T&T: Wife at the helm

[Bob Austin]

Jeff brings up a good point--but in many places the emergency does not occur
in a harbor with small fast boats available, or what resources are available
are tied up.   Often a person on the boat has to drive the boat to a place
where paramedics and transport is available.

Don't assume that your area, or any area you are boating in, has a good plan
for dealing with on the water emergencies.  One problem is calling 911.  Many
boaters do this rather than using the VHF--in many places the VHF may not
bring up the CG.  When you make the emergency call, let the dispatcher know
exactly where you are located (Lat and Long)--so the operator needs to know
how to determine this, and what course you are taking to reach help--for
example; the nearest dock, CG facility, or beach where rescue people can get
to the victum.

Also in reality the time from initiation of call to actual rescue is a
considerable length of time--and the person aboard the boat may have to both
attend to injury or illness, as well as communicate and attempt to get the
person to help.

Bob Austin