"Doug Dotson" dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom wrote in
:

The USCG radio operators in this area do not appear to be all that well
trained.
They stick to boiler-plate dialog such that it takes 5 minutes to
communicate
30 seconds worth of information. In terms of efficiency, hams have them
beat hands down.

Doug, k3qt
s/v CAllista


"What is the name of your vessel?"

(repeat 3-5 times)

"How many are aboard?"

(repeat 5 to 10 times)

"What color is your boat?"

("WHITE GELCOAT YOU IDIOT!")

(repeat 3 to 5 times)

"What is your hull number?"

("How should I know? My wallet is below, DROWNED IN SEAWATER and the hull
numbers are ALREADY UNDERWATER!")

(repeat at least twice....more if you sound ****ed.)

"Do you have USCG-approved PFDs aboard for each person?"

("No, we looked hard and found 8 with no tags, but they're floating,
fine.")

(no answer as batteries have flooded)

Problem solved......no report necessary.

("Coast Guard this is Sea Tow. I'm at the scene and will handle it.")

Too bad Sea Tow wasn't monitoring at 3AM or the Morning Dew's kids might
have LIVED! Every time I pass that spot on the Charleston jetties I can
hear that boy screaming from the CG tape.....