Ana Banana Fishing Company is on the water 300 days a year or more. Sometimes we go a couple years in a row without getting pulled over by any law enforcement officials on the water and sometimes we get pulled over three times a week for three weeks in a row. My personal record is being pulled over three times in one day, once each by FWC, the Coast Guard and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Last week I tied my record by getting pulled over three times in one day by FWC, the Coast Guard and NOAA. Yes, it’s a hassle, yes it’s a time-killer, especially on a charter, but thank God for these law enforcement officers and all they do for us and the environment. You can complain about them all you want, but have a vessel emergency offshore – taking on water or a fire, just to name a few – and see how quickly they are on scene to save you and your crew’s lives.
I’ve fished in a lot of third-world countries that don’t have the luxury and security we have if you get in trouble on the water. We sometimes take these luxuries and securities for granted. One time I was stranded 30 miles off the coast of Salinas Ecuador in eight-foot waves with humpback whales all around the boat and pirate warnings in the area – and there was nobody available to save us. That’s when I was missing home and wanted to tap my heels together like Dorothy from Wizard of Oz.
Different agencies typically look for different things, but they all can and do look for many of the same things. For example, the Coast Guard is normally all about safety equipment whereas FWC is normally about environmental protection, but they will both check for flares and fish at the same time.
I recommend every boater call and make an appointment with the Coast Guard Auxiliary to do a free voluntary inspection. They will inspect your vessel for all required safety equipment and features. Once you pass inspection you’ll get a sticker that goes on the side of your windshield letting everyone know that your vessel passed inspection, and you’ll also get an inspection letter/certificate that shows you passed. The sticker and certificate are good until the end of the year. Best of all, with this type of inspection, you will receive a report of how to correct any issues before heading out on the water – and you will not be issued a warning or citation at that time.
I think fishing captains get pulled over more than recreational fisherman and boaters. Maybe it’s because we’re on the water more or because we charter tourists and Florida’s tourist industries are under strict inspection. Charter captains also have to have many more licenses, permits and safety equipment than the general public.
Being pulled over on the water is just like being pulled over on the road. If you’re polite and helpful to the officer, typically they will be too. If you’re a jerk to them, they could be a jerk to you too. It’s important to keep in mind that they have a duty to do and ultimately their job is to protect us and the environment. It can get rather dangerous, and it’s a job many of us couldn’t or wouldn’t do, but like I mentioned earlier, thank God for all of our law enforcement officers. Please thank them for their often-thankless service every time you get a chance.
