Emergency Assistance
It is recommended that all paddlers carry a marine radio as well as a cell phone, which may not get good coverage at sea. The US Coast Guard and all marine patrol vessels monitor VHF marine radio channel 16, 24 hours a day. In the event of a marine emergency, dial 9-1-1. “Mayday” is an international distress signal and should be used only if grave danger exists, there’s been a collision, or someone on board has a serious injury.
U.S. Coast Guard
http://www.uscgboating.org
VHF Channel 16
Nassau County Police Marine Bureau
http://www.ncpdmarinebureau.com
(516) 573-4450 VHF Channel
N.Y. State, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Marine Services. (518) 475-0445 or (518) 474-1889
Hempstead Bay Constable
Town of Hempstead, Division of Harbor & Marine
http://toh.li/bay-constables
(516) 897-4100 VHF 9 & 16
Oyster Bay Constable
Town of Oyster Bay, Marine Bureau
http://www.oysterbaytown.com
(516) 797-7986
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
http://www.dec.ny.gov
Marine Enforcement Unit (631) 444-0460
Tidal Wetlands (516) 444-0295
24-hour dispatch (877) 457-5680