U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Department of Homeland Security
District 5SR Division 23 Flotilla 23-6 THE DRUM POINT FLOTILLA Calvert County'sVolunteer Lifesavers
.- ALCOAST Announcements
- Approaching Naval Vessels
- Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System
- AWW Citizen's Action Network
- CG Homeport
- Coast Cuard YouTube
- Coast Guard Anthem
- Coast Guard Foundation
- Coast Guard Marine Safety Blog
- Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic Blog
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
- Coast Guard On-line Library
- Coast Guard Publication #1
- Coast Guard Visual Information Gallery
- Coast Station Lake Charles
- Compass: Official CG Blog
Department of Homeland Security- DHS RSS Feeds
- Nav Center: AIS
- Navigation Center
- Official CG News
- On Scene – The Journal of Coast Guard Search and Rescue
- Rescue 21
Sector Baltimore
Station St. Inigoes- US Coast Guard
DrumPoint.org Feed Burner RSS Feed
http://www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/
You cannot see alcohol burn. It is heavier than air and will sink into the bilge. Make sure you run your bilge ventilation system after you refuel or use your alcohol stove. When you can SMELL gas in the bilge ventilate before starting your engine. Boat fires are preventable.
Posts Tagged ‘VHF radio’
July 8, 2012 | 
Author Date: July 08, 2012
U.S. Coast Guard
Contact: 14th District Public Affairs
Office: (808) 535-3230
MAUI, Hawaii – Coast Guardsmen and members of the Maui County Police Department responded to kayakers in distress off the northwest coast of Moloka’i, near Kaluako’i Villas, at approximately 7 p.m. Saturday.
Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a call on VHF channel 16, reporting four kayakers in distress. The reporting party told watchstanders one of the kayaks was getting swamped with water while the other was getting swept out to sea. The reporting party, one of the kayakers, utilized a hand-held VHF radio to call for assistance.
A Coast Guard aircrew piloting an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point, the crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Ahi and a crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Honolulu were sent to respond. The Dolphin aircrew located one of the kayakers and hoisted him into the helicopter. The other three were located safely ashore by members of the Maui County Police Department.
This case was successful due to the kayaker’s use of the VHF radio and a lifejacket. VHF radios provide the most reliable communications while on the water. The Coast Guard strongly recommends mariners purchase, maintain and carry a VHF radio aboard their vessels.
The Coast Guard also recommends mariners wear lifejackets at all times when aboard any type of watercraft. Lifejackets greatly increase changes of survival during an emergency.
For more information contact Lt. Leigh Cotterell, the Sector Honolulu public affairs officer at 808-292-3692.
###
Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.
Kayakers, and Stand-Up Paddleboarders in Southern Maryland take note! Wear your lifejacket and carry a Marine VHF radio!
7th Coast Guard District
U.S. Coast Guard
News Release
Date: December 2, 2011
Contact: District Public Affairs
(305) 415-6683
MIAMI — With the holiday season upon us, the Coast Guard encourages boaters throughout South Florida and the Florida Keys to consider some potentially life saving stocking stuffers.
With a wide range of purposes and prices, the following list of survival gear can truly make a difference during an emergency at sea.
- Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB): It sends a satellite signal with your position to the Coast Guard during an emergency. Remember to properly register your EPIRB to ensure a swift rescue.
- Life Jackets: The best life jacket is the one you wear. There are many different styles to choose from, including inflatable life jackets, which are more comfortable and less bulky.
- VHF Radio: The Coast Guard continuously monitors VHF Channel 16. It is important to understand that cell phones don’t always work offshore, and can’t be depended on to call for help during an at-sea crisis.
- Sound Devices: Whistles or air horns are extremely affordable, and can come in quite handy during low-visibility situations.
- Signaling Devices: Help responders find you quickly. Flares, signalling mirrors and other devices can make a huge difference, especially at night.
EPIRBs send a satellite signal to the Coast Guard, helping to take the search out of search and rescue.
On Wednesday, the Coast Guard responded to a disabled 65-foot fishing vessel’s EPIRB signal near the Bahamas by launching a helicopter crew. The helicopter crew hoisted all seven people aboard and transported them to safety.
Having an EPIRB onboard your vessel can increase survival chances during boating emergencies. Having a variety of safety devices, however, can exponentially increase survival chances.
On Nov. 19, the Coast Guard received both an EPIRB signal and a mayday call over VHF Channel 16. A fishing vessel was taking on water near the Florida Keys, but the crew was prepared and able to effectively call for help. A helicopter crew and a cutter crew were launched to search, and when the cutter crew witnessed a flare, they knew they had found the distressed boaters. At this point, the fishing vessel had sunk and the boaters were recovered with no medical concerns. Due to the boaters having a properly registered EPIRB, a working VHF radio, and flares onboard their vessel, they were quickly rescued and lived to tell the tale.
###
Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.
Posted in Boating Safety | 
Tags: EPIRB, Holiday, indicating radio beacon, inflatable life jackets, survival, survival gear, United States Coast Guard, VHF radio | 
No Comments »
5th District Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard
Feature Story
Date: October 19, 2011
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
(757) 398-6272
By Charles Rowe, Coast Guard Sector New York
NEW YORK, NY — Few events are as frightening and as demanding as an emergency afloat.
One of an owner/operator’s most immediate priorities is to broadcast a distress call seeking Coast Guard assistance. Under the stress of the moment, a voice call can be garbled, incomplete or wrong. When minutes count and lives are in danger, lack of information or poor data can delay the Coast Guard’s ability to rapidly reach a mariner in distress.
Fortunately, there is a tool available that can instantly broadcast the right information. This tool is Digital Selective Calling (DSC), similar to an electronic maritime pager, which is triggered by a simple button on marine radios accepted since June 1999. When the button is depressed for 3 seconds, and if the system has been properly programmed, an alert is automatically broadcast. But, just like any tool, DSC has to be used and cared for properly to be effective.
A recent incident here in New York illustrates what can go wrong:
*At 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2011, the Coast Guard Sector New York Command Center received a DSC alert via a communications tower at a remote location. A DSC alert is transmitted as a digital data stream.
*The only information contained in the alert was that which comprises a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI). Maritime Mobile Service Identities are nine-digit numbers that specifically identify vessels. (If a GPS is hooked into the DSC-equipped radio, precise location data will also be transmitted.)
*The command center developed a search area based on a probable location and in order to launch aviation units. Within the search area, a search pattern was also established for the Coast Guard helicopter that would be used in an initial search. Simultaneously, the command center researched the MMSI data to identify the registered owner, who was contacted. A short time later, the search was stood down.
Why? What did the Coast Guard learn that caused it to cease efforts before ever launching a search and rescue helicopter?
When the registered owner was contacted, he stated that he had sold the boat 4 years prior. After further research, the Coast Guard was able to contact the second owner. He had sold the boat a week before. Finally, the current owner was found. When questioned, the current owner admitted that in the course of changing the battery, cleaning and checking equipment, he had inadvertently triggered the DSC distress alert. He also admitted that he had little idea of what DSC was or how it worked.
The potential harm is fairly obvious.
When search and rescue aircraft are launched, it costs several thousand dollars per hour to operate these craft. On a bogus search, that is taxpayer money burned up for no good reason.
When Coast Guard aircraft and boats are fruitlessly engaged in a search triggered by a false alarm, they are not immediately available for a real emergency. People in imminent danger of death or injury and needing assistance right away may have to wait longer than they would if an unnecessary search was not underway.
An owner/operator who triggers an unnecessary search, even by accident, is liable to civil and criminal penalties that may include jail time, civil and criminal fines that can total thousands of dollars, and reimbursement of search costs, more thousands of dollars. A recent search in the Sandy Hook area cost the Coast Guard nearly $90,000.
However, the Coast Guard’s preference is not to punish but to educate.
Responsible owner need to know what to do and how to do it.
Step one comes when you purchase a boat. Buy a marine radio, equipped with DSC. Then you need to register your MMSI data. The web links below will guide you through that process. It doesn’t take long and it could be the difference between being found right away in case of an emergency at sea and not being found until it is too late:
BoatUS: http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/instruct.htm
Seatow: http://seatow.com/boating_safety/mmsi.asp
U.S. Power Squadrons: www.usps4mmsi.com
FCC Online Licensing System: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp
Remember, the last owner’s MMIS data leads to him, not to you, in case of emergency.
The second step is to understand DSC, your equipment and how to use it.
A Boater’s Guide to VHF and GMDSS: http://goo.gl/oencz
Yachting and Boat World DSC – Digital Selective Calling: http://goo.gl/rXmxN
GMDSS for Recreational Vessels Using VHF Radio: http://goo.gl/q4mwv
To remind yourself, post these instructions near your radio:
*When testing on the exclusive DSC distress and safety calling frequency 2 187.5 kHz should be avoided as far as possible by using other methods.
*Test transmissions on VHF DSC calling channel 70 should be made to another VHF DSC radio by using a routine individual call to their Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI).
*For VHF DSC radios equipped with the Test Call feature, test transmissions should be made to the US Coast Guard MMSI 003669999 to receive an automated VHF DSC test response. Individual calls to this address will not receive an automated response. For older radios not having a test call capability, testing can only be performed by using a routine individual call to their Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI).
*Under no circumstances shall a DSC distress alert be sent to test your radio. It is a violation of the rules and can result in heavy fines.
*You will need to consult your owner’s manual for the proper operation of your radio.
If you do accidentally trigger a distress alert with DSC, take the following steps:
(1) Reset the equipment immediately,
(2) Tune for radiotelephony on the associated distress and safety frequency in each band in which a false distress alert was transmitted, and
(3) Transmit a broadcast message on Channel 16 to “All Stations” giving the ship’s name, call sign, time the alert was transmitted and MMSI, and cancel the false alert on the distress and safety frequency in each band in which the false distress alert was transmitted.
One of the Coast Guard’s oldest and most honored missions is rescue of those in peril on the sea and from the sea. Every rescue is a race against time, a contest not just with the hostile elements but with a clock that counts down tick by potentially deadly tick.
Don’t make that contest tougher than it has to be.
Do your part to save your own life.
Give the Coast Guard the information it needs to find you as quickly as possible.
Learn how to use your equipment.
And, most of all, don’t trigger a false alarm; someone’s life may depend upon it.
###
Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.
th District Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard
News Release
Date: Aug 7, 2011
Contact: Public Affairs Det. Baltimore
(757) 309-3828
BALTIMORE — The 25-year-old man who was reported missing in Piney Creek Cove, Md., returned safely, Sunday.
Sweitzer returned safely to a residence, which was confirmed by Maryland State Police at approximately 8:15 a.m.
Sweitzer was reported missing after he and friends went for a swim early Sunday morning in Piney Creek Cove.
A 25-foot Response Boat – Small crew from Coast Guard Station Stillpond, Md., an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, N.J., along with Maryland State Police and Maryland Natural Resources Police responded. Coast Guard crews arrived on scene at approximately 5:40 a.m. and began searching for Sweitzer.
There are no reports of injuries.
All Coast Guard units have returned to base.
(All kayakers should remember to file a float plan before getting on the water. This includes a departure and return time. Having a way to communicate with the outside world is a good idea as well. A portable marine VHF radio is your best bet to contact the Coast Guard in cae of an emergency.)
Posted in Rescue | Tags: Kayak, kayaker, Maryland Natural Resources Police, missing man, response boat, VHF radio | No Comments »
In this recent news release the Coast Guard reminded boaters:
VHF Channel 16 is the national hailing and distress frequency used to request assistance from the Coast Guard.
When using a cell phone to report an emergency [boaters] can call 911. Be immediately prepared to give in order:
1. Your location (GPS Latitude and Longitude or geographical position)
2. How many people aboard your vessel
3. Nature of your distress
4. Description of your vessel
Having this information readily available will greatly assist the Coast Guard and other marine agencies in their response to search and rescue cases.
——
Additionally, the Coast Guard will direct everyone on your vessel to PUT ON LIFE JACKETS if you and your passengers have not already done so. They may ask if anyone is hurt or needs immediate medical attention.
Listen carefully to your marine VHF radio and follow the instructions and answer the questions of the Coast Guard watchstander. The watchstander is an emergency communications professional who understands that you are perhaps nervous or worried. By remaining calm and assured you calm your passengers and speed handling of the Coast Guard’s instructions. Speak steadily, distinctly, and avoid yelling into the microphone. Keep your wits about you.
Panic is the enemy of rescue. The Coast Guard is your best friend in these moments and they will do everything they can to bring you to safety.
Know how to operate your VHF radio. The Coast Guard may ask you to change channels to a working channel where you and the watchstander can speak without interruption. Practice changing channels on your radio so you know how to do it in an emergency. Make sure the volume to your radio is UP and that you have not turned it down. You do not want to call for help and not hear the response.
It is possible that a good Samaritan is closer to you than the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard may coordinate a response by a nearby boater to your situation. Listen carefully and follow instructions.
Always be prepared. Plan ahead for these situations. Carry the appropriate safety gear, take a boating safety class, and explain to all of your passengers what to do in the event of an emergency.
Posted in Boating Tips | Tags: 911, Boating Safety, cell phone, changing channels, Communication, Distress, emergency communications, good samaritan, latitude and longitude, Life Jacket, life jackets, marine vhf radio, microphone, Rescue, safety gear, search and rescue, vhf channel, VHF radio | No Comments »
The USCG Auxiliary Fifth District Southern Region asked every Auxiliary Flotilla to STRESS having and maintaining life-saving communication equipment using this article as the focus You have seen recent NSBW articles on EPIRBS, DSC radio, our Tip of Day regarding the use of Marine VHF Channel 16 at the Drum Point Flotilla Auxiliary blog. Throughout this blog you will find a number of articles about Marine VHF radio and how it can save your life e.g. recent rescues where having that radio made all the difference. The Drum Point Flotilla wants to again stress having a Marine VHF radio aboard your vessel or paddle craft. As the editor of this blog it is always on my mind and I know it’s in the minds of every Drum Point flotilla member. By the way, did you know that only 10 percent of recreational boaters have connected their marine vhf DSC equipped radio to their GPS. We encourage you to do so!
Please carry a marine VHF radio on your vessel or paddle craft and know how to use it.
——————————————————
Ninth District External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard
News Release
Date: May 26, 2011
Contact: Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office
(216) 902-6020
CLEVELAND — Continuing our active outreach during National Safe Boating Week, the Ninth Coast Guard District is reminding Great Lakes-area boaters of the importance of carrying life-saving communication and emergency distress equipment.
While many boaters rely on cell phones for emergency communications on the water, VHF-FM radios are much more reliable in the marine environment and work in areas where cell phones sometimes don’t. When a mayday is broadcast over channel FM Channel 16, the international hailing and distress frequency, multiple response agencies and other nearby boaters can hear the distress call and offer immediate assistance.
The Coast Guard also highly recommends all mariners equip their boats with Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons and/or their life jackets with Personal Locator Beacons.
“EPIRBs and PLBs are absolutely invaluable during emergencies because they instantly alert responders to your distress, provide a precise GPS location and give a description of your vessel when they’re properly registered,” said Lt. Cmdr. James Hedrick, chief of the Telecommunications Branch at the Ninth Coast Guard District. “If your boat capsizes or you fall overboard and can’t get to your radio, these small, relatively inexpensive pieces of equipment, along with your life jacket, really could be the difference between living and dying.”
EPIRBs and PLBs may be activated manually by the push of a button or automatically when they enter the water, depending on the model.
Additionally, in accordance with federal law, recreational boats 16 feet and longer are required to carry visual distress signals such as flares, smoke signals or non-pyrotechnic devices, and vessels 12 meters or longer are required to carry sound-producing devices such as whistles, bells and gongs. State and local laws may require further safety equipment.
Federal requirements can be found in the brochure A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats.
Editor’s Note: Coast Guard spokespersons are available throughout National Safe Boating Week to visit news studios or host media aboard Coast Guard units to discuss the importance of safe boating practices. Please see the media advisory for additional details.
###
Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.
As part of National Safe Boating Week, we asked our U.S. Coast Guard Facebook fans what item that helps them boat responsibly would they like to know more about. While there were votes for VHF radios, marine flares, life jackets and boating safety courses, there was one item that stood out with the most votes…
Was an EPIRB! Read about the faithful EPIRB at the Coast Guard Compass, the Official Blog of the U.S. Coast Guard:
via Coast Guard Compass.
Posted in Compass | Tags: Boating Safety, boating safety courses, EPIRB, Facebook, national safe boating week, VHF radio | No Comments »
Posted in Rescue | Tags: Boat Crew, Coast Guard, coast guard cutter, Distress, Hypothermia, Life Jacket, mayday, pleasure craft, Rescue, safety equipment, taking on water, VHF radio | No Comments »
Posted in Weather | Tags: Auxiliary, Boating Safety, Cold Weather, Dry Suit, emergency position, EPIRB, Fishing, flare, Hunting, Hypothermia, indicating radio beacon, Life Jacket, Rescue, safety course, VHF radio, Winter | No Comments »
BALTIMORE – The Coast Guard assisted four people from a vessel disabled and beset by weather in the Potomac River near Smith Point, Md., Friday.
Rescued was Pete Hoeltje, 38, from Manahawkin, N.J., Mike Carrey, 22, from Manahawkin, N.J., Mike Dunlap, 38, from Chestertown Md., and Paul Snieckus, 20, from Marlton, N.J.
Hoeltje contacted Coast Guard Sector Baltimore watchstanders via marine-band radio at 1:51 a.m., reporting that his 28-foot sailboat was disabled and beset by weather.
A 41-foot Utility Boat crew from Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes, Md., arrived on scene at 2:31 a.m., and transferred the passengers onto their vessel, where they were then taken to Station St. Inigoes.
“We were operating on a handheld radio at that point,” said Hoeltje. “We figured the only people that were going to hear us was the Coast Guard. It’s nice having the peace of mind to know that you guys are there in any given situation.”
The mariners were later transported to Annapolis, Md., by Coast Guard personnel.
“This is yet another great example of how a mariner properly used his VHF radio to contact the Coast Guard,” said Chief Petty Officer Lawrence Beatty, a search and rescue coordinator at Sector Baltimore. “We were able to utilize our Rescue 21 system to establish communications and locate the mariner quickly.”
As the air and water temperatures in Maryland and Washington, D.C., begin to decrease, the risk mariners may face if they find themselves in an emergency situation while on the water significantly increases. The Coast Guard urges mariners to plan for what might go wrong and be equipped and prepared for survival.
There were no reports of injuries.
###
Posted in Coast Guard | Tags: annapolis md, chestertown md, handheld radio, Potomac, rescue coordinator, search and rescue, smith point, VHF radio, water temperatures | No Comments »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons also inspect kayaks and other paddle craft.
Boat Safe. Boat Smart. Get the Decal!
Three Maryland boating deaths in 2012. Three sailboat emergencies, 1 death; 1 swimmer death; 1 allision death with two trauma injuries; 1 major injury from gasoline engine fire,
Lifejackets are comfortable and they save lives!
“You wouldn’t allow your kids to sit on the hood of your car, so why would you allow them to sit on the bow of your boat?”
Rear Admiral Dean Lee, 5th District commander, United States Coast Guard
Loading ...
The Division 23 Chesapeake Chatter is available at the Division 23 website.
The Blinker Newsletter is available at the Fabulous 5th Southern Website.
The weekly CGUAX Newsletter is available at SITREP.
THE RBS Department's newsletter WAVES - Watercraft and Vessel Safety is available at the RBS website.
The CGAUXA eBeacon Magazine.
UPTOP in Operations Newsletter
