the water was around 55 degrees. They finally got the engine running and were ready to cast off when I approached and questioned them about safety equipment and life jackets, etc. They only had a few lifejackets and the boat was in very poor shape. Water could be seen in the bilge, loose wiring, etc. I simply informed them that I was declaring this to be an MUV and would they wait for the authorities. They were very compliant and waited for the harbour patroll. After a cursory inspection, the Harbor Patroll had them load the boat back on the trailor and they left.

   If you are going to declare an MUV, always be exceedingly courteous and always contact the authorities immediately.

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5. 12/27/1999 4:08:00 PM Submitted by Ds (63.80.249.91) from MASSACHUSETTS says Where do you find that?
   The CG Regs say, "Termination of Use A Coast Guard boarding officer who observes a boat being operated in an UNSAFE CONDITION, specifically defined by law or regulation, and who determines that an ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS CONDITION exists, may direct the operator to take immediate steps to correct the condition, including returning to port. Termination for unsafe use may be imposed for: (Insufficient number of CG Approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). (Insufficient fire extinguishers. (Overloading beyond manufacturer's recommended safe loading capacity. (Improper navigation light display. (Ventilation requirements for tank and engine spaces not met. (Fuel leakage. (Fuel in bilges. (Improper backfire flame control. (Operating in regulated boating areas during predetermined adverse conditions. <> . An operator who refuses to terminate the unsafe use of a vessel can be cited for failure to comply with the directions of a Coast Guard boarding officer, as well as for the specific violations which were the basis for the termination order. Violators may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year or both.

   where do you find a reg saying that anyone may declare a MUV? In the book the "Perfect Storm," the author made the point that the rescue pilot had to call USCG District 1 HQ in Boston to have this declared.

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6. 12/28/1999 8:06:00 PM Submitted by reelmadnezz (209.86.3.44) from FLORIDA says small craft advisories
   as once explained to me, there are old sailors and there are bold sailors, but there aren't any old bold sailors. if in doubt, stay in port, your life ain't worth a couple of fish.

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