Coast Guard Auxiliary Reports
The Coast Guard Auxiliary Recreational Safe Boating put out the following information regarding cell phones.
The Coast Guard does not endorse cellular phones as a primary means of distress notification in the maritime environment. Cell phones have several shortcomings in the maritime environment that can delay search and rescue authorities.
During a search and rescue (SAR) case, the Coast Guard attempts to broadcast as much information as possible about the case. These broadcasts provide information to mariners that may be in the vicinity of the SAR case so that they can respond appropriately. A cell phone limits communications between the Coast Guard and the mariner in distress, because other possible rescuers in the area are not immediately made aware of the SAR case. In contrast, a marine radio call allows all other mariners in the area to overhear the distress call and respond if possible.
Most cellular phones are designed for a land-based service. Their offshore coverage is limited and may change without notice.
Locating a cellular caller can be difficult. If you don’t know your position precisely, the Coast Guard may have difficulty locating you.
Having a working VHF radio, an EPIRB or PIB and filing a float plan are critical to your safety, should you need assistance.
For more information, visit U. S. Coast Guard Navigation Center’s webpage .https://navcen.uscg.gov/maritime-telecommunications.
Thanks to Sherrie, we will always remember safe boating is no accident.
If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.
Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.