I pulled the dive boat out this morning. It was a bit earlier (one week) than I wanted, but the situation at the marina prompted this. I’ve finally paid off the new transmission and have the engine over at the shop being connected to it. Then I’ll set up the stringers and line everything up and install them…
The Fleet… the new dive boat and the barge…
Wow… I’m so excited to be at this stage. Getting the engine in, modifying the looks… new paint… Hopefully, in a couple of months, I can put her back in the water and begin working on the barge and getting her ready…
About the situation at the marina…
A week ago, the sheriffs office sent the boats over to the marina and they boarded many of the customers on the dock, with ticket book in hand. I was warned before I got onto the dock about the situation and stayed in the parking lot until they were done. Then, the next day, U.S. Customs and Border patrol came on the dock in force with the drug dogs and did the same. Three days later at 4:30 P.M. the sheriffs office arrived in 5 pickup trucks and entered the dock with ticket books in hand, giving out citations again. I almost got off the dock before I was held for questioning and possible detention in a jail cell… I wasn’t being cooperative enough… Fortunately, my paperwork was unquestionable and they went for bigger game… They then returned at 9:30 PM… for more boardings… and then… They returned at 5AM for another round… At 10:30AM we were graced again with U.S. Customs…..
What the hell happened when I was away in South America??? These officers didn’t knock, ask permission to board, ask questions or anything. They just boarded the boats, opened the doors and walked in unannounced…
Land of the Free??? What happened to our civil liberties? After the ordeal where I almost went to jail, I felt violated… ALL OF MY RIGHTS were violated!!! When did I become a criminal? I sure was treated like one…
Time to return to South/Central America permanently…
Capn Scott