THIS IS A LARGE FILE 25.4Mb
This recording is long and at times dull - just like some of our calls. However it follows an incident from the initial call from the gillnetter Isabella Scott to its conclusion when an Auxiliary unit brings the vessel safely into harbour. Its a good example of effective communication between various players, including the fishing boat skipper, Coast Guard Radio, Victoria Traffic, Rescue Coordination Centre, a commercial assistance provider, a nearby navy vessel (Orca 55) and an Auxiliary unit that was tasked to assist.
After the vessel calls for assistance, Coast Guard Radio issues a Marine Assistance Broadcast to determine if any vessels in the area can assist. Note that a SAR vessel is not immediately tasked.
This contains the "landline" communications between Coast Guard Radio and RCC. At all times RCC is aware of whats taking place on the water, including the on-scene weather, thanks to good communications between the vessels, the controller, and RCC. At times RCC speaks directly with the skipper of the Isabella Scott, however often an Auxiliary unit is the sole source of on-scene information.
When the navy vessel Orca 55 offers assistance, RCC notes their availability but makes it clear that the ship is not "tasked". A tasking is an official assignment from RCC, and for the Auxiliary it triggers certain responsibilities and subsequent compensation to the unit. While we would not wait for a tasking before assisting a vessel in serious trouble, we normally await a formal tasking before taking action.
While one MCTS officer coordinates the incident, his partner at the Traffic desk monitors the Isabella Scott on radar, advising other vessels such as ferries about the hazard, and later providing a "vector" (range and bearing) to help the assisting vessel to the correct position.
When the Auxiliary unit is tasked to help with the tow, they immediately confirm the working radio channel and take time to communicate with the naval vessel about how the handover will take place. They have Stopped, Assessed, and Planned.