Whistle on Life Jackets??

[BarryB]

I am a member of the Ft. Lauderdale Power Squadron. The Power Squadron offers safety checks just like the Coast Guard Auxillary. The safety checks are given free of charge. The information presented after the safety check is offered in the hopes that we can make boating safer. Also, if you pass the safety check, a sticker is awarded and applied on the boat. Although it's just rumor, I have noticed that boats with the sticker don't get pull over often.

[JimW]

Chuck,
I guess this is what you are talking about, yeah I need to add it also.

West Marine: West Marine Search Tool

Jim W

[JimW]

Originally Posted by BarryB

I am a member of the Ft. Lauderdale Power Squadron. The Power Squadron offers safety checks just like the Coast Guard Auxillary. The safety checks are given free of charge. The information presented after the safety check is offered in the hopes that we can make boating safer. Also, if you pass the safety check, a sticker is awarded and applied on the boat. Although it's just rumor, I have noticed that boats with the sticker don't get pull over often.

Barry,
The guy that did my safety check told me the same thing about the rumor you mentioned.

Jim W

[cagrove]

Originally Posted by BarryB

Also, if you pass the safety check, a sticker is awarded and applied on the boat. Although it's just rumor, I have noticed that boats with the sticker don't get pull over often.

I applied my sticker right there on the dock. The guy that performed the inspection also stated that the "real Coast Guard" (his words, not mine) usually don't pull over boats with a current inspection sticker. I don't mind either way as I learned long ago to do things the legal way and not worry about getting stopped. It just makes the time on the water more enjoyable.

BTW...I'm sending off an email to the D.C. folks to try to verify the "flare gun is considered a handgun" comment. I'll post back when I get a response.

[wpschaef]

As a side note: he saw that I had one of those pistol type flare guns and told me to not go into Washington, D.C. waters with it because the folks in D.C. consider it a handgun and will affect an arrest for violating their handgun ban. Just a warning for those who fish around our nation's capital.

Tight lines.[/quote]


I would think that the aerial flares would be prohibited in that case also. Waiting to hear what they tell you. Thanks.

[junkman928]

If it worked I have attached a pic of where I tucked a whistle in my life vest. I believe they were only $5.00 for two at West Marine. Cheap insurance and smart to have even if not required. Attached with an orange cord to the top of the vest and tucked under the cover. If I ever need it it will be there.
Didn't know about the flare gun rule though. Good info.

[cagrove]

Junkman,
I have that exact same vest and was wondering where I could attach the whistle...thanks for the photo. One question, with the vest on and inflated, can you still reach the whistle as it would be behind you?

Thanks again.

BTW....still waiting to hear from the D.C. Metro PD on the flare gun issue.

Tight lines.

[cagrove]

Here's the answer from the D.C. folks on the flare gun issue:

This email is in response to your question about carrying a flare gun in D.C. waters. According to D.C. code a flare gun used as a safety device is not considered a handgun. D.C. Code 7-2501.01(9).C specifically states the term firearm shall not include any device used exclusively for line throwing, signaling, or safety, and required or recommended by the Coast Guard or Interstate Commerce Commision.

I hope this information is responsive to your request. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me at Colin.Hall@dc.gov or call a member of the firearms registration unit at (202)-727-4275.

Colin Hall
Sergeant Gun Control Unit
Police Business Services Division
Corporate Support Bureau
Phone 202-727-9889

[junkman928]

Hey Chuck,
Should be able to reach it. It hangs down about where the inflator cartridge is inside the vest. When it comes out if it's not over your shoulder a quick dip to the right, swing your arm out and you should find it. Guess I'l have to manually inflate it sometimg to test this out.

[cagrove]

Originally Posted by junkman928

Hey Chuck,
Should be able to reach it. It hangs down about where the inflator cartridge is inside the vest. When it comes out if it's not over your shoulder a quick dip to the right, swing your arm out and you should find it. Guess I'l have to manually inflate it sometimg to test this out.

OK..got it. I didn't think the string looked that long in your picture...great idea that I will surely borrow from you. Thanks.