RollerCoastr
Well-Known Member
- Nov 15, 2007
- 3,884
- Boat Info
- 1997 400DA
340HP 7.4 Mercruiser Bluewaters
Garmin 741, 742, 8212, 24HD, Intellian I2
- Engines
- 1999 280BR
Twin 250HP Merc 350 Alpha Ones
The USCG "whines" that only 10% of distress calls include this potentially life-saving information. Strangely enough, they do little about it. Neither does the Auxiliary. I quizzed two neighbors who recently had courtesy vessel inspections. Neither inspector even mentioned DSC. I reached out to the local USCG-A to discuss it. They never replied to my inquiry.
I personally know of 3 mayday calls that could've ended with a death because the caller didn't know where they were. The first was a caller reporting CO poisoning. She mis-identified my location at the time as her location. It was frustrating and rattling, but I believe all parties survived. I wasn't personally involved in the incident last summer. It was nearby, and when I heard the call later, I knew precisely where they were. The CG agent was answering from across state lines. By no fault of his own, he had no idea where the boat was going down with half a dozen POB's.
This last one packs the most punch. It happened to a friend of mine. No-one was injured, but a sheriff boat, a USCG vessel and USCG helicopter responded because the only POB at the time of distress had no idea where she was or what type of boat she was on. It's an interesting call to listen to:
Note that she initially gave the wrong city, referred to the nearest marina incorrectly, mentioned a non-existent nearby ramp and at one point just picked up the mic and let out a long, loud frustrated scream.
I'm proud to say that the owner of that vessel, as well as another vessel has equipped both of them with DSC/GPS with MMSI and is a huge proponent of everyone doing so.
It would be awesome if we could increase awareness and repeat this poll in a few months to see better results.
I personally know of 3 mayday calls that could've ended with a death because the caller didn't know where they were. The first was a caller reporting CO poisoning. She mis-identified my location at the time as her location. It was frustrating and rattling, but I believe all parties survived. I wasn't personally involved in the incident last summer. It was nearby, and when I heard the call later, I knew precisely where they were. The CG agent was answering from across state lines. By no fault of his own, he had no idea where the boat was going down with half a dozen POB's.
This last one packs the most punch. It happened to a friend of mine. No-one was injured, but a sheriff boat, a USCG vessel and USCG helicopter responded because the only POB at the time of distress had no idea where she was or what type of boat she was on. It's an interesting call to listen to:
Note that she initially gave the wrong city, referred to the nearest marina incorrectly, mentioned a non-existent nearby ramp and at one point just picked up the mic and let out a long, loud frustrated scream.
I'm proud to say that the owner of that vessel, as well as another vessel has equipped both of them with DSC/GPS with MMSI and is a huge proponent of everyone doing so.
It would be awesome if we could increase awareness and repeat this poll in a few months to see better results.
