AntarcticPilot
Well-known member
Them, too.Or the 90+ independent lifeboats around the UK
Them, too.Or the 90+ independent lifeboats around the UK
I have always understood that we should all monitor Ch16 when we're afloat. Goes without saying on our boat. Over the years we've heard several maydays and did respond to one nearby, although the lifeboat got there before we did.
To turn this all on its head the coast guard have got to weed out the unnecessary calls or they couldn't really function. To go through a check list before tasking a life boat etc. probably makes sense. Bit like phoning BT when your internet is down!
Apart from the inane chatter, radio checks, etc, weather conditions lately have meant picking up some relatively long range vhf comms on the Orwell and Harwich area has been possible. Was listening to Cap Gris Nez coordinating migrant spotting this weekend as well as several French fishing vessels jabbering on ch16. So all in all, ch 16 was pretty busy. CG even answered as Solent Coastguard once but corrected himself to Dover, so I guess they man several aerials?