Coast Guard trips to the Bahamas?

TickleStick · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2007

My dad called earlier asking about weekend trips out of Ft Lauderdale escorted by the USCG. One of his customers said a friend who lives down here has heard a lot about it.

Anyone have any info?

Hodderbiz · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2007

an escort the entire way? No, I have not heard of it..

I have heard of creating a float plann with them, but thats all..

now Im curious

handfulz28 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2007

Maybe somebody is confusing a "float plan" with an escort? I just don't see any justification for an explicit USCG escort for recreational boaters.
HOWEVER, if you're having trouble, or are IN trouble, they might "escort" you to the nearest port...?

TickleStick · #4 (**permalink**) 04-09-2007

Not a personal escort, but that every so often they leave at a certain time and return at a certain time over the weekend, so that you can plan your trip at the same time. Kinda like boating with a lead blocker.

handfulz28 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by TickleStick

Not a personal escort, but that every so often they leave at a certain time and return at a certain time over the weekend, so that you can plan your trip at the same time. Kinda like boating with a lead blocker.

Hmmm, I wonder if they would publicize their departure/arrival schedule? I can tell you that at approx 14:30 on Sunday a "large" USCG vessel departed Port Everglades.
I think it's unlikely, but it doesn't hurt to make a call and ask.

**IslandTime** · #6 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by TickleStick

My dad called earlier asking about weekend trips out of Ft Lauderdale escorted by the USCG.

The only escorted trips that the USCG runs go to Haiti, and they are one way. Maybe it is the USCG Auxillary.

Rip · #7 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007

Pardon my ingornace, but why would you need an escort in the first place?

**IslandTime** · #8 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rip

Pardon my ingornace, but why would you need an escort in the first place?

A trip to the Bahamas is not a trip for a new boater, and it is much safer to run with an experienced lead boat if you've never been.

CaptStabbin · #9 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007

Ive never heard of the Coasties doing an escort there and back, however the bahamas dept. of tourism organizes them several times throughout the summer. There is a captains meeting a few nights before to go over the plan, then a Bahamian captain leads a group of SoFla boaters across to bimini, grand bahama, etc. depending on which one you choose. From what ive heard its pretty easy to go that way, you are with 15 other boats and the bahamian capt. takes all of the guess work out of it. its supposed to be a great way to make your first crossing

TickleStick · #10 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoatCapt71

The only escorted trips that the USCG runs go to Haiti, and they are one way. Maybe it is the USCG Auxillary.

Could be - he didnt get mich info and even that was second hand. Couldnt find anything on Google either, I'll have my dad interrogate his source a little more next time he see him.

Knowing my dad's customers, the guy could just be off his rocker