Hi All
Just thought that I would post a couple of my views, you may not agree
Have been very impressed with all the navigation aids on my sailing trip, when you compare the number of users to cars we who use these aids get a pretty good deal, an thinking cost wise, I could not fault the navigation aids, not sure who is responsible both states Qld and Vic both were good, well done who ever

Second point is NOT a plus, Marine Rescue, Coast Guard, which ever, very confusing, I can not see the value at all, there are 5 of which ever that I never logged off, and never heard, to this day, from them, !!!!!!!! They tell me that they pass info along, it never happened at all, if you are coming in after they finish, about 5pm what happens then !!!!!!!! They cant or wont advise on condition in there area, liability concerns !!!!!!!!!
The building that they operate from are prime real estate and the building them selves are not old, a lot of money tied up there !!!!!!!
They have great boats which when needed are great, and of good valve, but I think need a better way of use.
OK so most are volunteers, am guessing retired and am also guessing most, not all have little experence, may be would be better at the mens shed
Your thoughts

HI Yes I understand they are volunteers, and thats great, but I see no value in all the log on log off, I cant see that it serves any purpose when its not followed and they finish and go home, It just seems to be a wast of time and money, I think a single emergency station would be a better option ??

Yes one fully funded organization would be ideal .

But there are a couple different needs as well .

Rescue ....

Port entry info ....

For entry and exit into port Phillip for instance , it's best to contact the crowd that runs the sea pilots etc . To get the go ahead

For rescue it's gotta be water police .

I,m sure if the radio operators had seen you disappear from sea breeze , they would have been all over it !!!!!

cisco said..
We should have a taxpayer funded Coast Guard as in the U.S.

From what I understand the American Coast guard are equivilant to navy marines and act as border security. Towing services are done by businesses, a bit like racv roadside assist in Victoria. I think the free volunteer service we have is pretty awesome.

Australian Coast Guard primary function ..Safe Life....nothing else.
if the boat is in reasonable condition , they will tow back to harbour.
if the boat is sinking, recovery is commercial function, Coast Guard is not involved.
Log in...is not compulsory, Most open boat fisherman ..log in, most yachties just radiocheck.

on long weekend, by lunchtime you recorded 12 pages log ins, and you know, it is fraction only.
many more boats are actually out.
than you have to coordinate rescues on own vhf channel.

Coxswain or master 5 ticket, elevate you to advance crew rank only.
Skipper of rescue boat is SAR qualified, which is specific for Coast Guard across the country.
all that are volunteer functions,

some of you remember, professional " Search & Rescue "
under National Safety Council of Australia during 80s
director Johann Hohenberger charged for fraud of $290 million.
he commit suicide and since ....we don't have fully funded Search & Rescue in AUS.