U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - District 11 South - Division 1 - Flotilla 4

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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11SR-1-4

Boating Advisories

Security Zones in San Diego Area

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Security and Safety Measures in San Diego

For further information, please visit San Diego Port Security

Digital Select Calling VHF Radio
Photo courtesy of Barbara Martin

Digital Select Calling VHF Radio Display

America's Waterway Watch

You can help the U.S. Coast Guard keep America's waterways safe and secure.

Click Here for More Information

Danger: Shoal
Photo and Story Courtesy of Ray Salisbury

Danger: Shoals in San Diego

While on patrol aboard Daktari, we came across a vessel whose owner obviously ignored the "Shoal Area" warning daymarker, and ended up stuck. Fortunately for him, the tide was coming in and he did manage to float off. This is not the first time we have seen, and even towed vessels off well-marked shoal areas.

Radio Code Words You Should Know!

There are some radio code (pro) words that are extremely important for you to know and how to react to them. They refer to different types of emergencies.

MAYDAY means there is "grave and immediate danger." Immediate assistance is required.

PAN-PAN (pronounced pahn-pahn) is used when the safety of a boat or person is in jeopardy. Man-overboard, missing or overdue boat are sent with the PAN-PAN signal.

SECURITE (pronounced say-cure-e-tay) is used to pass navigation information or weather warnings.

If you have a radio and you are under way, you are required to monitor Channel 16. MAYDAY takes precedence over all other transmissions. If you hear a MAYDAY, remain silent and listen. Take down the information being passed. If the Coast Guard or other rescue authority respond, maintain silence and listen, but do not respond.

However, if there is no response, take action. Try raising the distressed vessel over the radio. Gather more information, ESPECIALLY THE POSITION. Attempt to contact the Coast Guard while traveling toward the vessel. Sometimes the Coast Guard may not hear the distressed vessel's transmissions, but can hear another vessel near the scene; therefore, call the Coast Guard again, just in case. If you raise them, give them the information you have and follow their instructions. If you cannot contact the Coast Guard, attempt to assist the other vessel to the best of your ability without placing yourself in danger.

If you have an imminent life-threatening emergency, transmit on Channel 16:

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY!
This is (name of boat three times, call letters once).
Repeat once more, "MAYDAY," (your boat's name).
Now report your position (give as accurate a position as possible).
Report nature of emergency.
Report the kind of assistance desired.
Report number of people on board and condition of any injured.
Description of the boat and seaworthiness.
Then wait for a response. If there is none, repeat the message.

An OPERATOR'S PERMIT is only required if you dock in a foreign port. To obtain forms and additional information contact the FCC at (800) 418-3676 for form mailing or download the form or fill in the form online.

Transmission of a false (hoax) distress or emergency message or using obscene or profane language is illegal. If search and rescue units are sent out, the perpetrator is responsible for their costs in addition to the fine.

Mandatory PFDs for Children

Boat Smart, Boat Safe - Wear your PFD!

The Coast Guard has published an interim rule regarding the wearing of PFDs by certain children aboard recreational vessels. It requires that children aboard recreational vessels wear personal flotation devices (PFDs,) or lifejackets. Where a State has no law or regulation requiring children to wear PFDs, the Federal requirement applies to children under 13 years of age, except when they are below decks or in an enclosed structure. Where a State has any law or regulation requiring children to wear PFDs, the Federal requirement adopts the State requirements within that State / Territory / District. Additional information and frequently asked questions may be found here.

Under California state law, it is an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $250, to operate a vessel that is 26 feet or less in length unless every child 11 years of age or younger on board is wearing a Type I, II, or III Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (life jacket). The law does not apply to:

the operator of a sailboat on which every child under age 12 is restrained by a harness tethered to the sailboat, OR
the operator of a vessel on which every child under age 12 is in an enclosed cabin

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Important Boating Links
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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 11S-1-4 San Diego, California