Yes, it's a pity VMRs are not allowed to assist unattended boats, the reason has to do with not having liability
insurance, or so goes the rumour.
But then, would you want MSQ moving your
boat without your permission?
Someone we know has written his mobile
phone number large, and clear waterproof taped it along the stanchions by the gate, where you can easily read it from an approaching
dinghy or runabout, which would allow someone, even a total stranger, to notify you if your
boat were in trouble. That info is available to some, via the
registration, but if your boat is registered elsewhere (like ours), I don't think the State of Illinois would be able to respond to Qld in a timely fashion! So that
phone number idea could be useful for some people, anyway.
Of course, if the boat's sunk, maybe up the mast would be better!
A.