NAVIGATION−exploring the mysteries of going from Point A to Point B
Each summer as I sail the Maine coast, I monitor channel 16 on the VHF radio. For those of you who are not boating enthusiasts, 16 is the emergency channel. Mariners are expected to monitor channel 16 at all times while underway for news of navigational hazards and other vessels in distress. If a distress call comes from a position near your own position, you are expected to join the radio call and offer assistance if you can safely do so.
While monitoring the radio, I am amazed by the number of people who radio the Coast Guard asking for assistance but who are unable to tell the Coast Guard where they are.
