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On 12 Jan 2005 12:52:27 -0800, wrote:
Guys,
in the boatless  wintertime I have lots of time on my hands to ponder
about theoretical questions like this:
I wonder in what situations should we send a MAYDAY and/or fire a red
parachute flare (not the little flare)?
generally, in NY harbor, we will dispatch a CG boat for the following
situations:
1. vessel fire
2. man overboard/person in the water
3. vessel allision (hitting a bridge, etc) or vessel collision, or
grounding
4. medical emergency
5. vessel taking on water
other situations, like being stalled in a channel with a danger of
collision, can also be a mayday.
- Please give examples where you DID not do such but were wondering if
you should (have).
generally if you are wondering if you should send a mayday, SEND it.
the coast guard will follow up to decide whether it's a mayday. we
don't mind sending a boat. we'd rather send it when not needed, than
not send it when it's needed.
Examples:
- I respond to a CG call that someone fell off a bridge (in the water).
I get there, nobody else is there. Flare to attract others?
no. call the CG. if you send a flare, someone's gonna call the CG
anyhow and report a flare, resulting in a CG vessel dispatch.
- I see a powerboat drifting under wind and waves into a cliff. I know
it WILL be nasty but isnt yet. My ETA would be 10 minutes. Wait, til
they crash, then mayday? Wait til they crash, go there, then mayday?
yep, based on criteria 3 above. if there is DANGER of a
collision/allison, send a mayday
- From the distance I see that 2 boats collided, but dont kow if
anybody got hurt. Mayday or go there first?
yes, call mayday unless it's clear that no one is hurt and no vessels
are damaged.
Please share your opinion AND personal experience about right/wrong and
good/bad examples.
i'm a radio operator at CG station sandy hook, NJ.
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