Homeland Security Boarding Party - 2007

 

WindSong Ericson 35 Mk II - Homeland Security Boarding Party

While returning from Isthmus Cove, Catalina Island to Marina del Rey, California, Carrie McCoy and I received a visit from the U.S. Coast Guard. Perhaps it was because we were the only boat in the Main Channel that we received this special pleasure.

As I was setting up the boat for our return to the 1300 Dock, a group of four service members deployed in an orange and black inflatable boat pulled alongside. The person in charge asked us how long it had been since the Coast Guard had boarded and inspected our vessel. “Never”, was my response.

Within a minute, two men hopped aboard WindSong and then asked for my driver’s license and the boat registration slip. During our sail from the Isthmus Cove at Catalina, we had seen rough weather and the registration had fallen from the chart table down to the sole of the boat. There it remained hidden throughout our encounter with the Coast Guard.

After inspecting our safety flares for date compliance, we were “let go” with a warning on the missing registration.

By the time completed our onboard discussions, we arrived at the dock. With there being no one else there to help, I asked one of the Coast Guardsmen to help secure WindSong to the dock, which he did. Before they departed, I asked our Marina del Rey Homeland Security boarding party to pose for a quick picture, which they proudly did.

In these uncertain times, it is good to know that the small boat harbor known at Marina del Rey and nearby Venice Beach are under the watchful eye of the U.S. Coastguard.

Email James McGillis