Passage Reports

[LURCHER]

I am not sure when you should file a passage report with CG , I am going from Chichester to Poole next week and return later in the day . Should I file a passage report with CG or is it a bit over the top for such a trip . Your comments and advice please

[gingercoastie]

If you want to file a passage report, then go ahead and do it. I would.


BUT, make sure that there is somebody ashore who will tell the coastguard if you are overdue, as they are too busy to check if you arrived safely themselves (sorry)

[hard1]

I would too. + you are moving from Solent CG area to Portland CG. As you depart, info is point of departure, intended destination, eta, type of vessel/ number of persons. You never know. By the way, always report your arrival to CG if you have filed a passage report. I know this sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many times this is forgotten with significant consequences.

[Phil]

if you are sure that you are not wasting CG's time with your lunch plan then tell them.

The response may be interested (Dover) (Solent ) not interested (Thames) etc

Always remember a trip from Stuart, Florida to the Bahamas; I asked the skipper if he had filed a report to which his answer was that the USCG only wanted to hear from you if you needed saving -totally "pussy" to tell them in advance what was going on

[Phil]

Slipstream:Thames CG Thames CG this is Slipstream Slipstream over

Thames CG :Ch 67 over

Slipstream: roger?

Thames CG : safety traffic?

Slipstream: yes ,just out of Harwich ,destination Oostende ,spot of lunch ,8 metre RIB ,trois (3) people on board, ETA 3 hours plus the odd smoke stop ,over

Thames CG: are you sure?

Slipstream:well almost halfway now , is there a problem?

Thames CG: no but you haven't filed a passage plan

Slipstream: the plan is to get there , have a major lunch and return ,over

Thames CG: roger? but beware the sea food; we don't really want a ca ll at midnight to lift off sickies

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by LURCHER

I am going from Chichester to Poole next week and return later in the day . Should I file a passage report with CG or is it a bit over the top for such a trip .

Depends totally on how you feel about it. You'll probably be in good clear range for full mobile 'phone and VHF coverage all the way, so in good conditions in a good boat it wouldn't be necessary. However if you are travelling alone in the boat I would definitely file a plan. And if conditions are not perfect, or forecast deteriorating, would also consider filing a plan. Poole Bay can feel very isolated in a big sea! I've found that 'phoning is good - Solent CG is 02392 552100.

[CJL]

If in doubt do it!

I think most CG would rather have the hassle of a bit of paperwork instead of a full search and rescue job.

We always asked for a listening watch in Plymouth when we went out. They prefered to have us out there with the passage plan/listening watch. Plus we rescued many fishing boats and saved the MOD Plod / RNLI a ton of money avoiding to launch!

If in doubt do it!

Chris