This note is directed towards Patrick and Tom's response to him about safety
precautions when venturing out. I agree with Tom's safety precautions
except the portion about the cell phone. Please don't just take a cell
phone and think you are connected. You are not! Other boaters in the area
should be monitoring VHF 16. If you need immediate assistance, they maybe
your fastest and cheapest source of aid. Also, the CG doesn't monitor 911.
Any emergency calls to the CG need to be relayed between the answering
agency (police) and the CG. CG rescue aircraft maintain communications with
their station and coordinating rescue vessels via VHF and HF radio. If it
is dark, and you are adrift or in the water, you don't want to tell a third
party that the CG helicopter just flew over you. You would much rather tell
the pilot that personally.
If anyone wants more information in this arena, I'd be happy to send a copy
of an informative editorial from Powerboat Reports addressing the topic of
the CG, cell phones and VHF.
In conclusion, I let experience be my guide. As a former CG Avionics Tech
with four years of SAR aircrew experience, I don't venture out on my own
boat without the following communications equipment: a fully charged cell
phone and 12 vdc adapter, a fully charged waterproof handheld 5 watt VHF
with an extra set of batteries, and making sure the boat's built in 25 watt
VHF is functional. When going out with others, I have the cell phone and
VHF handheld (with extra batteries) in my tackle bag.
If you like fishing the salt from a boat, spend a $150 and get yourself a
handheld VHF. You can always use it to listen to the WX station.
Regards
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Wolf [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2000 12:45 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Neah Bay/Sekiu
My boat is a 17 footer and does just fine out there, but I make sure
everything
is in top condition including my spare/trolling motor, cell phone for
trouble
(its quicker response than radio) and gps. I also prefer to fish the buoy
and
Duncan Rock...specially on an outgoing. Watch for big waves at the entrance
and
keep a cautious eye on the weather. And .....wear your life jacket please.
If
its windy check the bull kelp beds closer to Waada if no salmon you can at
least save a day by playing the rockfish.
