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A lot has been said on this already but what happened, happened and IMO even zero visibility fog is not an emergency situation. Dense fog is pretty normal on the water actually. I would only request assistance from the CG directly if there were a life in real danger. (i.e., boat sinking, fire, serious medical matter that required a helo, boat collision, found a dead guy, etc) or of course for an oil spill or Nav aid problem. Fog is just weather related. That said, I see the CG still doing lots of rec "rescues" that a comm. towboat should do, sometimes I think they do it for exercise or to practice running the boat with a new crew. I don't think it is wrong to speak to them and ask for advice...If you don't know what to do and need to call them do it. Better to ask and get solid advice then do something really stupid that then requires them to assist. If they choose to come get you over a tow service...fine, it’s their call. In that regard I think you did the smart thing. Hopefully you will purchase a tow service package now and deal with them. The CG is not required to come and get you in the fog, (they might have told you this) they can if they want to but most of the time they will hook you up with a tow service. (Without a prior contract look to pay a very hefty tow bill from these services.) The CG is only required to assist when life is in danger.
As for boating courses I agree with others and ***highly*** recommend them. I enjoy taking boating courses and have taken several from different schools and boating org's. There are a number of very good courses and a few weaker ones. Get a couple rec's before signing up. It is a great thing to do in the winter, you will learn A LOT and feel a lot better about being on the water in the fog or heavy weather...and know what to do and when to do it. Even if you don't file for your official Capt.’s lic, the course materials and knowledge (and new friends you will meet) will last you a lifetime. It’s pretty fun talking about boating stuff learning new things about boating and hearing a few good "sea story's" in the dead of winter too. (At least for me it is)
If you had a GPS plotter, compass and horn on board you could have easily made it thru any fog...plot your course, follow your heading, ***go slow*** watching the gps and compass while listening for horns (and use yours as required). The big guys generally see you and have a horn so loud they can nearly blast you out of their way. You will know where they are. I have seen the MV ferry stop in the middle of the sound and whale on his horn because of a few small boats floundering around in front of him. They move and he proceeds slowly. What you really need to be aware of are tugboats with a tow...a good rule is to always give these guys a real wide berth even on a clear night.
Anyway, glad you made it back safely.
Your right about one thing though...the CG is great and I for one am glad this gov't **finally** is giving them the resources they need. The Clinton years were the dark ages for the CG. Is there anything more depressing then a mothballed abandoned CG station or a worn out cg boat in need of replacement? GO CG!
Last edited by Mr. Sandman; 07-07-2005 at 09:19 AM..
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