Is it possible to decline a Coast Guard safety check? What are/would be the ramifications?

I say no, and don't want to find out!!!!!! If your on the up and up, what does it matter.

A very good point that has been brought up.

Fellow boaters for the most part are pretty good, it is the non-boater "friends" that don't have a clue and it is up to a responsible boater to inform them of proper etiquette.
I have seen the unknowing woman go to step on a boat in high heels! Scary stuff, pointy heels and boat decks don't mix!

If you are in a Federally navigable waterway [which is pretty much the majority of waterways] the answer is NO! you cannot decline a USCG or Customs safety check. They have broad authority to stop vessels for any reason....i.e...no probable cause required. The same cannot be said for State Agencies but they want you to believe that they have the same powers... which they don't!

Also if you are stopped get a receipt of inspection so if your stopped again later in the day by another patrol you will have proof of inspection. Show them receipt/report and go on your way.

It matters because I don't want my rights violated because some agency thinks they can stop me at their whim. That is for a thread boating etiquette for law enforcement on the water.

KAP

I know how you feel! I asked these girls to please take off their flip-flops before they boarded my boat and they were so drunk that they thought I said to take off their tops... It really irks me when people won't take their shoes off before they board!

OOPS!

Best post in this thread Now something we can all agree on

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These 3 can wear their flip flops on my ride anytime

agreed, flips for tops seems like a even trade I can handle