When it comes to being a responsible boat owner, there are so many more things to consider than keeping the vessel in good condition and being a diligent sailor. Sometimes, things can happen that might be out of your control, and in a lot of situations the best thing that you can do is get in contact with the US Coast Guard. Of course, in a perfect world, you will never have to have any unforeseen dealings and encounters, but it is always best to be prepared for everything when out on the water! You might suddenly be caught in unexpected weather, hit by a big wave, crew incapacity or your boat breaks down. You can’t legislate for these kinds of events. Here is why the coast guard exists and why every boat owner should know the US Coast Guard phone number.
What Does The Coast Guard Do?
The job of the Coast Guard covers a wide range of water-based responsibilities, some of which you might never need, and some of which you might have to call upon at some point in your life. These include the likes of law enforcement, first response, safety and marine environmental protection, transportation system management, security operations, and defense operations.
Are They Part Of The Military?
The answer is yes, they are! Technically, the Coast Guard is both a federal law enforcement agency and a branch of the military within the Department of Homeland Security.
How Many People Are There In The Coast Guard?
At present count, the Coast Guard has a full-time active duty team of 41,700 members. In addition to this, there are 7,800 part-time reservists, 8,300 civilians, and 31,009 auxiliary volunteers.
When Do You Need To Call The Coast Guard?
You essentially should make the decision to get in contact with the Coast Guard if you are experiencing what is termed as ‘genuine distress’.
In general terms, a genuine distress call involves incidents such as possible loss of life, the vessel taking on water, a man overboard, capsizing, sinking, or any type of serious medical emergency that a passenger on the boat is experiencing.
If your vessel is equipped with a DSC-equipped radio, all you will need to do is push on the emergency button which will be very clearly labeled. You should never be afraid to get in contact with the Coast Guard, they are always ready and waiting to listen to your concerns and determine what, if any, action needs to be taken in order to ensure your safety when out on the water.
If you want to know more about being a boat owner that goes beyond simply knowing the US Coast Guard phone number, then you need the National Documentation Portal website. You’ll find the answers to any boat ownership questions that you could possibly have. Feel free to get in touch with a member of the team and they will be happy to provide you with the insight that you need in order to be a better boat owner.