Conference wahoo::fishing

    
    
    I saw something on the news last night.  Don't know the details.
    
    Call the Coast Gaurd.
            
    8--|)
        
    

    
    
    I've followed this story a bit over the past month, even though
    The Harbor Master is "landlocked" in Northwestern RI.  
    
    Due to funding cutbacks some of the stations will be closed and
    other will have reduced manpower.  The main thing here is that routine
    patrols will be cut back and the coast guard cutters will have to
    be dispatched from their base stations in case of an emergency call.
    This will most likely increase response time to the emergency area.
    With less cutters on the open water conducting routine patrols,
    a person/boat in trouble will be less likely to have a cutter happen
    to be in the immediate vicinity.
    
    This is only my interpretation of what I've read or heard on local
    RI media.  And I'm sure more details will be available as various
    affected groups start to make inquiries on this matter.
    
    The "landlocked" HARBOR MASTER
    

    If you can convince Nancy Reagan that the risk of more drugs coming
    into the coast will increase watch the funding that the CG will
    get to keep the patrols up.
    
    
                                                   GUY

    There was notice in todays local paper (NJ) that CG Station Shark
    River was scheduled to close. This station averages ~275 search
    and rescue missions a year.
    

    The only station I heard mentioned so far around here was Hyannis
    on the Cape of Cod.
    
    Bruce

    If I remember right, they are closing 5 stations in New England.
    Block Island, R.I., New London, Conn., none in Mass., 1 in Maine
    and I don't remember where the other two are.
    
                                        BOB

More on effects of cuts!
    
    The recent budget cuts for the Coast Guard will impact the New England boaters
through reduced Search and Rescue (SAR) coverage at several USCG stations.

The stations affected, as announced this past week, are:

Block Island SAR, down nine people.
Eastport SAR, down eight people.
New London Port Safety, down six people.
Bangor Marine Safety, down four people.
Hyannis Marine Safety, down three people.
New London Marine Inspection, down one person.

The combine savings totals $1,315,000 for the 1st Coast Guard District. The
national savings to projected to be $48,000,000

Jerry

    re: -1
    
    At what cost?
    
    This makes me think twice about those long runs off block island
    for tuna. Who's gonna come look for me if I get lost??
    
    Better get Nancy involved here! Tell her about the increased drug
    traffic because of the lack of patrols.
    
    Bruce
    (who_has_a_fast_boat_and_may_just_paint_the_hull_black...just_kidding)
    

    I have a suggestion for all you guys concerned about getting help:
    how about joining the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary??? I'm a member
    in Rochester, NY and we need a lot of help in view of the cutbacks.
    This year, our flotilla will run more SAR cases than the "Coasties".
    They really rely on us heavily. Did anyone notice all the patrol
    boats by the Q.E.II at DECWORLD? Most of them were Auxiliary
    volunteers. Besides needing your help, it's a lot of fun and you
    really LEARN excelent boating skills. I'm sure the guys in your
    area can use help as well. If you don't know them, call the Coast
    Guard and they will get you to the Auxiliary. 
    It is a SUPER organization!!!!
    
    Don
    

    According to an article in this morning's Star_Ledger, an
    appropriationsbill has been passed (and signed?) which will allow
    the Coast Guard to re-open the 9 East coast stations which were
    closed at the start of this note.
    The article mentioned that the Shark River (NJ) Sta. is already
    partially staffed and will be fully operational by May.