Based on reports submitted by ARRL Section Emergency Coordinators, with 33 out of 71 sections reporting in, here’s what we know about the state of ARES in 2015:

Total ARES Members: 2015 — 17,756 2014 — 10,471
________________________________________

Total ARES Nets: 2015 — 10,927 2014 — 8,786
    ARES Nets with NTS Liaison:
    2015 — 1,883 (17%) 2014 — 1,517 (17%)
_________________________________________

Total ARES Events: 2015 — 24,024 2014 — 18,128
     Total Drills, Training and Test Events:
     2015 — 20,242 (84%) 2014 — 15,475 (85%)

Total Public Service Events:
     2015 — 2,923 (12%) 2014 — 1,858 (10%)

Total Emergency Operations Events:
     2015 — 859 (3.5%) 2014 — 795 (4%)
_________________________________________

Total Volunteer Hours: 2015 — 232,093 2014 — 219,743

Volunteer Value ($19 x Total Volunteer Hours):
     2015 — $4,409,767 2014 — $4,175,117
_________________________________________

Sections Reporting: 2015 — 33 2014 — 33

Inactive Sections
(sections that submitted no reports in a calendar year):
     2015 — 38 2014 — 38
__________________________________________

Discussion

While these numbers are impressive, they also show a clear problem – 38 ARRL Sections did not submit a report during 2015. In fact, for some it has been several years since a report has been received. It isn’t too late though! SEC monthly reports for December 2015 may be submitted until January 31, 2016. These numbers only come from the SEC Monthly Report (FSD-96). This form provides ARRL HQ the overall picture of ARES in a section. The information used to complete this form comes from the local and district emergency coordinators; that is why it is critical for EC’s and DEC’s to report to their SEC each month.

It is also worth noting that three sections, Eastern Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Dakota, had 100% reporting from their respective SECs in 2015. These SECs as well as those submitting at least 9 monthly reports will be thanked with a special gift from ARRL HQ.

When our national partners ask about ARES, numbers are important! The only way we can count what ARES is doing in your section is by hearing from the SEC (or in a few cases the SM). ECs and DECs, make sure you submit your reports each month. SECs make sure to report to headquarters! The last thing we want to do is report to a partner that ARES is inactive in a particular section. Turn in those reports and be counted! — Mike Corey, KI1U, ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager, ARRL HQ

Maritime Mobile Service Network NCS Relays Distress Call

On January 11, 2016, at approximately 1520 hours UTC, an unknown operator reported on 14.300 MHz, that a maritime in distress was heard on 14.313 MHz and that no one was assisting the vessel. Upon hearing the call, Maritime Net Control Station William Sturridge, KI4MMZ, responded to the frequency and received the Mayday call from Harold Hilman, K6RTD, aboard the sailing yacht “Second Wind.” Hilman reported that his vessel was approximately 85 nautical miles south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, which is off the tip of the Baja peninsula. Hilman advised that his 37 foot sailing vessel had lost its sails, solar power and its dinghy boat was set adrift. The winds were reported to be in excess of 20 knots.

Sturridge notified the United States Coast Guard in Alameda, California and connected with Coast Guard Chief Sawanka. Chief Sawanka was then put in direct contact with the vessel in distress via a patch provided by Sturridge at 1542 hrs. It was reported that the United States Coast Guard ultimately notified the Mexican Coast Guard who was reported to be responding to the location to assist the ailing vessel.

Dealing with maritime emergencies is not unusual for the Maritime Mobile Service Network. The net’s regular operational hours are 1700 to 0200 UTC on 14.300 MHz but it’s not unusual for Sturridge to listen at all other hours. In this case, not only did KI4MMZ listen but he responded to the frequency where the vessel was reporting the emergency. Quick and efficient thinking led to a quick response.

Sturridge is no stranger to emergency maritime rescues and has assisted in many past rescues. He was recently recognized by the United States Coast Guard with a Public Service Commendation Award on July 15, 2014 for his many years of service. source — Rene Stiegler, K4EDX, Net Manager