WATERDOG
Gemini
HDF Silver Supporter
Don't Bother Me, I'm in Havi
 
MENIFEE, CA
Posts: 10,292
APPD 1.65
Post Rank: 8
ELIMINATOR EAGLE
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Posted: Nov. 23 2009,11:46 pm |
Post # 1 |
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Few boaters take advantage of free vessel safety check.
By JAYNE HANSON
Monday, November 23, 2009 6:50 AM MST
Three boats showed up for a free vessel safety check Sunday offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary group in Lake Havasu City.
“That is three more safe boats than before (the check),†said Jane Vignoni, Flotilla 9-2 staff officer for vessel exams and marine dealer visits. “It is very difficult to get people to stop and get their vessels examined.â€
The Havasu-based group is the oldest flotilla on the Colorado River and was originally organized about 40 years ago, she said.
Brian and Mishael Newton, owners of Havasu Customs, stopped in at the checkpoint located at the gate to Lake Havasu State Park to have their 35-foot Nordic Flame checked out.
Mishael Newton said the couple has participated in safety checks in the past.
Flotilla 9-2 commander Arnold Vignoni started by checking the Nordic’s registration, registration numbers, vehicle identification numbers them moved on to flotation device with advice to the boat owners to always check the condition of the devices’ buckles.
An inventory of other safety equipment, a quick-engine check and making sure the boat’s navigation lights were operable followed during the inspection.
One thing that came into question were flares, which are required if the vessel is taken into the ocean. Because the Newtons reported they have operated their boat in the Pacific Ocean, Arnold Vignoni stressed the importance of flares being up-to-date.
“If the (U.S.) Coast Guard checks you on the ocean, they will check the dates of the flares,†Arnold Vignoni said.
The owners of the Nordic were awarded a decal showing the vessel has been inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary as well as a goodie-bag filled with pamphlets including information about tri-state boating laws, quagga mussel infestation, carbon monoxide poisoning, personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers and a boating trail guide.
The safety check also included free boat launch for the day at Lake Havasu State Park. The vessel inspection took about 15 minutes to complete.
The check would normally have seen 10-15 boats come through, said the Flotilla commander. Cooler weather, the early morning hour and other events occurring in town all play a part in the number of boaters who pull through, he said.
The U.S. Coast Guard volunteer group offers vessel safety checks four times a year and will make house calls to perform the checks, both Vignonis said.
"Damn you sure know how to fock things up."-GFR
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5-18-2024 Three Word Post.....The Next Generation.... (Rep.#18,958) from: GoFastRacer
Maybe If They Did That On A Summer Weekend, It Would Be A Little Better..... 
