Radisson/Mackinaw

[Alex]

The conditions make me think how good the Chief Wawatam was for breaking ice!

[Guest]

The Canadian Coast Guard is not like a commerical vessel. They are a federal service in Canada. The Canadian CG is like elements of the US Border Patrol, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency and the US Coast Guard all rolled into one.

That said the Mackinaw let the Radisson lead the convoy since they can break ice better and they made the transit up just last night. They know where the track is and where the weaker plates of ice are.

The Canadian Coast Guard has absolutely no law enforcement powers what so ever. The will carry law enforcement personnel on their vessels for various functions, but the crew, including the officers do not have any law enforcement powers. Other than them being employed by the federal gov't, they are ordinary citizens.

As for the Radisson breaking ice better, that is up for debate. The Mac has the azipods that can provide ice clearing along the sides of ships, which we know the Radisson can not. The Radisson is a heavier vessel that may have better momentum and power, but to say they are a better ice breaker is questionable.

[glpilot]

I can see where this is headed. What say we stop wrapping ourselves in the flag and get these ships moving.

[Guest]

Sorry meant operates more like a commercial vessel.

US Coast Guard they salute, "Captain's on the bridge!"
you don't get that on the CCG ships.

The Canadian Coast Guard is not like a commerical vessel. They are a federal service in Canada. The Canadian CG is like elements of the US Border Patrol, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency and the US Coast Guard all rolled into one.

That said the Mackinaw let the Radisson lead the convoy since they can break ice better and they made the transit up just last night. They know where the track is and where the weaker plates of ice are.

[sgrima]

The Canadian Coast Guard is not like a commerical vessel. They are a federal service in Canada. The Canadian CG is like elements of the US Border Patrol, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency and the US Coast Guard all rolled into one.

That said the Mackinaw let the Radisson lead the convoy since they can break ice better and they made the transit up just last night. They know where the track is and where the weaker plates of ice are.

[Guest]

The U.S. Coast Guard is military and when multiple cutters are on scene one will take command, leading the group. Use to be the Mackinaw would call the shots with the smaller cutters but it was normally based more on experience than a true command. The Canadian Coast Guard is not military and operates more like a commercial vessel. That said they all work together to use the assets at hand in the most efficient way.

[hayhugh2]

The Captain is in command of his own vessel and the Coast Guard vessels provide assistance when needed and available.

[Guest]

Who takes command of the convoy?

I wouldn't think there is any "command" of the convoy. I'm sure they are all working together using their resources as best they can.

[guest]

Who takes command of the convoy?

[hayhugh2]

At 5:45 the Radisson is @ 5miles from the Mackinaw/convoy.