Conference wahoo::fishing

    What are the goals of these meeting's? With the cut backs, is seems
    like they would never go back to non emergency towing when they
    don't have enough patrols as it is. I for one, experienced the
    fate of having a commercial tow service instead of the CG, cost me
    200 clams.
    
    Bruce

    Many have question the wisdom of the policy especially as it applies
    to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The data on the Auxiliary's performance
    indicates that it is a very cost effective program. The main strengths
    being education and Saftey Patrols. 
    
    The Auxiliary membership ungoes extensive training which combines
    classroom studies and practical exercises. The continued proficiency
    of Auxiliary boat crews is very dependant on a third element, that
    of actual SAR and non-emergency assistance experience.
    
    It is very ironic to me that we have new missions being imposed
    on the Coast Guard (drugs and intoxicated boats, etc.), restrictions
    on Auxiliary utilization (towing policy) and reduced budgets all
    working at the same time. 
    
    This is of course only a personal opinion, but I believe we don't
    need to look very far to find the source of this mess. The Coast
    Guard is attached (reluctantly) to the Department of Transportation!
    Talk about an orphan in our own home!
    
    Jerry
    
    

re: < Note 592.2 by CIMNET::CREASER "SUPER STRING" >

I support Jerry in that the Coast Guard Aux should be allowed to 
tow in non emergency situations since they are out there on a 
voluntary basis and really do make a difference.
I do not support that the Coast Guard tow on a non emergency 
basis.
There are several options available to all of us should we break 
down and need a tow.
 1. SeaTow-- Pay them like an insurance policy and they tow you 
             when you need it. Kind of like AAA for cars.

 2. Boat US--For very few dollars you get up to $1500 
             reimbursment when you use a commercial tow operator.

 3."Buddies"--Most anyone will tow someone else as a good 
              samaritan.

Any comments?
norm

    I believe the C.G. policy is to give a tow to a commercial operator
    ONLY if an Auxiliary vessel is not available. Also, once the Aux
    has a tow, they do not have to give it up to a commercial operator.
    
    My major concern is the training level of the commercial guys. None
    is required! I wouldn't want some yea-hoo ripping the cleats out
    of my boat, or worse, simply because of not knowing how to handle
    a tow properly. The AUX guys go through an extensive training program
    to even be able to be on the water to help.
    
    I believe the policy was set up to handle larger "commercial" disabled
    vessels. No problem with that, but the gold diggers are turning
    it on us small guys. If it happens to me, I'll simply tell them
    to get lost and wait for some good guy to help. If the commercial
    guys don't get our business, they will go somewhere else.
    
    Don
    

    Re .4
    
    Don, your message hit the spirit of the issue very well! However,
    I'd like to revise for first paragraph.
    
    The towing policy is very clear on these points.
    
    	1. In non-emergency cases, the Auxiliary follows the same rules
    	   as the regular Coast Guard. If commercial service is available,
    	   we will stand-by until the commerical tower has the situation
    	   under control. This is true even if AUX is available.
    
    	2. The will be a hand-off from AUX to commerical if conditions
    	   permit. This is required to keep AUX and Coast Guard vessels
    	   freed up as much as possible for emergencies and other duties.
    	   The controling Coast Guard Station will make the decision
    	   on the hand-off, but will also do so if safety is not reduced.
    
    Of course all this only applies if the Auxiliary Vessel is operating
    under Coast Guard orders. If operating as private citizens then
    we can help in any case.
    
    Jerry
    

    Jerry,
    You are right!! However be sure to report it as an "assist" even if 
    you don't complete the case.
    Again, we don't have the problem here yet as there ar no commercial
    guys operating.
    
    Regards
    Don