USCG + After making a transmission where exactly does it go?

[Lynch_Christopher]

This may be a obvious question.
I have been wondering; in New England when someone is off the coast and declares a emergency does that radio transmission go directly to the Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod on Otis and they send a crew themselves or does that call go to the main coast guard station in Boston and they decide whether or not to send a ship or a helicopter or jet to the scene.

Is Coast Guard Sector Boston the equivalent of say a town's main dispatch and air station cape cod the equivalent of a particular fire department or ems station in that town?

Thanks

[hill]

Sectors in the USCG handle the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC) Duties for rescue cases. Small boat stations and air stations are just assets that are sent on cases based on information contained in distressed vessel's call. Aircraft mainly use radio for command and control with the air station and other CG units. Other rescue assets like state and counties could also be called on from the Sector. The District Command Centers are Rescue Coordination Centers and assist the Sectors. In large scale operations or large ocean areas the District will conduct the mission.

Hope that helps you with this brief CG SMC discussion.

[ecps92]

Sector is the 911 Center, once they RCV the call that assess the information available [false calls, frauds, where did the RDF show the signal originate from etc] and decide to

a.) issue a radio broadcast to alert others in the area, who can assist
b.) have the owner/operator contact Sea Tow etc
c.) have a MA [Mission Assignment] created, which might ! Key Word !
have Air Assets or Vessels get under-way to assist.

Sector is the Dispatch / Control Center
Stations [including Air] are like a Fire Station
Vessels and Air Craft are like Apparatus

Originally Posted by Lynch_Christopher

This may be a obvious question.
I have been wondering; in New England when someone is off the coast and declares a emergency does that radio transmission go directly to the Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod on Otis and they send a crew themselves or does that call go to the main coast guard station in Boston and they decide whether or not to send a ship or a helicopter or jet to the scene.

Is Coast Guard Sector Boston the equivalent of say a town's main dispatch and air station cape cod the equivalent of a particular fire department or ems station in that town?

Thanks

[Lynch_Christopher]

Thanks for the responses.

[SKYNET156]

So it say i am out in new haven harbor and i start to capsize, i get on channel 16 and call for help...it doesn't go directly to the new haven base?

[Lynch_Christopher]

Originally Posted by SKYNET156

So it say i am out in new haven harbor and i start to capsize, i get on channel 16 and call for help...it doesn't go directly to the new haven base?

I think in this case instead of the incident going to the district office in Boston it would go to Sector Long Island Sound which is located in the New Haven harbor USCG station and then they would dispatch the boats?

The following link had some pretty good information:
USCG Sector Long Island Sound - General Information

[RKG]

Sometimes I wonder if even the Coast Guard knows how the Coast Guard is organized.

The following is a true story.

Cuttyhunk is the southwestern most of the chain of Elizabeth Islands, which separate Buzzards Bay from Vineyard Sound. The nearest civilization is either Woods Hole (about 15 n. mi. NE) or Padanaram (about 15 n. mi. N).

There was once a restaurant on Cuttyhunk known as the Allen House. The Elizabeth Islands comprise the Massachusetts town of Gosnold, and since Gosnold is a “dry” town, those who wished to partake during their repast at the Allen House were relegated to BYOB.

One night a lady partook a bit too much. After finishing her meal, she turned right instead of left and tumbled down a long hill, ending up with a compound fracture of her ankle, with bone showing.

The good burghers of Cuttyhunk, thinking a long bouncy ride in an open boat to the nearest hospital was probably not a great idea, apparently called the Coast Guard for an air evac. This call was made by telephone, so I don’t know the particulars. However, a helo was dispatched out of AirSta Cape Cod, with a short ETA. This was about 2000 hours on a cloudless July evening.

Coast Guard air ops are all on 5695 USB, which we tuned up. After a few minutes, the helo was in sight on final over Canapitsit. We then heard the following:

“Rescue 60?? [I don’t remember the number]; CommSta Boston.”

“60??.”

“60??; CommSta Boston. RTB.”

“Huh?”

“60??; CommSta Boston. Order of the Flight Surgeon: RTB.”

What we later learned is that the First District Flight Surgeon has to approve all medical air evacs and was apparently not consulted by whomever dispatched the helo this evening. So he ordered it recalled.

The aircraft commander (like most military pilots) was a bit of a cowboy and didn’t like these orders. And so:

“CommSta Boston; 60??”

“CommSta Boston.”

“We’re 30 seconds from landing. What am I supposed to tell the people on the ground.” (You had to hear his tone of voice to get the full message.)

“60??; CommSta Boston. Stand by.”

Short delay. Then:

“60??; CommSta Boston. Orders of First District: tell them you are cancelled due to weather.”

The helo did a 180 and the poor lady was transported 15 bouncy miles in an open boat to Woods Hole.

This is a bit of an old story (the Allen House has been closed since 1993). However, in the last twelve months, we’ve personally heard or observed a number of events that are so reminiscent of the Keystone Cops as to make you wonder. For instance:

A boat calls Sector SENE reporting some incident in the outer harbor of Cuttyhunk. The RO says, “Where?” The RP repeats his report and the RO requests: “Can you spell that?”

A boat calls to report another vessel aground on Red Ledge in Woods Hole Passage. Now, you have to know that anyone who has the teeny-weensiest bit of local knowledge in the AOR of Sector SENE knows that Red Ledge, which is maybe 500 yards from Sector itself, which consists of a group of rocks maybe 100 yards in breadth, and which is the primary trap for vessels that founder in the Pass. In any event, a boat reports another aground on Red Ledge in the Pass, and the Sector SENE RO asks: “Do you have a lat/lon for that?”

On another occasion, a vessel reported a near collision in Buzzards Bay, and the Sector SENE RO advised, “The Coast Guard has no jurisdiction in Buzzards Bay.”

And just this past weekend, Sector SENE was still broadcasting a storm-related UMIB almost 8 hours after the storm has passed and the winds were dead calm.

The Coast Guard was once a proud organization with a superb reputation. There are those who believe that, largely because of the influence of REMFs who have neither a clue nor any interest in anything but their own progression up the promotion ladder, it is today but a shell of its former self. Sad. Occasionally amusing, but sad.

[Lynch_Christopher]

Originally Posted by RKG

Sometimes I wonder if even the Coast Guard knows how the Coast Guard is organized.

The following is a true story.

Cuttyhunk is the southwestern most of the chain of Elizabeth Islands, which separate Buzzards Bay from Vineyard Sound. The nearest civilization is either Woods Hole (about 15 n. mi. NE) or Padanaram (about 15 n. mi. N).

There was once a restaurant on Cuttyhunk known as the Allen House. The Elizabeth Islands comprise the Massachusetts town of Gosnold, and since Gosnold is a “dry” town, those who wished to partake during their repast at the Allen House were relegated to BYOB.

One night a lady partook a bit too much. After finishing her meal, she turned right instead of left and tumbled down a long hill, ending up with a compound fracture of her ankle, with bone showing.

The good burghers of Cuttyhunk, thinking a long bouncy ride in an open boat to the nearest hospital was probably not a great idea, apparently called the Coast Guard for an air evac. This call was made by telephone, so I don’t know the particulars. However, a helo was dispatched out of AirSta Cape Cod, with a short ETA. This was about 2000 hours on a cloudless July evening.

Coast Guard air ops are all on 5695 USB, which we tuned up. After a few minutes, the helo was in sight on final over Canapitsit. We then heard the following:

“Rescue 60?? [I don’t remember the number]; CommSta Boston.”

“60??.”

“60??; CommSta Boston. RTB.”

“Huh?”

“60??; CommSta Boston. Order of the Flight Surgeon: RTB.”

What we later learned is that the First District Flight Surgeon has to approve all medical air evacs and was apparently not consulted by whomever dispatched the helo this evening. So he ordered it recalled.

The aircraft commander (like most military pilots) was a bit of a cowboy and didn’t like these orders. And so:

“CommSta Boston; 60??”

“CommSta Boston.”

“We’re 30 seconds from landing. What am I supposed to tell the people on the ground.” (You had to hear his tone of voice to get the full message.)

“60??; CommSta Boston. Stand by.”

Short delay. Then:

“60??; CommSta Boston. Orders of First District: tell them you are cancelled due to weather.”

The helo did a 180 and the poor lady was transported 15 bouncy miles in an open boat to Woods Hole.

This is a bit of an old story (the Allen House has been closed since 1993). However, in the last twelve months, we’ve personally heard or observed a number of events that are so reminiscent of the Keystone Cops as to make you wonder. For instance:

A boat calls Sector SENE reporting some incident in the outer harbor of Cuttyhunk. The RO says, “Where?” The RP repeats his report and the RO requests: “Can you spell that?”

A boat calls to report another vessel aground on Red Ledge in Woods Hole Passage. Now, you have to know that anyone who has the teeny-weensiest bit of local knowledge in the AOR of Sector SENE knows that Red Ledge, which is maybe 500 yards from Sector itself, which consists of a group of rocks maybe 100 yards in breadth, and which is the primary trap for vessels that founder in the Pass. In any event, a boat reports another aground on Red Ledge in the Pass, and the Sector SENE RO asks: “Do you have a lat/lon for that?”

On another occasion, a vessel reported a near collision in Buzzards Bay, and the Sector SENE RO advised, “The Coast Guard has no jurisdiction in Buzzards Bay.”

And just this past weekend, Sector SENE was still broadcasting a storm-related UMIB almost 8 hours after the storm has passed and the winds were dead calm.

The Coast Guard was once a proud organization with a superb reputation. There are those who believe that, largely because of the influence of REMFs who have neither a clue nor any interest in anything but their own progression up the promotion ladder, it is today but a shell of its former self. Sad. Occasionally amusing, but sad.

Those are some interesting stores. I didn't know that the flight surgeon had to approve all of the medical evacs.

Do the aircraft still communicate with Com Station Boston, I heard that it is now remotely controlled by CAMSLANT near Norfolk Virginia?

[archduke]

Not to hijack the thread, but RKG's post about the Cutty Hunk air evac fiasco reminded me of a hilarious interchange I heard a few years ago between a CG station New London RO and a draw bridge operator concerning a person in the water. Keep in mind that the radio procedures for Amtrak bridge tenders don't always prepare them to have a working knowledge of Coast Guard acronyms etc. Allowing for memory degradation over the intervening years it went something like this:


RR bridge: Shaws Cove to the Coast Guard you better get over here quick there is a guy in the water and it don't look like he's doing too good!

CGSTA NewLondon: Vessel calling, say your name again and the nature of your distress.

RR bridge: I ain't no vessel, I am the Shaws Cove train bridge and I'm ok, but the guy in the water is not.

CGSTA NewLondon: Please have all persons on board put on their PFDs

RR bridge: What?

(At this point no Coast Guard asset within radio range seems to understand that this call is coming from a train bridge and not from a vessel. Now begins the inane practice where just about every CG RO within ear shot decides he is going to solve the problem by stepping on each other while making simultanous calls along these lines: "vessel shaws cove, vessel shaws cove, what is your position?")

RR bridge: I AM THE AMTRACK TRAIN BRIDGE and my position is closed!

CGSTA MONTAUK (There are no train bridges anywhere in this Station's AOR so go figure why he felt he could help): Train bridge, train bridge what is your GPS position?

RR bridge: My what?

CGSTA MONTAUK: What is your Lat and Long?

RR bridge: My WHAT?

RR bridge: I'm telling you this guy won't make it much longer if you don't get over here right away.

CGSTA NewLondon: Standby

(time interval elapses)

CGSTA NewLondon: Train bridge, we have our assets on the way...will you stay on scene until they arrive?

RR bridge: I ain't going nowhere, I'm glad you have your asses on the way, this guy is looking worse.

[Net-5]

Wow. Interesting radio traffic to say the least, RKG and archduke.

Maybe someone can answer this question:

Lets say that a MAYDAY call is received directly by a CG SARDET over the radio. How does the chain-of-command work in launching a SARDET mission? My assumption is that the SARDET would need to get permission from higher (their parent command?) and coordinate with them first. Correct? Also, the SARDET is only made up of NCO's and no officers. Do officers at higher have to make the decision to act?

Also, if using a telephone to report a MAYDAY, what is the best CG number to call in general? The local SARDET? Their parent CG Group Operations? Or the Sector involved? I suppose that any of them could be contacted. However, it would be helpful to know the best single command to call, as that could cut down on the time it might take to relay the information to the part of the CG that makes the decisions.

Any ideas? Thanks!

[Net-5]

Regarding the above questions, I found some answers (and much more) by going here:

U S Coast Guard Addendum to the United States National SAR Supplement

Providing the link above in case anybody else is interested...

[ctadam12]

Hello,
I work in a Sector Command Center and yes, Small Boat stations, sectors, units underway, aircraft, are ALL responsible for answering a distress signal! If multiple stations and sectors answer the call (which does happen) the appropriate unit will take the call as soon as the location is determined. That's how it works. A mariner can also call (via cell, landline) a C.G. unit and activate the SAR system that way.

If anyone ever has U.S.C.G. questions, please ask me and I'll do my best to cover it.

Thanks

[ocguard]

It is my understanding that every Coast Guard Station, vessel, aircraft must keep watch on Ch16 at all times. Is this accurate?

Also, where RESCUE21 is implemented, it is my understanding that the group comm center answers distress calls, as they have the best access to direction finding using multiple high sites. ctadam, is this accurate?

[Lynch_Christopher]

Originally Posted by ctadam12

Hello,
I work in a Sector Command Center and yes, Small Boat stations, sectors, units underway, aircraft, are ALL responsible for answering a distress signal! If multiple stations and sectors answer the call (which does happen) the appropriate unit will take the call as soon as the location is determined. That's how it works. A mariner can also call (via cell, landline) a C.G. unit and activate the SAR system that way.

If anyone ever has U.S.C.G. questions, please ask me and I'll do my best to cover it.

Thanks

I was wondering what type of radio consoles do you guys use with the new Rescue 21 system are they regular off the shelf Motorola consoles or were they specially designed by General Dynamics for the rescue 21 system?

[ctadam12]

I am located at a Sector that currently does not have the new R21 system, so I am not sure what radio package R21 units are using. As far as CG units maintaining a listening watch on 16 at all times, the answer is yes. However, cutters at homeport usually will not maintain a watch on 16. SOME small boat stations (similar to fire stations) will secure their watch at 22:00 each night and hand the "guard" over to the respective sector. Hope this helps.

http://www.uscg.mil/ACQUISITION/resc...nationwide.jpg

http://www.uscg.mil/ACQUISITION/resc...ceschedule.pdf

[NML-21]

Originally Posted by RKG

A boat calls to report another vessel aground on Red Ledge in Woods Hole Passage. Now, you have to know that anyone who has the teeny-weensiest bit of local knowledge in the AOR of Sector SENE knows that Red Ledge, which is maybe 500 yards from Sector itself, which consists of a group of rocks maybe 100 yards in breadth, and which is the primary trap for vessels that founder in the Pass. In any event, a boat reports another aground on Red Ledge in the Pass, and the Sector SENE RO asks: “Do you have a lat/lon for that?”

Stuff like this is being addressed by the Coast Guard. They have been hiring 1 or 2 civilians to work at the Sector Command Center. The main reason is, that the normal rotation is only 3-4 years, Once a member has been there approx 3 years, and then leaves, they are taking their local AOR expertise with them. By keeping civilians there, they are able to keep local AOR knowledge there.

Back in the day, the Coast Guard had the Radioman rating which changed to Telecommunications Specialist. In order to be a qualified radio watchstander at a Group, you had to know a lot of knowledge about the AOR, the break-in procedure took about 3 months depending on the Group. It required taking many boat rides or helicopter over flights of the AOR. You then had to take an oral board exam. This is when you had to sit down with the Chief and the most senior members at that unit, and they asked you all kinds of question for about 4 hours. Depending on how you did on the board, it was a collective determination if the person was qualified to stand a radio watch.

[RKG]

Originally Posted by NML-21

Stuff like this is being addressed by the Coast Guard. They have been hiring 1 or 2 civilians to work at the Sector Command Center. The main reason is, that the normal rotation is only 3-4 years, Once a member has been there approx 3 years, and then leaves, they are taking their local AOR expertise with them. By keeping civilians there, they are able to keep local AOR knowledge there.

Back in the day, the Coast Guard had the Radioman rating which changed to Telecommunications Specialist. In order to be a qualified radio watchstander at a Group, you had to know a lot of knowledge about the AOR, the break-in procedure took about 3 months depending on the Group. It required taking many boat rides or helicopter over flights of the AOR. You then had to take an oral board exam. This is when you had to sit down with the Chief and the most senior members at that unit, and they asked you all kinds of question for about 4 hours. Depending on how you did on the board, it was a collective determination if the person was qualified to stand a radio watch.

I remember the days when local CG personnel actually knew what they were doing. There was, for instance, a coxswain on the 41418 (formerly stationed at Menemsha) who I think knew every square inch of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. He was quite distinct on the radio -- had an accent that sounded like Ohio or something -- and quite effective on the water.

I guess because the system worked so well, some REMF decided to change it. As I said earlier: Sad. Sometimes amusing, but sad.

Most folks in the waters I ply know that if you find yourself in real trouble, you call the nearest harbormaster, or maybe even a yacht club launch, for far quicker and far more effective response.

[ctadam12]

I think the command centers (radio/sar controller) should be civilianized. The OS rating is a mess.

[Tommahawk]

I'm not going to mention names or location, but I know of someone that called the Coast Guard near where I live from the top of a 1200' mountain top on a Marine Transceiver on Channel 16 with a "information request" and Sectors including Baltimore/DC/Ocean City/New Jersey and New York all answered......

Of course the gentleman was using a antenna on top of a tower 150' above the mountain!!! From what I understand the gentleman put the microphone down and drove home after hearing all these stations answering him.....

[Lynch_Christopher]

Originally Posted by Tommahawk

I'm not going to mention names or location, but I know of someone that called the Coast Guard near where I live from the top of a 1200' mountain top on a Marine Transceiver on Channel 16 with a "information request" and Sectors including Baltimore/DC/Ocean City/New Jersey and New York all answered......

Of course the gentleman was using a antenna on top of a tower 150' above the mountain!!! From what I understand the gentleman put the microphone down and drove home after hearing all these stations answering him.....

Thats an interesting story.