Agwesailing

2 1/2 years in another major goal achieved. The island Sailing radio room is up and running!

Island Sailing is super happy to share our Radio Room's Community Newsletter!
A wonderful community of members deserves nothing less than a wonderful newsletter so be sure to check out what is only just the beginning! Click on the link below to check it out!
https://mailchi.mp/9f31c1df3c61/island-sailings-radio-room-newsletter

Yesterday evening out on The Columbia here in Portland there was a Mayday broadcast around 1900hrs from a vessel that was... simply stuck on a sandbar!!!

This is not appropriate. They did not indicate that there was anything else transpiring - they did not say they were taking on water, nor where there any people in the water, no fire, no potentially catastrophic situation other than... they were stuck in the sand...

"A grounding under gentle circumstances" is, at worst, very embarrassing, but not by any means something anyone should call a mayday for. Did they think that perhaps the USCG should ready the nearest helicopter?!?!

Please respect the seriousness of those who's service is dedicated to saving lives in real emergencies!

Q. What are the differences between and when should I use “mayday,” “pan-pan” and “sécurité” on my VHF radio?
A. In order of priority, mayday is the internationally recognized distress call that is used as preface in VHF radio transmissions only in situations in which there is an immediate danger of loss of life or the vessel itself. This includes when a boat is sinking, there’s a fire in the engine room, or someone on board is unconscious or experiencing a serious injury or illness.

Radio Information For Boaters USCG Navigation Center