WHEN CALLING THE COAST GUARD OR A VESSEL ASSIST DISPATCHER, be prepared to tell them: • Name of boat operator and cell phone • Location by GPS coordinates and any onshore landmarks • Nature of the call • Number of people onboard and if everyone is in good health • Boat information and description: Length, make, color, name, identifying features • Membership number if applicable An effective dispatcher will lead the conversation when collecting information and likely ask you to anchor the vessel if safe to do so, turn on your VHF radio and have all passengers put on life jackets.
The fee of the yearly membership can be a fraction of the average price of a single tow.
Q: How do I make contact from the water if I need a tow? A: You can put out a call for assistance on VHF radio channel 16 and either the Coast Guard or another vessel will respond to help you get in touch with a tow company.For direct assistance, both Sea Tow and TowboatUS have mobile apps and 800 phone numbers listed on their membership cards.
one less thing to worry about so I can safely enjoy my time on the water. I know in advance whom to call and what to expect should I need assistance. For more info, contact Christine Plummber at TowBoatUS, Christine@towboatusbaltimore.com, or Cindy McCaffery at SeaTow, cmmccaffery@seatow.com
membership can be a fraction of the average price of a single tow.
Q: With a variety of membership options offered by vessel assist companies, how do I choose which service is right for me? A: Geography and boating style may play a role. Different regional packages are available for freshwater lakes and rivers, saltwater coastal and blue water, and even trailering boats.
Q: Why should I buy a tow membership?
To view this article online, visit marinalife.com/TowingAssistance
A: Peace of mind. Being prepared with a vessel assist membership gives me
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