What do they check for when pulled over by the MP

[Chimi]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

Personally.... I think No Wake is crap! Mostly because everybody thinks its a different speed based on their boat. Some boats can creep along at 1 -2 MPH while others need 4-6 MPH. There is a BIG difference between No Wake speed as defined in the RSA's and DEAD SLOW as some people are want to do!

For my 26 Donzi single, without having to shift into neutral constantly, 4-5 MPH is a good NWZ speed. My 22 Classic Blackhawk NWZ speed (motor at idle) was 6-7 MPH.

I personally think the NWZ should be changed to 5-MPH. 95% of the boats can very easily maintain steerage, the MP can easily enforce it, keeps the boat traffic moving on busy weekends and keeps erosion too a minimum.

You could even mount one of those solar powered radar units on the bridge over the channel to keep everyone in check...

Woodsy

I agree with Woodsy. Here's what the law says. Headway speed is clearly defined, so there should be no ambiguity with the MP. In fact, I think this language can be interpreted in such a way that if the slowest speed your boat can go is 7mph, then that is legal. "Headway speed" is the defining language, then "No Wake" is tied to headway speed.

270-D:1 Definitions. – In this chapter:
I. "Boat'' means every description of watercraft other than seaplanes, capable of being used or used as a means of transportation on the water and which is primarily used for noncommercial purposes, or leased, rented, loaned or chartered to another for such use.
II. "Commercial vessel'' means any vessel carrying passengers for hire as a common carrier of passengers or property.
III. "Commissioner'' means the commissioner of the department of safety.
IV. "Director'' means the director of the division of state police, department of safety.
V. "Division'' means the division of state police, department of safety.
VI. "Headway speed'' means 6 miles per hour or the slowest speed that a boat can be operated and maintain steerage way.
VI-a. "Inflatable tube'' means an inflatable device manufactured and designed for the specific purpose of towing persons behind a motorboat. Such device shall be manufactured with a point of attachment for a tow line in addition to any safety handles, ropes, or lines, for each person being towed.
VII. "Motorboat'' means any vessel being propelled by machinery, whether or not such machinery is the principal source of propulsion.
VIII. "No wake area'' means an area where a boat is to be operated only at headway speed.
IX. "PFD'' means a personal flotation device of a type approved by the United States Coast Guard.
X. "Person'' means person as defined in RSA 21:9.
XI. "Vessel'' means any type of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, except a seaplane.
XII. "Wake'' means any disturbance created on the surface of the water as a result of combined vessel motion and hull displacement.
XIII. "Water skiing'' means a person being towed behind a moving motorboat on skis or on aquatic equipment designed for towing an aquaplane or any other device, including bare feet of a person, but excluding a person being towed on an inflatable tube or in another boat or motorboat.
Source. 1990, 171:1. 1995, 273:2, eff. July 1, 1995. 2011, 224:268, eff. July 1, 2011. 2012, 168:2, 3, eff. June 7, 2012.

[Merrymeeting]

You are supposed to have some type of photo id with you. I make copies of our NH licenses (both car and boat) and keep them in all our water craft. I keep the originals in the house. While I have not been pulled over, my understanding is that copies are ok for the marine patrol. If you have a bigger issue, you may be asked to produce the originals.

[fatlazyless]

And, if I am out in my 15' aluminum rowing-canoe, rowing around Fl-3, and get stopped by the MP for being out after sunset without a white navigation light.....what happens if I have no identification, no registration, no boating license, no cell phone, and no money ..... because none are required.....am just wondering ..... once, about three summers ago, I actually got stopped for this violation without any ID and he let me slide with a friendly 'have a safe row home' ....maybe because I was actually wearing a 1965-style swimmers belt that doesn't get in the way for rowing, plus a whistle?

[HomeWood]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

And, if I am out in my 15' aluminum rowing-canoe, rowing around Fl-3, and get stopped by the MP for being out after sunset without a white navigation light.....what happens if I have no identification, no registration, no boating license, no cell phone, and no money ..... because none are required.....am just wondering ..... once, about three summers ago, I actually got stopped for this violation without any ID and he let me slide with a friendly 'have a safe row home' ....maybe because I was actually wearing a 1965-style swimmers belt that doesn't get in the way for rowing, plus a whistle?

They could attempt to pull up a drivers license photo but that's assuming they have computers on their boats with that capability. I've never seen computers on MP boats and always assumed they called things in for checks. They could also request that they follow you home to get said ID but realistically......have a safe row home and see ya later!

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by HomeWood

They could attempt to pull up a drivers license photo but that's assuming they have computers on their boats with that capability. !

Pretty much all people have a computer known as a smart phone in their pocket today. I'm sure they carry phones. We all can pull up a drivers photo if that data base was accessible to us.

[HomeWood]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Pretty much all people have a computer known as a smart phone in their pocket today. I'm sure they carry phones. We all can pull up a drivers photo if that data base was accessible to us.

Yes, many people do these days and I'm sure they carry phones. (no need for snark, if you intended it)

Maybe NH has something like this https://cjleads.nc.gov/. It's a great tool. It's checks just about everything except NCIC stolen records.

[Kamper]

NH DMV also has had alphabetical look up capability for decades. I'm sure the police can also see your photo there as well and further verify it by any other info they have asked you for.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by HomeWood

Yes, many people do these days and I'm sure they carry phones. (no need for snark, if you intended it)

Maybe NH has something like this https://cjleads.nc.gov/. It's a great tool. It's checks just about everything except NCIC stolen records.

No snarky at all HW. You posted this and I was just responding.

"I've never seen computers on MP boats and always assumed they called things in for checks"

A smart phone is certainly a computer and probably more powerful than most of our pc's 10 years ago. Thats all.

[AB_Monterey]

Does MP have SCMODS? (pulled over 9 yrs ago. 150ft infraction. Safety check and sent on my way with a warning)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkjJTAHOxXE

[HomeWood]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

No snarky at all HW. You posted this and I was just responding.

"I've never seen computers on MP boats and always assumed they called things in for checks"

A smart phone is certainly a computer and probably more powerful than most of our pc's 10 years ago. Thats all.

Gotcha and you're probably right on that!

[Skip]

Just as with driving a motor vehicle, when you operate the appropriate classed vessel you must carry your boater certificate (quasi license) with you. If you don't have it you can be issued a citation. But if you produce it within 48 hours your citation is null and void.

There is no statute that requires you to carry a photo ID. However, having one readily available can make the stop much quicker if the officer has a reliable way to identify you.

When they pull away they have two main ways to run your status and, in many cases, see if you are wanted. When in radio range they can call it in, or in many cases where coverage is spotty, they simply call dispatch via cell.

There are a variety of ways to try and identify you whether via social security number, height, weight, hair and eye color and age by having dispatch check the appropriate data bases. The ability to transmit license data with photo is still in experimental stages here in NH. However an officer with a broadband connected laptop and the appropriate CAD (law enforcement software) can directly query the State Police data base for license, registration and wanted/warrant status.

[bigdog]

I find it very interesting that the MP asked for license, photo id and registration.... Even though I respect the MP and glad they're on the lake to maintain order, I think sometimes they overstep their authority.

Now that they fall under the department of the NH State Police,
I would have serious concerns with MP officer carrying firearms.

Funny.... They don't ask for any of that infomation when you go to vote !

But that's a conversation for another forum Thread !

[DougNH]

They had full kit on.

[wifi]

Before the MP was absorbed into the SP, there were several incidences where the officer was overwhelmed by the people on the boat.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by DougNH

They had full kit on.

A number of officers within the Marine Patrol have been armed for years. They are authorized to be armed if they carry the appropriate firearms qualifications. Has nothing to do with the administrative transfer to State Police.

[HomeWood]

Originally Posted by bigdog

Now that they fall under the department of the NH State Police,
I would have serious concerns with MP officer carrying firearms.

What are your concerns with a police officer like MP carrying firearms?

I would have serious concerns about them NOT carrying firearms or any law enforcement officer for that matter. At any time they could come across the wrong person or be called to help other agencies locate a suspect or wanted person.

[Winnisquamer]

Originally Posted by HomeWood

What are your concerns with a police officer like MP carrying firearms?

I would have serious concerns about them NOT carrying firearms or any law enforcement officer for that matter. At any time they could come across the wrong person or be called to help other agencies locate a suspect or wanted person.

Has never crossed my mind to be concerned with police, Marine patrol, fish/ game wardens, or any of the other people we as tax payers actually pay to carry firearms carrying firearms.

One example could be marine patrol seeing an injured bear or moose on the edge of the lake and calling fish and game ( thread a few weeks ago saw one), the game warden walks up on an injured bear.

In his shoes you think you'd be more comfortable in that situation with a stick and rocks or your service weapon?

[Woodsy]

Knomad...

Your interpretation is a little off... consult a lawyer or you can ask the MP. When I did (both) this was what I was told.

270-D:1 Definitions
VI. "Headway speed'' means 6 miles per hour or the slowest speed that a boat can be operated and maintain steerage way

The interpretation of the law is that you are allowed up to 6 MPH, if you are above 6 MPH you must be able to demonstrate that you need the extra speed to maintain steerage. (Spring current in the Weirs Channel for example)

The reasoning is that different boats need different speeds to maintain steerage, but it is essentially universally recognized that 6 MPH works in 99% of cases. Most people think that No Wake Speed = DEAD SLOW and it does not.

There is no such thing as no wake... any boat moving forward displacing water will create a wake of some sort. The height of the wake is certainly debatable.

Here is an easy explanation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wake

I apologize, but as an engineer, the term No Wake really bugs me as it is physically impossible for a boat.

Woodsy

[tis]

I see plenty of boats who are obeying the law who don't even show a ripple of a wave when they go through a no wake zone. You just don't want to believe it, Woodsy.

[Descant]

Check out the steam boats in Lee's Mills this week. Full speed ahead, pass each other, etc . And all in a NWZ (within 150' of each other). You don't have to go fats to have fun on the water.,

[Dave R]

Why does anyone care if the boat makes a little wake at <6 MPH? A cannonball "dive" will disturb the water more than most boats at that speed.

[rowinghelmet]

Originally Posted by Dave R

Why does anyone care if the boat makes a little wake at <6 MPH? A cannonball "dive" will disturb the water more than most boats at that speed.

Thanks for asking this Dave R. I've always wondered this too. Why do people get so bent out of shape about this? My philosophy is to get mooring whips, a lift, and or fenders and call it a day...

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Dave R

Why does anyone care if the boat makes a little wake at <6 MPH?

Because some people need better hobbies. I would think that dedicating your life to yelling at strangers having fun would not be very fulfilling, yet it seems to be a vibrant local pastime among many.

[nightrider]

Originally Posted by Dave R

Why does anyone care if the boat makes a little wake at <6 MPH? A cannonball "dive" will disturb the water more than most boats at that speed.

I have recently, and unfortunately, have had a wakeboard boat going back and forth in front of my camp doing the "surf" thing. They are going pretty damn close to 6 MPH and are throwing up a tremendous wake that causes havoc when it hits shore. These waves toss my 22' boat around like a cork. My point is, 6 MPH does not necessarily equate to a small wake.
Also, here's a way to pass through the weirs channel during the spring flow at about 6 MPH (relative to the land and as observed via GPS). Say the water is flowing through the channel at 10 MPH. Approach the channel and as you get into the current, reverse direction, facing into the current. Maintain headway speed of 4 MPH or so relative to the water into the current while actually going backwards through the channel at 6 MPH relative to the land and GPS readings. Just be careful of the boats passing you doing 16 MPH relative to the land and GPS.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Pretty much all people have a computer known as a smart phone in their pocket today. I'm sure they carry phones. We all can pull up a drivers photo if that data base was accessible to us.

Some of us still rely on payphones ..... u-know, if you ask around for a payphone....there's always, always, always....someone who will volunteer the use of their cell phone ..... so's at least the ten-cent payphone is still here in spirit form?