Well, we sure have opened a can of worm about the USCG. But clearly, a nerve has been touched. First, we all need the CG and respect them for the work they do. However, as a federal police agency directly involved with the public, they surely can do better in working with people. However, here are some observations. 1. Teaching clarity of speech on the VHF, even for a new recruit should not be a major expense and should be part of their training. 2. Changing the procedures and protocol of dumb sounding questions when responding to a SAR emergency will not take anymore manpower and should cost the CG little. 3. If the USCG is really strapped for cash and manpower, perhaps they could stop some of the frivolous safety boardings which usually add little or nothing to real safety or homeland security. That would free up a great deal of limited resources. 4. It seems the real issue on this thread is the perception which much of the older boating public (i.e., us) has of the USCG. For my wife and myself, our somewhat negative perception has come from firsthand interaction with the CG or listening to them on the radio. 5. Most coasties on SAR and safety boarding parties clearly have been coached to be courteous. That is to their credit. Surely senior CG command could issue new procedures for radio protocols. 6. Theyre human just like most of us. ; ) We all can improve. But it seems like some on the list and in the USCG react to any criticism as a challenge to their patriotism. For those who have been in the CG, I am sure you are still loyal to your branch of service to the point of blind loyalty. However, the other 99% of us are not so encumbered. 7. Finally, I think a large part of the issue is that most of us on this list are old enough to be fathers, maybe grandfathers, to the young coasties just out of high school. They are usually immature, notwithstanding being agents of the federal government who often wear a badge and carry a gun. That age and experience gap does not foster confidence when the young coasties at times convey the perception of being inept. The radio protocol issue just brings all of this to the surface. Maybe somebody on the list knows how to forward this entire thread to some senior officer of the USCG in Washington. David Sorenson Duluth ____________________________________________________________ Summer Spa Sweepstakes Enter for your chance to WIN a Summer Spa Vacation! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/JKFkuJi7UbfgebPXHli4yThACktcT45V7esmTFm6pwpaoeGP7J8WL6/