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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)?
I know the official lingo: If there is a threat to life or health....
But lets look at actual examples.
- Please give examples when you DID send a MAYDAY for yourself or
others? And / or fired a red (SOLAS) or one of the required invisible
flares?
- Please give examples where you DID not do such but were wondering if
you should (have).
- Please MAKE UP examples where you would or would not send mayday or
launch a flare.
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?
- 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?
- From the distance I see that 2 boats collided, but dont kow if
anybody got hurt. Mayday or go there first?
Please share your opinion AND personal experience about right/wrong and
good/bad examples.
 Matt
I issued a Pan-Pan to CG last summer of Boston Harbor.
I was scuba diving with another guy and being new to the sport I was
uncomfortable ( cold and current ) and I called the dive off early.
He went back down alone and was down a hell of a long time ( about 25
minutes.) I thought that was a very long time because I thought he had
the same tank of air. I hadn't noticed that he had switched tanks
while I was getting my gear off.... so... getting very nervous I
decided to put the CG on standby with a Pan-Pan. Luckily the diver
surfaced a few minutes after ( still with plenty of air,) and I called
off the distress call.
Lesson learned...better communication next time.
As for the diving solo...well, thats another story and not too
dangerous in the area that we were in for an experienced diver in my
opinion, but that gets all talked out on rec.scuba.
John C.
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