Coast guard in alameda channel: I got stopped by coast guard Saturday in my 12ft aluminum boat. They asked if I had fire extinguisher I replied I do, and I detached my motor and was...

Xxibishnfishn Loc: Oakland,Ca.

I got stopped by coast guard Saturday in my 12ft aluminum boat. They asked if I had fire extinguisher I replied I do, and I detached my motor and was getting ready to toss in water he said what you doin? I replied it’s my fire extinguisher the whole San Francisco Bay. Oh! He replied that works. Then asked if I had a noise making device, WTF!i said and gave me a ticket and said it’s correctable. So this is what I bought and enough for everyone.

smitty Loc: maine

never stops does it

Smokey2 Loc: San Diego

You have some great answers to the questions, though.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

Xxibishnfishn wrote:

... So this is what I bought and enough for everyone.

On a slightly more serious note, this is what's attached to every PFD I own.

They are super loud. I've used them while SCUBA diving and at the gun range.

Fishandrods Loc: Alpine Ca foothills of San Diego

Xxibishnfishn wrote:

I got stopped by coast guard Saturday in my 12ft aluminum boat. They asked if I had fire extinguisher I replied I do, and I detached my motor and was getting ready to toss in water he said what you doin? I replied it’s my fire extinguisher the whole San Francisco Bay. Oh! He replied that works. Then asked if I had a noise making device, WTF!i said and gave me a ticket and said it’s correctable. So this is what I bought and enough for everyone.

In CA boats with outboard motors and open construction under 26ft long are not required to have extinguishers. I thought it was 16ft ? Mine is 15 ft. Been stopped before and only thing checked was PFD.

Fishandrods Loc: Alpine Ca foothills of San Diego

Fishandrods wrote:

In CA boats with outboard motors and open construction under 26ft long are not required to have extinguishers. I thought it was 16ft ? Mine is 15 ft. Been stopped before and only thing checked was PFD.

I forgot I do have an air horn, very loud and have not had to use it. almost once when a sail boat was heading towards me.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

Fishandrods wrote:

I forgot I do have an air horn, very loud and have not had to use it. almost once when a sail boat was heading towards me.

I prefer the whistle over the air horn because:
1. I can get to it FAST (ie, I don't have to remember which storage hatch its in and then leave the helm to dig it out). Besides the ones on the PFDs, there's one clipped on the helm dash.
2. Whistles don't run out of air. I've had them leak at the seal.
3. In a multi-soul MOB situation, everybody has a whistle.

Fishandrods Loc: Alpine Ca foothills of San Diego

Papa D wrote:

I prefer the whistle over the air horn because:
1. I can get to it FAST (ie, I don't have to remember which storage hatch its in and then leave the helm to dig it out). Besides the ones on the PFDs, there's one clipped on the helm dash.
2. Whistles don't run out of air. I've had them leak at the seal.
3. In a multi-soul MOB situation, everybody has a whistle.

I’m going to get one of those whistles because I just replaced an air horn because when I tested my old one that I had for 8 years it didn’t work. As long as I don’t run out of air it will be better. Larry W.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

Fishandrods wrote:

I’m going to get one of those whistles because I just replaced an air horn because when I tested my old one that I had for 8 years it didn’t work. As long as I don’t run out of air it will be better. Larry W.

Some water safety officers will make you sound the horn (which breaks the seal and can cause it to leak).

I've also heard reports of guys getting tickets for not being able to find it quick enough.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Fishandrods wrote:

In CA boats with outboard motors and open construction under 26ft long are not required to have extinguishers. I thought it was 16ft ? Mine is 15 ft. Been stopped before and only thing checked was PFD.

Just an FYI, The feds require a fire extinguisher on any navigable water if the boat has an internal combustion engine, inboard or outboard. (some exceptions for specialty craft) It has been that way for well over 50 years. They also require a sound device that produces (i don.t remember) decibels, a USCG approved life jacket for everyone aboard, a USCG approved throwable cushion, flairs and running lights if operating before sunrise or after sunset. Please follow the law. If not for yourself, then out of respect for other boaters and first responders. It is no fun finding or recovering a bloated dead body.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

It is amazing how much less critical people are of first responders right after they are rescued.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Papa D wrote:

Some water safety officers will make you sound the horn (which breaks the seal and can cause it to leak).

I've also heard reports of guys getting tickets for not being able to find it quick enough.

The law does say ready available. In spite of the law, it should be quickly available. It is your responsibility. A horn is for other operating boats to hear. A whistle is for rescue. I highly suggest that anyone who has objectionable comments to the boating laws, take a boating safety course. As I have said before, respect your passengers and other boaters, not to mention yourself. Safe boating all.

Fishandrods Loc: Alpine Ca foothills of San Diego

bapabear wrote:

Just an FYI, The feds require a fire extinguisher ... (show quote)

The throwable cushion is required on boats 16 ft and over according to the coastguard what I just looked up.

Mongoose Loc: Modesto,Ca

Xxibishnfishn wrote:

I got stopped by coast guard Saturday in my 12ft aluminum boat. They asked if I had fire extinguisher I replied I do, and I detached my motor and was getting ready to toss in water he said what you doin? I replied it’s my fire extinguisher the whole San Francisco Bay. Oh! He replied that works. Then asked if I had a noise making device, WTF!i said and gave me a ticket and said it’s correctable. So this is what I bought and enough for everyone.

Only in California

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Fishandrods wrote:

The throwable cushion is required on boats 16 ft and over according to the coastguard what I just looked up.

My bad. I stand corrected. I guess over the years, I just automatically moved my safety box, cushion and first aid kit from 17 to 14 foot boat. All three are on my check list. I use the cushion as a seat pad on both boats. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. Thanks for the correction. Word of advice to all- make sure your flairs are up to date or plan to pay the piper.