Report Lost Equipment to Coastguard:
When you abandon a kite or board at sea, the authorities might think you are in trouble and start an expensive search and rescue operation, to look for you. If you have to abandon any water craft or equipment in the ocean, report it to the authorities.
Also it is always a good policy to write your name and phone number on all equipment. So that people can call you to confirm they found the gear, and that you are at home safe.
Writing your name on your gear can save your life, because when you are really in trouble, the search can be more successful if they know who they are looking for.
- Vessel identification stickers are used to locate the owners of small crafts, such as kayaks, canoes and rowboats, when the vessels get lost or loose from their moorings. An owner should use a water-resistant grease pen to write his or her contact information on the sticker and adhere it to the side of the vessel. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Masaschi.
Wasted unnecessary searches cost taxpayers 10’s of thousands of dollars.
And while rescuers are following false leads, they might be diverted from looking for someone who is in real trouble.
Please report lost equipment, and
write your name and number on all your gear.
Mahalo.
P.S. The Coast Guard Office has Stickers that can stick to any smooth surface.
Use a waterproof marker and rewrite the number when it starts to fade.