"Chuck Gould" wrote in message
oups.com...

When monitoring Channel 16, its normal to hear the Coast Guard "ask"
whether there are vessels in the vicinity of a situation that might be
willing to help...."any vessels in the vicinity willing to render
assistance or provide additional information......". If there were
some law requiring compliance, I think we would hear "all vessels in
the vicinity are directed to proceed to the scene....."



I've never heard such a thing.

I *have* heard, "boaters are requested to keep a sharp lookout and to
provide assistance ...".

Must be a different Coast Guard out on the west coast.

Eisboch