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Learning From Tragedy At Sea

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By CAPT. TIMOTHY CLOSE

Special to The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 7, 2009

This past week, a strong group of elite gentlemen set off confident in their knowledge and skill, but they were overpowered by forces of nature. It is essential that the majority of us who are no match for their strength take utmost care before setting out on the ocean in even the best conditions.

One of the most important things a boater can do before leaving the dock is to provide a detailed float plan to a family member or friend. Float plans should indicate exactly where you're going and when you'll be home. This information is crucial to the Coast Guard should we need to find you.

An accurate weather forecast for the area you'll be in is also crucial. Many times, weather near shore is significantly calmer than weather offshore, and knowing the forecast for your intended destination can help you decide whether to leave the dock, stay in more protected areas or even stay home.

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is the single most important piece of emergency equipment a boater can have. EPIRBs are life savers.

When an EPIRB gets activated, it sends a signal to the Coast Guard telling us you are in distress and providing us your exact location. A marine band VHF-FM radio can be extremely valuable, but has limited range. Additionally, cell phones become less effective the further you are from shore and may receive no signal at all beyond 15 to 20 miles.

Flares, strobe lights and other signaling devices allow us to quickly locate people who are already in the water and need help. We will search at night as well as during daylight, and anything that will make you more visible aids us significantly.

Finally, always wear a life jacket.

As we all continue to pray for Nick Schuyler's speedy recovery and for the families of Marquis Cooper, William Bleakley and Corey Smith, I hope the boating community will return to the ocean with both a sharper sense of nature's raw power and a renewed commitment toward personal safety.

If so, I believe that some good can come out of this heartbreaking tragedy.

Capt. Timothy Close is Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commander.

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