Emergency
Boaters should be careful when navigating and make sure that all radio VHF devices are in a working condition. Boaters should be able to communicate with local authorities to report any problems that they might (or other might) encounter while navigating in the Miami waters. It is strongly suggested that they carry a cellular phone just in case.
Boaters who use their boat regularly should take a yearly subscription with a local towing company. Potential subscribers should analyze thoroughly the coverage offered because they may vary substantially from one company to another. Most of these companies offer yearly fees of $150 average. Users have sometimes complained about the behavior of certain towing captains that attempted to take advantage of the situation by attempting to levy a fee when it should have been free.
Usually problems such as the following are covered:
- Free fuel drops.
- Free battery jump start.
- Free soft ungrounding.
- Free towing to docks.
Non subscribers will be able also to use the service of the companies for a price; it is suggested to negotiate the price over the VHF or phone before calling the company in order to select the most competitive company.
Renters should also ask to the Miami boat rental company if the towing is included in case of problems. Miami Boat.com provides the information of the 2 largest companies that cover the waters of Miami . A large number of towing is usually patrolling the waters.
How to use your VHF radio in case of emergency
Having a working marine VHF radio on board is a requirement and could be a life saver for boaters in Miami . Boaters can easily call for medical help, rescue help or to call the police. Boaters should invest in a very good quality high frequency FM in order to stay safe at all times. Usually there are marine operators in many areas located on specified channels that will make sure that calls are answered. Radio should be used for serious conversations and be short; therefore, it should not be used for gossiping and discussions cannot exceed 3 minutes. There are more than 100 channels on your VHF radio, yet the most important are the following:
This is the most important channel; it is THE DISTRESS, SAFETY AND CALLING FREQUENCY, monitored by coast guards. Generally all vessels stay tuned on channel 16th to assist if an emergency is nearby.
It is the primary working channel of the Coast Guard. It is used for communications between the Coast Guard and the maritime public. Weather warnings, hazards to navigation, and other maritime safety warnings are broadcast on it.
What do certain words I hear on the radio mean?
MAYDAY: It is a request for immediate assistance. "MAYDAY" identifies an imminent, life-threatening emergency.
PAN-PAN: It is used when the safety of a boat or person is in jeopardy.
SECURITE: It is used to pass navigation information or weather warnings.
If I hear someone saying MAYDAY on Channel 16 what should I do?
If you have a radio and you are under way, you are required to monitor Channel 16. If you hear a MAYDAY, do not talk and listen. Take down the information being passed. If the Coast Guard or other rescue authority responds, maintain silence and listen, but do not respond.
If there is no response, take action and attempt to dispatch the information over the radio. Again, just in case. If you cannot contact the Coast Guard, attempt to assist the other vessel to the best of your ability without placing yourself in danger.
If I need help what should I do?
If you have an imminent life threatening emergency, connect on Channel 16:
- Repeat MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY!
- This is “Name of the Boat" (repeat name of boat 3 times).
- Repeat more time, "MAYDAY", (your boat's name).
- Now report your position (give as accurate a position as possible).
- Explain nature of the emergency.
- Report number of people on board and condition of any injured.
- Give a description of the boat and wait for help.
Towing services:
http://www.boatus.com
http://www.seatowmiami.com
This information brought to you by Miami Boat.
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