Who are you going to call?

[OverboardDavid]

Although I have a SSB on board, I've always felt that my mini-m sat phone provided a great backup in case of emergency. (I would always use the VHF first if I were in range.) But recently I've been wondering who I would call. It's one thing to declare a 'Mayday' on 2182 (and the other emergency frequencies) but entirely another to know what phone number to call using the sat phone in an emergency. Perhaps this topic has been discussed at length but I would be interested to know if anyone has collected appropriate emergency phone numbers or if there is an Internet source for them.

David L.

Tiger Lily

[imagine2frolic]

Depends on where you are sailing, but I would start with the U.S. Coast Guard.....

[johneri1]

At three AM you can call a politician, I want the USCG. . . .

[sluissa]

Ghost Busters?

[OverboardDavid]

I should have been more explicit. It is not exactly obvious from the USCG's website which number one should use. Similarly, who do you call in the Bahamas, Windwards, Leewards, etc.? Does anyone know of a comprehensive list of phone numbers?

[btrayfors]

In the U.S. or offshore waters
VHF call first (for other boats to hear as well as USCG)
US Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centers: USCG Rescue Coordination Centers
(includes all telephone numbers)

In the BAHAMAS
BASRA
VHF call first (for other boats to hear as well as BASRA)
TELEPHONE: (242) 325-8864 H.Q. 9a.m.-5p.m.
Emergencies only out of office hours
FAX: (242) 325-2737
VHF: ch 16
POSTAL: Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association
East Bay Street
P.O. Box SS - 6247
Nassau, Bahamas
EMAIL: For memberships, general information, inquiries, etc. contact us at admin@basra.org

In the Leeward and Windwards
VHF call first (lots and lots of boats, shore authorities)
USCG next

The satphone is nice to have but, IMHO, cannot replace SSB, either ham or marine.

Bill

[Pelagic]

If you are really in dire straits, sinking fast with only seconds left. Get on SSB radio, give your position and then say slowly and clearly:.......

"I think I have just hit a submarine"


You will get an amazing response! Just kidding!

[Hud3]

In the BVI it's Virgin Island Search & Rescue (VISAR)
1 284 494 HELP (4357)

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

If you are really in dire straits, sinking fast with only seconds left. Get on SSB radio, give your position and then say slowly and clearly:.......

"I think I have just hit a submarine"


You will get an amazing response! Just kidding!

.....................................

[David M]

It all varies with where you are for your SECOND call. Keeping a list sounds like an excellent idea. I would call someone you know first by sat phone if I had one....why? Because your friends would keep hounding the right authorities relentlessly until they took action....possibly at a time when you are stepping up into your liferaft and you don't have the time and quite possibly the ability to try to reach the proper authorities. Helpful hint...be sure to give your friends your Lat and Long.

Bottom line, I would try to reach as many people as possible by whatever means..and not keep the mindset of just trying to reach someone with the ability to rescue.