Stopped by the Coast Guard today

[Willy]

My understanding is that the Coast Guard boarding right is left over from smuggling, bootlegging, and pirate days. Legislators have never changed the laws.

[PatSea]

I'm not an attorney, but U.S. Courts over the last 200 years have consistently upheld the right of the Coast Guard to board and inspect vessels, probable cause or not.

[Iowawalleye]

So we have been boating our entire lives. Are flares required? We boat federal impoundments and I have been checked a few times, they never asked for them.

[badboards]

Yes flares are required. They do have an expiration date on them so you have to replace them every couple tears. I bought a coast guard approved LED light it's an alternative to flares. You need to make sure you keep good batteries with you at all times but it's cheaper and doesn't expire.

[Iowawalleye]

In checking further as I understand it. Coastal waters, the Great Lakes and tributaries only. Good to know as I plan on bringing my boat next year.

[PatSea]

Iowawalleye, yes day/night visual distress signals are required on lake Erie. Most boaters carry the orange flag for daytime, and the handheld flares for night time. Suggest you check out the newer electronic LED signaling devices.

[Iowawalleye]

thx