Pan v. Mayday v. Radio Guard - Coast Guard radio protocols

Check out this thread, especially Jesse's post re Coast Guard radio protocols:

http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/997604983/m/5621074992?r=9881069992#9881069992

"marine radio. A must have

keep a weather eye peeled and be proactive, if you see a boat on a course that looks to intersect yours it's not unreasonable to hail it on channel 16. before he gets close enough to scare you, a message to the effect of:

"vessle (visual discription) (ie: white motor cruiser with blue topsides, etc) xxx yards/miles off of (prominent land mark or navigational marker) this (your name or Kayak's name)I am a (your yak's visual discription) Sea Kayak xxx yards/miles off your (starboard/port) bow or dead ahead, request you aknowlage my position. if the boater responds and adjusts course send: "(your name/kayak's name) on channel 16, thank you (other vessle's name) (your name/yak's name) out, channel 16."

if the boat does not respond, start evading and repeat hailing message, if the boat turns in toward you (as if to collide) ask: (vessle discription and location)this is (your name/yak's name) WHAT ARE YOUR INTENTIONS?
he may just be cruising by to check you out and maybe shoot the breeze for a second (I have charter boats come by and say howdy all the time) if he does not respond, adjust course, or throttle down, Send a "Pan" distress call and continue to adjust your course to avoid being rammed ot waked. Message should be transmitted something like this: "Pan pan pan, (always repeat distress level 3 times) This is (your name your kayak's name) I am a (your yak's visual discription) sea kayak, I have a motorized vessle (discription+location) on a collision course with my vessle, vessle has changed course to continue putting me in harms way, request assistance. that will usually get the coasties into it. The'll hail the vessel multiple times as well. and may even send a patrol boat out to asist you (follow and answer any commands or questions the coastguard radio operator may have for you.) in the mean time if the vessle buzzes you try and get the boats name (usually painted on the stern or starboard and port aft quarter) and registration numbers (in most states located on the port and starboard bow) and if possible what port they are out of (somtimes painted on the stern near the boat's name but not always) and relay this information to the coastguard what this does is help a boater know you are there if he can't see you, AND since the Coasties and or local water patrols will always be monitoring channel 16 will also help if he dosn't change course and nearly rams you. because EVERYONE with a VHF radio on channel 16 within range will hear the message. (nearly everyone monitors channel 16)

FYI:
a Pan distress call is a step below a "maday", "mayday" is only used AFTER a serious situation has occured. IE: your vessle has started to sink, burn, etc. a Pan call is used when a serious situation is imminent. a security (pernounced securi-tay) message is a used to advise boaters of a possible hazzard to navigation. ie: floating debris sited in a navigable channel, a large ship with poor manuverabilty moving into a high traffic area such as a port or harbor.)  "

This meshes with an earlier post from a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/bb/index.php?topic=5295.0

"Don:

Your Hobie Adventure should float regardless, but if you want extra flotation inside, making it a combo storage bag wont give you the flotation you need should the hull completely breach (unlikely). Pack light and install regular flotation bags fore and aft if you want that back-up.

As a guy who picks up the un-cautious for a living, I can add a few things that most don't think enough of:

(I am putting aside the obvious items like a constant wear PFD, A watertight boat, cold-water protection (not so obvious?) etc.)

1: A very detailed sail/paddle plan..left behind with someone you love / trust.

You want a detailed plan/schedule that includes:

Where you are going....
when you will be where...
when you intend to leave.
Possible bail- out points.
What equipment you have with you.
Your cell phone number (if you are carrying)...

You need to think like a rescuer and write down all the stuff you would want to know if YOU had to go look for yourself. This should all be on a single page, easily faxed to the Coast Guard.

Leave instructions with the person who is watching out for you...WHEN to call the coast guard and WHERE to send it. Already have the fax numbers of the Coast Guard ready for them.

Include a detailed description of your boat, your clothing, You (35 yo White male, 185 lbs etc.)..any medical history...drug allergies..etc.

A detailed and useful float plan is almost always overlooked. We usually get...."My husband wnt out Kayaking and he isn"t back yet!" Us, "Where did he go?" Wife, "on the ocean!"

2. Stick with your plan! Be flexible if you need to....but contact home base with any changes.

3. Stay in touch whenever possible.
Cell phone....vhf radio (a must have safety item) and .... VERY IMPORTANT and worth EVERY PENNY...A 406 (not 121.5) EPIRB in your vest! Worn ALL THE TIME. Yes, I know they are 500 bucks plus. Trust me, when you see the helicopter looking for you but they are too far away to be seen...you will wish you had spent the money.

(note: ALL EPIRBS need the antenna to be OUT of the water to transmit effectively....REGISTER your 406)

If the 20 miles between Catalina and the beach has cell phone coverage. Check in with home every hour. If there are dead spots, You would be better off calling just before you leave with your expected return time. Call as soon as you hit the beach.

If things get dicey but you think you can handle it, DO NOT be afraid to use that radio to call the Coast Guard and ask for a Radio Guard.

"This is Kayak 1, I am half-way between Catalina and the beach in position ## ## ##N by ## ## ##W heading for the ____ Marina....I am not having an emergency but would like to maintain contact with you until I safely arrive."

I would much rather here THAT call, than the one from your wife that you never made it to the marina and she hasn't heard from you for two days. Understand?

4.

Remember...as soon as you are out of your boat and in the water...the water is trying to kill you (and it is very good at it). The FASTER you get out...the better. Float plan alone: 36 hours is fast. Float plan and 406 EPIRB. 2 hours is average given your distance from shore. Your vest should include (at the very least) the EPIRB and (the all time best low-tech secret signalling device made) a flashlight! Waterproof: Pelican lights or the Q40 are my favorite. Point your light at a helicopter and shaking it back and forth is the international signal for "COME LOOK AT ME" to all Coast Guard aircrews.

Another great piece of low tech gear to have with you is a rescue streamer. AWESOME device. I carry one and look for people in the water for a living...nuff said.)

5. Know where you are. A handheld GPS (more money I know) is well worth the investment. (duh?)

Listen, I hope this helps. Its a little long winded and maybe very obvious, but I never find people that are this prepared. Why? They are far too prepared to get into trouble, and usually don't.

Safety at sea is easy....think.

You are doing a circumnav of Catalina. Have fun. But that is WHAT you are doing...it is NOT WHERE you are going.

Where you are going is this:

You are going to surround yourself on all sides by something that will not sustain human life. If you get in it and can't get out, it will slowly kill you (fast if its cold). (that is the ocean).

Remember WHERE you are going first...and then prepare for WHAT you are doing.

Be Safe,

Mario

Not Bad
http://www.opticsplanet.net/pelican-mitylite-2420-flashlight.html

The one I carry now: http://www.joediveramerica.com/page/JDA/PROD/lights/14010

http://www.rescuestreamer.com/

https://gpssignal.com/aquafix_406.htm

These links in no way represent an endorsement from the U.S.C.G. of the above mentioned equipment. Me personally? I love them."