Felixstowe Coast Patrol Visit - 14th May

[wingdiver]

Fox's Marina Yacht Club will be hosting the Felixstowe Coast Patrol lifeboat in Fox's Marina and also the team will be giving a talk at the Outlook Bar.
The event starts at 19:00 and is open to both club members and non-members too.
You can find details on the club website here - Coast Patrol visit

 

[wingdiver]

Just a heads up... if the link on the club website doesn't work, email info@fmyc.org.uk

 

[Shearwater]

A big thank you from FCPR (Felixstowe Lifeboat) to Brenda for the invitation and to all attendees for the warm welcome, the interest in our work and the generous donations.

 

[shanemax]

Perhaps FCPR have a mobile phone number a member of the crew keeps on board. I only use a handheld VHF so may be out of range. Do they listen on a certain frequency (16) ??? It would not be a bad idea to have them as a contact on your phone.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Perhaps FCPR have a mobile phone number a member of the crew keeps on board. I only use a handheld VHF so may be out of range. Do they listen on a certain frequency (16) ??? It would not be a bad idea to have them as a contact on your phone.

They are a lifeboat, tasked by the coastguard, same as any other life boat. Do you have all of the other lifeboats on speed dial ?

 

[shanemax]

They are a lifeboat, tasked by the coastguard, same as any other life boat. Do you have all of the other lifeboats on speed dial ?

Continuous sad, negative replies. Perhaps therapy. ?

 

[PeterBoater]

Continuous sad, negative replies. Perhaps therapy. ?

For once, I agree with PaulRainbow, why would you need to contact a lifeboat direct?

 

[Plum]

Perhaps FCPR have a mobile phone number a member of the crew keeps on board. I only use a handheld VHF so may be out of range. Do they listen on a certain frequency (16) ??? It would not be a bad idea to have them as a contact on your phone.

Another in agreement, if you need help on tidal waters or on the coast, call the Coastguard.

 

[Boathook]

Another in agreement, if you need help on tidal waters or on the coast, call the Coastguard.

Or if in doubt dial 999.

 

[shanemax]

I don't suppose all you people will admit you are wrong but the answer is in their title." PATROL "life boat. They are very pro active and are not just called out for emergencies but "PATROL" up and down the Deben, Stour, Orwell and others. They will even make enquiries if they think you need help. I anchored off Felixstowe pier for some lunch and because not a lot of people do this they came over for a chat to see if I was ok. As I said they are very PRO-ACTIVE and having a direct number to see if they are about, say for example engine trouble or picking up a line around your prop, may save a call to the coast guard. I have great regard for this team of people, who are volunteers and who patrol for many many hours at a time and are constantly ready to help whether some one is drowning or just drifting with a dirty spark plug. They have a very high speed powerful large RIB so can get around pretty quick, if needed.

 

[shanemax]

They are a lifeboat, tasked by the coastguard, same as any other life boat. Do you have all of the other lifeboats on speed dial ?

Confucious says.......check facts and put brain in gear before opening ones mouth.

 

[Lucky Duck]

I’ve called them directly once via VHF when they were in the immediate vicinity but using a mobile phone if not nearby seems a bit weird.

Perhaps a version of the ‘bat signal’ could be devised

 

[shanemax]

Last time I spoke to the coastguard via VHF over a third party problem, they asked for my mobile number and called me back via phone to take further details. . Oh and also a few years ago they patched my VHF into the telephone system so I could talk to my wife as my phone had gone down and I did not want her reporting me as overdue. Very kind of them.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Confucious says.......check facts and put brain in gear before opening ones mouth.

Kindly point out anything incorrect ?

 

[Plum]

Last time I spoke to the coastguard via VHF over a third party problem, they asked for my mobile number and called me back via phone to take further details. . Oh and also a few years ago they patched my VHF into the telephone system so I could talk to my wife as my phone had gone down and I did not want her reporting me as overdue. Very kind of them.

Yes, the Coastguard will always do their best to help you.

 

[Lucky Duck]

Indeed, nothing usual in that account but what is proposed cuts out the coastguard and would effectively have people calling each rescue asset ‘on spec’

 

[Plum]

Indeed, nothing usual in that account but what is proposed cuts out the coastguard and would effectively have people calling each rescue asset ‘on spec’

If you need a rescue asset you should call the Coastguard.

 

[shanemax]

Indeed, nothing usual in that account but what is proposed cuts out the coastguard and would effectively have people calling each rescue asset ‘on spec’

There are true emergencies (sinking or someone very ill) and things you should try to sort out yourself. Most boats run out of fuel, overheat, so the engine stops or pick up a lobster pot rope, therefore if you know this wonderful band of people are in your river or close by perhaps you could call on them to give you a tow to a mooring. Various sailors will call out the RNLI and also expect a helicopter overhead if they so much as drop their boat hook over the side or lose a fender.

 

[shanemax]

In the good old USA, they have in place a marine type A.A. service You are expected to turn to them for a tow home in none life threatening situations.

 

[PaulRainbow]

There are true emergencies (sinking or someone very ill) and things you should try to sort out yourself. Most boats run out of fuel, overheat, so the engine stops or pick up a lobster pot rope, therefore if you know this wonderful band of people are in your river or close by perhaps you could call on them to give you a tow to a mooring. Various sailors will call out the RNLI and also expect a helicopter overhead if they so much as drop their boat hook over the side or lose a fender.

You can call on them.

You can call on all of the other boats around you too.

It's called a Pan Pan. Tell the coastguard of your problem and they will ask if any other vessel is in the area and can help. It may be that "Last Orders" is in the area and can help, it may be that another boat is nearer and can help. It's very likely that "Last Orders" isn't afloat, she's not out 24/7, so why would you expect to be able to phone and get her out, when another vessel is better able to help ? The coastguard is there 24/7 to organise the best, most suitable assistance.

A mobile phone can only call one person, VHF reaches everyone in range and the coastguard can extend that range due to their base stations.

Of course, a handheld radio has an incredibly short range when used on a small yacht, could be a little as 1 mile, or virtually nothing if conditions are bad. The sensible course is to have a fixed main VHF with a masthead antenna.