Conference unifix::sailing

    
    The auxillary also needs its policy looked at.  I'm not sure that this 
    is intended to cover both, but I have heard radio conversations where 
    a commerical towing operator has had the coast guard stop an auxillary
    skipper from towing someone because it was "inappropriate" given the
    guidelines they operate under.
    
    If the coast guard cannot perform many facets of the towing burden, at
    least let the auxillary pick up what they can.  Right now, they sit by
    and let commercial towing companies charge hundreds of dollars for
    something they could do easily.
    
    Rick
    

    You've really hit right on the major issue aroung the towing policy
    and the reason the public meetings are being held. 
    
    You should understand that the Coast Guard policy is the policy
    the Auxiliary must follow (at least when the CGAUX vessel is under
    Coast Guard orders) and there are many who are not happy with the
    effect it has on both the boaters but also on the spirit and intent
    of the Auxiliary membership.
    
    The improving boating saftey record owes much to the educational
    and the Saftey Patrol activities of the Auxiliary and other programs.
    We need to keep these programs strong and active. The policy for
    non-emergency assistance is interfering with a program which has
    been proven to work.
    
    Jerry
    

    What scares me the most about commercial towing is the operators
    are not required to have any type of license at all.  They may not
    have even taken a USPS or Coast Guard Aux. safe boating coarse.
    If you have a boat and want to start a commercial towing operation
    all you have to do is pick up the VHF radio calls and have at it!
    
    Frank

    I thought (at least in RI) they had to be certified by the state?
    
    Rick
    

    This Sunday and Monday are the dates for this important meeting!
    
    Please note that the meeting scheduled to be held at U. of Mass.
    is on March 14th.  NOT ON March 24th as indicated.
    
    Hope we can generate a large turn out.
    
    Jerry
    

    Yes I know I'm repling to myself...over and over! 
    
    This past Sunday and Monday the two public meetings in my base note
    were held. The first was attended by about 180 presentors which
    included a dozen or so commerical tow representatives. The general
    feeling by those who spoke seemed to support reinstating non-emergency
    assistance as an important part of the Auxiliary Mission. 
    
    For those who attended I ask that you share your reactions here.
    
    For those who could not attend, please submit your written statements
    before March 31st.! Your opinions will receive full consideration.
    
    Jerry
    

Over the past few months there has been much discussion and concern over the
Coast Guard Non-emergency assistance policy. The following is my brief summary
of the new (currently effective) policy issued by the Commandant. This policy
is spelled out in COMDINST 16101.2B and contains items which all boaters should
know.

****** NOTE THAT THIS SUMMARY ADDRESSES NON-EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ONLY ********
      FURTHERMORE, IT IS A SUMMARY OF A 12 PAGE DOCUMENT AND THEREFORE 
      CAN ONLY OUTLINE MAJOR FEATURES OF THE POLICY AND DOES NOT ADDRESS
      ALL OF THE POSSIBLE VARIATIONS OF ANY GIVEN SITUATION.

Procedures:

1. When a call for assistance is received [by the C.G.], the case will 
   classified based on a checklist of items used to determine the appropriate 
   emergency phase. When all items are deemed not to exist or are non-emergency 
   in nature the Coast Guard defer to an alternate responder.

2. For Non-Distress situations, the C.G. will "advice and seek desires" from
   the skipper. This may include contacting a friend or specific commercial
   assistance provider.

3. When specific alternate assistance is not requested or available, the C.G.
   should ask the skipper if he desires a Marine Assistance Request Broadcast
   (MARB). If agreed the C.G. will make this broadcast "invitation" on VHF
   Channel 16. If the skipper declines the MARB, the C.G. need take no further
   action other than to monitor the situation.

4. If a MARB has been issued the clock starts running in that if there is
   no response within 10 minutes then C.G. Auxiliary vessels may be directed
   to respond. Auxiliary vessels may also be directed to respond if no
   alternate responder can actually do so within a "reasonable period of
   time (normally not exceeding one hour)". 

5. If the assistance requester refuses offers of assistance from a Good
   Samaritan or Auxiliarist, another MARB may be issued or the C.G. may
   choose to intervene and dispatch a different Auxiliary vessel or a
   Coast Guard resource.

6. If the assistance requester refuses offers by the first commercial provider,
   the C.G. may issue a second MARB or provide the telephone numbers of other
   commercial providers so that the skipper may contact them through the
   Marine Radiotelephone Operator. 

7. If a commercial provider is standing by at the scene after all the options
   above have been utilized, then it is made clear to the skipper that
   neither Coast Guard nor Auxiliary units will be dispatched. As always the
   situation will continue to be monitored for changing conditions by the C.G..

8. When an Auxiliary vessel on routine safety patrol discovers a vessel
   requesting assistance, but not in radio contact with the Coast Guard, it
   should relay the request to the Coast Guard operational commander and the 
   Auxiliary vessel may undertake to provide assistance if capable.


I can supply further details in a second installment, if you noters wish 
to see more.   

Jerry