This piggy backs on the thread with FWC disgusting arrest that got moved:

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/...7/?tbref=hpGov. Ron DeSantis wants to prohibit law enforcement officers from stopping boaters without probable cause, a practice that currently helps them uncover crimes such as impaired boating and fishing violations.

Officers currently can stop boaters without probable cause to conduct routine safety checks on equipment such as flares, air horns, life preservers and fire extinguishers. While aboard, officers can make sure drivers are sober and anglers are complying with fishing regulations such as bag limits, size limits and seasonal restrictions.

I love Red states. Too bad I live in Nazinois.

We are at the point where we need to reside and support states that think the way that we do.

Joe

I just think they ought to profile:

me, wife, kids, some middle aged friends are probably not the problem. I do have CG papers, up to date fire extinguishers, working halon, etc……. There’s just no juice there.

Center console with 14 20-year olds with their pants hanging off their ass, neck tattoos, vape pens littering the boat and blasting nonsense rap at unconscionable levels - probably more likely to be drunk/high/reckless.

That’s my .02

It's always been the whole "without probable cause" element for me. While I can't speak of any direct knowledge of FWC employees, I have a friend who used to be a patrol officer (now retired) whose motto was, "If I pull you over, you're getting a ticket for something". If there wasn't a "bingo!" element found, e.g. alcohol, drugs, no insurance, no license, etc...he'd simply say something like, "you failed to signal your lane change" or some such b.s. claim.

It should ALWAYS be "probable cause" in watercraft stops, but...I suppose they could make up ANY reason if they wanted.

exactly!!!!

Got a bright yellow, purple and red Baja outlaw. I usually get stopped once or twice each season. Not too many powerboats in my area so I stick out like a sore thumb. Always have everything in order, papers, life jackets, extinguisher, horn, etc. They give me a piece of paper stating I was stopped and inspected and passed. Next time I get stopped, show them the receipt and I can go. I’ve been boating in the Atlantic City area for about 37 years and never had a bad State Police or Coast Guard encounter. They’ve always been respectful and courteous.

I can't say that I disagree. Drunks always seem to stand out in one form or another... I don't drink, so I don't worry about being pulled over but it is a hassle to deal with. Launch sites would be the most effective spot to catch O.U.I. & domestic abuse violators. Boating at LOTO is so much easier then boating in Florida.
Joe

I know how you feel about sticking out, you can’t get away with $hit

I get your point but remember the guy that got arrested in the original thread was 40s, boating with kids/family and he got arrested but then blew a 0.0......charges dropped.