T&T: Rescue 21 in Portland, Or

[Todd Mains]

US Coast Guard Sector Portland, Oregon recently switched over to the Rescue
21 System.  The entire navigable Columbia River system is now covered by
R21.  Command Center personnel have had days of classroom training, as well
as "over the shoulder" instruction.  We are still discovering how the new
system will work in our river system, and we still have the old system
available as a backup.

I confess I had some doubts for the last couple of years if the enormous
expense and effort would be worthwhile.  Now that I have had a chance to
work with it and see the capabilities it gives us I'm convinced that it will
save lives, protect property, and help us do our job more efficiently.

To get the full benefit to this system, be sure you connect your VHF radio
to your GPS system.  Also be sure to register for your MMSI number.  I
understand the easiest way to do this is through the BOATUS web site.
That's the way I registered mine, and I thought it was painless.  If you
have a pre-1999 VHF that does not have this capability, replace it or add
another.  We have had cases where the skipper is dealing with whatever the
emergency is, and the passenger or child can call on the VHF, but can't give
us a position.  All you need to do is show them how to push the little red
button and help is on the way.

Todd Mains
US Coast Guard Sector Portland
Communications Controller