Boat DFG Requirements?

R. Duzac · Post by **R. Duzac** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 7:14 am

Here's the list that I have.
Question about the rope for Throw Cushion.
Ranger up at Clearlake says not required by law, Guys from the club who have been pulled over (ON DELTA) were told it's a requirement to have 75' of rope. Can someone verify this.
Please add anything to my list of inspection equipment.
I would like to make sure everyone in our club is prepared.
Thanks,
Rene

Boat Safety/Inspection equipment:

Fishing Licenses and ID
Life Jackets
Fire Extinguisher (Mounted)
Throw Cushion
Running Lights (Night)
Working Horn
Working Kill Switch
Proof of Registration
Proof of Insurance
Check for Alcohol
Check for Fire Arms

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:24 am

Here's a link to a similar discussion a couple years back:

http://www.westernbass.com/forum/viewto ... 56&start=0

sTony

basstratos · Post by **basstratos** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 10:36 pm

Coast Guard Regs:

Boating Safety Rules for Boats 16-26': http://powerboat.about.com/od/safetyand ... 6-feet.htm

Then scroll down and click onto personal floatation Devices:
http://powerboat.about.com/od/safetyand ... on/a/5.htm
Vessels 16 feet or longer are required to carry a Type IV – throwable – PFD. It must be immediately available for use

The question is what's the Coast Guard interpretation of "immediately available". This is subjective to the person stopping you. Someone should contact the coast guard to get their official ruling on what is immediately available. There is no mention of rope or footage. suggest people make a photo copy of these regs if they are concern and carry in the boat.

eagle123777 · Post by **eagle123777** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 3:48 am

basstratos wrote:Coast Guard Regs:

Boating Safety Rules for Boats 16-26': http://powerboat.about.com/od/safetyand ... 6-feet.htm

Then scroll down and click onto personal floatation Devices:
http://powerboat.about.com/od/safetyand ... on/a/5.htm
Vessels 16 feet or longer are required to carry a Type IV – throwable – PFD. It must be immediately available for use

The question is what's the Coast Guard interpretation of "immediately available". This is subjective to the person stopping you. Someone should contact the coast guard to get their official ruling on what is immediately available. There is no mention of rope or footage. suggest people make a photo copy of these regs if they are concern and carry in the boat.

I voluntarily participated in a CG inspection at Ladds they only checked for the items listed on their CG requirements list, even gave me a pretty orange sticker for the boat...

Corey Fenske · Post by **Corey Fenske** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 4:24 pm

The regs for the Delta are different than a lake. The Delta is a navigation waterway, so you are required to carry more safety equipment. CG on the lakes will ask about items, but won't site you because they can't.

GregD · Post by **GregD** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 7:30 pm

I was pulled over on the Delta a couple of weeks ago. Sherriff said I was running a bit too fast going into a spot where several sloughs were joining in one spot and the tullies/levies made the approach blind. In hindsight running through that same spot today (slower) I kind of agree with his judgement. I should have been going slower...

Good news was he let me off with a warning but not after checking a few safety items. Shows how subjective this all is. He first asked for my throw cushion. I had it stowed in my right side rod locker that I use for life jackets, nets and other crap (not rods). I DID have it on top and I did have a 50' rope attached. He did not check the rope length but he did comment that I should have had it out of the locker and on the deck. Of course, at 70+ mph it would not last there very long.

He then asked to see my fire extinguisher. It was in one of my rear deck compartments and NOT attached. I retrieved it from the compartment and after checking it said it was OK.

He then let me go (no ticket!).

So the throwable did not have a 75' rope and the fire extinguisher was not mounted. I guess he took it easy on me. He DID say he'd "had it up to here with bass boaters".

Greg
'06 BassCat Pantera Classic

R. Duzac · Post by **R. Duzac** » Mon Sep 19, 2011 9:07 am

Thanks everyone for your comments.
I too have now gone to several sites and not one of them mentions the rope and I would be well prepared to debate that with any Sharriff or Coast Guard patrol.
But as I mentioned on our club page I am a Registered Lifeguard and I have my personal thoughts on this.
They used to teach (not any more) that you should have something prepared with a rope that you could throw to someone.
So it's not a bad idea especially in moving water situations where multiple throws may be necessary.
Rules for saving someone.
Reach, Throw, Row, Go

GregD:
I could believe that they are upset with us. I see a lot of crazy stuff out there, and I'm sure everyone has.
I know we complain a lot about other boaters, but we ourselves could also be better educated.

We have been working on safety in our club a lot this past year. Even trying to get everyone to take the California Boating Ed. Course
http://www.boat-ed.com/California/index ... 77c5392254

It's $29.50 and they don't charge until you've completed the course.
Takes sitting down at the computer probably a good 4 - 6 hours, but I'm slow

.

Thanks,
Rene