mspdoc

The link that Wobble suggests is a common issue. As a retired Search and Rescue pilot, we had to deal with this all the time. Many search and rescue computer mapping systems have overlays, grids, and street systems on the surrounding land and land marks. On more than one rescue we finally asked them if they knew any nearby streets or landmarks. we can input that information into the computer and come up with a pretty good idea where the search needs to be.

MullenTJ86

If you're backwoods, you already made the mistake of being in the backwoods. Ha!

I hear what you're saying on the pronunciation, I'm only stating what the USCG teaches along with all professional maritime schools. Of course there are many different ways to read the position, just giving the textbook answer here. If you make a distress call over Ch.16 in any US waters (assuming you are), it's being listened to and recorded by the USCG. Rescue 21. If you're on a lake, cross your fingers and hope there's a Good Sam listening.

Speedracer29

That must be the special treatment given to civilians or high ranking administrators, because I've always heard the pilots will make the poor sap relaying the coordinates recite the information to their liking before lighting up a scene. (But maybe that's just a rumor that swirls about at 800MHz) Lol!

thirdchildhood

iTrader: (6)

Thanks!!

thirdchildhood

iTrader: (6)

That's what it was. A busted upper Bravo case because the pre-load nut backed off. Towing insurance I had. They sent a slow boat from hell though. It took hours to get to me and hours to tow me in. Beer I had. Pee bottle I had.

So you call out registration numbers? I thought it was the name of the boat. Mine isn't named so I use "Little Yellow Donzi" on the radio.

Speedracer29

I was always taught when calling a mayday, you say mayday 3 times, list name (if present) and numbers twice, give position/coordinates, briefly describe problem/injuries/how long you can stay afloat or at anchor, and then wait for response.

Mind you, I took boater's safety about 3 decades ago before Rescue 21 and DSC were even thought of.

Wobble

Which format do you prefer?

thirdchildhood

iTrader: (6)

Mayday I'm familiar with. First and foremost they want your location to avoid a long search. Then nature of emergency, number of occupants, any injuries. Not that I've ever called a mayday or panpan but I'm prepared if I need to. Now I know how to properly read my coordinates.

Wobble

It amazes me how many powerboaters especially gofasts that dont have VHF radios and of those that do, many dont have them turned on.

I know mine got me out of a bad situation when my Bravo 1 twisted off the vertical shaft in the Houston Ship Channel. It also has alerted me to more than one vessel in distress in the area that I was boating. ( I was not first on scene in either case, but you never know)

I guess in the absence of a vhf radio you would call 911 and ask for the coast guard, assuming you have service.

RollWithIt

Boating on the rivers here in Pittsburgh nobody bothers to use the GPS co-ordinates. It is much easier to use land based markers like the bridges or buildings, dams, parks etc along the rivers. Cell service is never a problem so most distress calls go out that way. Some boaters have the VHF radios to include myself. I even have a hand held from my old boat. Those are handy for locking through.

Working River Rescue we will get dispatched for disabled boats via the landmark system.

I will add that it is a good idea to have a good VHF radio and GPS system if you are going offshore or even out on the great lakes. Granted, a basic compass will get you back to shoreline if needed but the others will get help to you fast if you break down.