A View From the Waterfront: *CG Cell Phone Service Ends

08 November 2006

*CG Cell Phone Service Ends

Valuable Safety Service Cancelled for Most of the United States

In Alaska and many other parts of the United States, boaters could dial *CG to reach the Coast Guard in case of emergency. BoatU.S. Magazine reports in their November 2006 issue that cell service providers have dropped due this service in part to inconsistent availability and application of the system.

Alaska will remain the only state that retain *CG as a method of contacting their Search and Rescue Center. As noted in this article on Boater Emergency Communications, the preferred method to contact the Coast Guard in an emergency is by using a marine VHF radio.

The Coast Guard actively maintains a radio communications system based on these radios. Installed marine radios allow nearby boaters monitor VHF Channel 16 and assist in an emergency. Future Coast Guard communication projects will include provisions to track distress calls made by radio. Boaters may be able to still dial 911, provided they're in an area covered by cellular service.

Labels: Alaska, Boating Safety

4 Comments:

Peggy said...: I get the feeling that more and more people are just assuming that their cell phones will work anywhere and everywhere. It's a good reminder that they won't always work in remote areas, be it the ocean or the mountains.; 14 November, 2006 16:13
sammyig said...: It sounded like a great idea though, if it worked reliably. This would be a great blog for any boating enthusiast. I for one, know absolutely nothing about boats, and today, you educated me.; 14 November, 2006 18:23
Simran said...: Oh wow what a shame that only Alaska will be the only state to have this service. I'm afraid to think what the outcome might be.; 15 November, 2006 19:26
Connie Barbour said...: We take our ability to communicate with our cell phones for granted. Thisi s a good reminder that not all locales have this convenience.; 18 January, 2007 17:25