By Ventura Breeze Staff –
Wednesday 2/5
5:08am, observed NOAA issued a Small Craft Advisory, raised warning pennant
8:03am, conducting pre operations checks on vessels. Due to heavy debris and poor water quality from recent rains, did not start boat engines.
Thursday 2/6
5:49am, again, NOAA issued Small Craft Advisory, warning pennant remains.
11:00am, senior officers working on patrol website, vpdhp.org to update information and job listings / hiring process for MSO’s and HP I & II.
Friday 2/7
5:27am, NOAA issued Small Craft Advisory for later today, raised warning flag.
7:45am, officers installing new antennas on Harborwatch vessel and the patrol boathouse for VHF marine radios.
8:54am, officers training with a found canoe near the patrol dock. The “Parbuckling” technique was applied to practice righting capsized vessels.
5:05pm, received a report of theft in the dry storage from a tenant. Advised tackle and life jackets were stolen. Directed the victim to Ventura PD for report.
Saturday 2/8
7:40am, while unlocking Harbor Cove gates and restrooms, patrol truck Harbor 1 dumped transmission fluid and was taken out of service. Contacted tow company to assist with returning the vehicle to the Port District.
6:30pm, while on patrol in Rescue Boat 19, officers observed several illegally placed hoop nets in the harbor entrance. After removing, the owner contacted patrol and the nets were returned with multiple warnings for violations. Later, several hoop nets were found illegally placed outside the breakwall. Officers confiscated the nets and were unable to locate the owner. Upon returning to the harbor, observed several hoop nets illegally placed, removed, issued warnings.
Sunday 2/9
8:25am, officers conducting maintenance on Fireboat, specifically installing charging outlet for electronics & battery monitor for starting and house batteries.
2:55pm, received report of a vessel operating erratically near VWM B-dock, unable to return to their slip. Officers responded in Fireboat, contacted the vessel in the A-Basin, offered assistance, took the vessel in a side-tie. During the call, received report of a vessel taking on water near the Ventura Boatyard. Released the vessel at VHV I-dock for Tow Boat US to tow.
3:20pm, received report of vessel sinking in its slip at Ventura Boatyard docks. Officers responded after releasing a tow to assist with the sinking vessel. Fireboat 1 and Rescue B19 on scene, beginning dewatering a 30ft motor vessel with water nearly coming over the transom. Utilizing 3 pumps and assistance from Tow Boat US, officers were able to dewater and plug sources of intrusion.
Monday 2/10
5:53am, observed NOAA issued Small Craft Advisory, raised warning pennant.
11:50am, contacted by a beach-comber near Surfers Knoll demanding identification of officers, then exclaiming to no one in particular, “wasting tax dollars!” Officers were stunned because they were on routine patrol.
Tuesday 2/11
5:51am, observed NOAA issued Gale Warning, raised warning pennants.
3:55pm, while manning the operations center, officers observed a Personal watercraft (jetski) speeding in main channel. Contacted, educated on ordinance.
