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MetLife Boat Safety Tips
Getting Help on the Water
On the water, a minor problem can rapidly develop into a situation beyond your control. For this reason, let
someone know even when you are experiencing relatively minor difficulties, before your situation turns into an
emergency.
The Coast Guard serves as Search and Rescue (SAR) coordinator for all maritime emergencies and is the
appropriate point of contact whenever you are concerned for your safety. If you are in distress (distress is
defined as a situation where you or your boat are threatened by grave or imminent danger requiring
assistance), the Coast Guard will take immediate steps to help you. Normally, Coast Guard or Coast Guard
Auxiliary rescue boats and/or aircraft will be sent, but assistance from any available source will be arranged to
expedite your rescue.
How To Signal For Help
If you are in distress use "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" on the radio. If your situation is not a distress, simply
call "Coast Guard." Channel 16 VHF/FM and 2182khz HF/SSB are dedicated distress and calling frequencies
we monitor at all times. Citizen's Band (CB) is not dependable and is not monitored at most Coast Guard
stations. If you do not have a radio, attempt to signal a fellow boater who can assist or call the Coast Guard for
you. In a distress situation, use flares or any other distress signaling device to catch the attention of another
boater.
What To Tell The Coast Guard
While arranging help, we will ask for the following:
Your location or position.
Exact nature of the problem (special problems).
Number of people on board.
Your boat's name, registration and description.
Safety equipment on board.
When It's Not A Distress
The Coast Guard's primary search and rescue role is to assist boaters in distress. If you are not in distress and
alternate sources of assistance are available, we will normally coordinate the effort to assist you. If you have a
friend, marina, or commercial firm that you want contacted, we will attempt to do so. You may also contact
them directly on Channel 16 VHF/FM or through the marine operator.
If this effort is unsuccessful, we will make a Marine Assistance Request Broadcast (MARB) on your behalf. This
announces that you need help, gives your location, and invites others to come to your aid.
If you do not accept services offered in response to the first MARB, we will:
Provide information on other commercial firms, if available, so you may contact them directly, or
If you request, make a second MARB to see if any other help is available.
Who Will Answer Your Call When You Are Not In Distress
A commercial firm may offer help. In order to not interfere with commercial enterprise (you will have to pay for
these services), we normally do not provide direct on-scene assistance if a commercial firm is available to help
you safely in a reasonable time. If you agree to the assistance of a commercial firm and then refuse this service
when it arrives, you still may be legally obligated to pay a fee.
If the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary arrives to assist you and you require a tow, they normally will tow
you to the nearest location where you can either arrange for repairs or a tow back to your home port.
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