Re: [Paddlewise] Channel 16: Monitoring Required for Sea Kayakers

Craig Jungers wrote:
>  That's what I love aboug governments; clear and easy-to-follow rules.
>  Can't use a cellphone any more, channel 16 may work but then again it
>  may not but you have to listen to it anyway... and to really get help
>  just give us your credit card.

>  On 11/15/06, Bernerts <mbernert_at_comcast.net> wrote:
> > I checked with dh. Yes 13 is for marine traffic. So if you want
> > help from a tugboat call 13. Dh says while the cg does monitor 16,
> > as do other boaters and good samaritans, if you're really in
> > trouble you want 22. It's a direct line. Of course 22 will end up
> > costing you $.

Melinda's information differs from what the USCG tells us down here.  It 
also differs from what towboat operators may be able to do.

USCG says hail them on 16.  No ifs ands or buts.  I hear calls 
frequently on 16 to the USCG, Group Astoria, and Cape Disappointment.  
SOP is to move the hailer to a working frequency, typically 22 or 23, I 
believe.  This changed recently, so I may be off on that.  Most of the 
handling of the emergency is done off 16 to leave it open for other 
emergencies.  Down here, 22 is not a "direct line," and using it may get 
in the way of other traffic interacting with the USCG.  Could be a 
direct line in the Portland, OR, area, but not here.

Towboat operators have hearts of gold, and in my experience will help as 
best they can, but are often encumbered with a tow.  They can not 
abandon the tow in the channel.  They must secure the tow first before 
responding, so I would not use 13 as my primary emergency channel if I 
want help in the Columbia.

Channel 16 is still the prime route to help locally.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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