A little known Safety Tip

[CapBob]

A lot of people do not know this but if you need the Coast Guard dial *24  (That is *CG)then hit send, you will be connected to the closet Coast Guard Station to the cell tower you are connected with.

Saves a lot of time and is real easy in case of emergency.

Hope you never need to use it.

[mboy]

Wow. Great tip.

Thanks Bob!

[Hotrod]

Great Info there Capt Bob idnk That

[bowguide]

Thanks Capt Bob for a tip all of us should know

[IrishAyes]

Capt Bob, it seems to me that I heard a year or so ago that the CG no longer offers this service.  I may be wrong though.

Even if they do still offer this, you are still better using your VHF radio in an emergency.  By using the VHF radio, you not only alert the CG of your impeding danger but you are also alerting everyone within transmission range of your radio.  There may be a vessel within minutes of your position where as it would take the CG considerably more time to respond.
Also, keep in mind the limited range of the cell phone.  No cell towers equal no call going out.

Also, by using the VHF radio the CG can retrieve your position with a Radio Direction Finder if you can not provide them with Lat and Long.

The cell phone would be a good devise to have and use in case of a complete loss of electric power on your vessel.  So don't disregard it entirely.

[CapBob]

Joe

As far as I know the system is still up and running.........my post was meant to be in an emergency and not to obviously replace the VHF, but for those who were either on a boat w/o a radio or in a postion to need to contact the CG and did not have access to the airwaves............ ie, an example I was on Mt Mitchell a couple weeks ago spotting for fish during a blow, and observed a boat in distress and called the CG (I have Sandy Hook Station on speed dial)

[IrishAyes]

Gotchya Capt Bob.  That would be an excellent use for it.   

[Capt. Mike]

All good things to know, and talk about.
A question everybody should ask them self's, how would you handle an emergency? Everyone should practice a man over board drill, and a Mayday going down fast having to ditch drill.
This is the difference of living or dieing Bottom line... You can never be to safe!!!
If you think you do not need this; I dare you to try and go for a fast lets say 15 min dip in the water now @ 50deg. and see how you fare, even try to get back into the boat after that.

[ped579]

Hi All,

All these are great suggestions.  I would like to add that even for us suds jockies just knowing what to dial in case of a boat in trouble off the beach would be of great help to those in trouble.

Thanks for the insight guys.

Happy Catching

Paul

[Luna Sea 5]

great tip, never heard of it until now

[Capt. Mike]

Here is somthing I found:

When you come upon a capsized boat, approach with caution: The cause of the accident or debris in the water could render you a victim as well. Before attempting to rescue a boater in the water, phone or radio the police or Coast Guard, then approach the victim by putting the bow into the current and the wind; swing the bow toward him and, when you get close, put the engine in neutral to minimize danger from the propellers. If the swimmer is conscious, tie a rope at the middle and stern of your boat and put it in the water; the victim can use the loop as a step. If the victim is unconscious, position him at the stern and maneuver him so he faces away from the boat, arms in the air. Grab his wrists and bob him up and down; on the third bob, use the momentum to pull him into the boat. Elevate his legs and cover him with a blanket — this will help treat him if he's in shock. Stay at the scene until help arrives.
 

[Luna Sea 5]

Here is somthing I found:

When you come upon a capsized boat, approach with caution: The cause of the accident or debris in the water could render you a victim as well. Before attempting to rescue a boater in the water, phone or radio the police or Coast Guard, then approach the victim by putting the bow into the current and the wind; swing the bow toward him and, when you get close, put the engine in neutral to minimize danger from the propellers. If the swimmer is conscious, tie a rope at the middle and stern of your boat and put it in the water; the victim can use the loop as a step. If the victim is unconscious, position him at the stern and maneuver him so he faces away from the boat, arms in the air. Grab his wrists and bob him up and down; on the third bob, use the momentum to pull him into the boat. Elevate his legs and cover him with a blanket — this will help treat him if he's in shock. Stay at the scene until help arrives.
 

[Pops Soul]

Great Info Guys

[PeggyLee]

Good Tip.Thanks.

[SouthPaw]

All good tips that hopefully I will never have to use.

[ped579]

I agree, but you never know.  That is why I have them on the phones speed dial.

Paul

[cormorant]

Great tip..thanks Capt.

[IrishAyes]

A lot of people do not know this but if you need the Coast Guard dial *24  (That is *CG)then hit send, you will be connected to the closet Coast Guard Station to the cell tower you are connected with.

Saves a lot of time and is real easy in case of emergency.

Hope you never need to use it.

This service is no longer available.
http://www.uscgboating.org/articles/boatingview.aspx?id=100

[ped579]

 

[Capt. Mike]

Thanks Capt. You are on top of things as always.