Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I really dial 911 to get T-BART assistance even though I'm just stranded on the lake with no medical or other emergency?
Yes, you can. This is the best and fastest way to get T-BART assistance. The Loudon County 911 Center asked T-BART to use 911 since this is the most efficient way for their dispatchers to handle the request. They do this because having T-BART handle these non-emergency situations eliminates the need for local agencies (law enforcement, fire, rescue squads, etc.) to respond to them.
As a stranded boater, how can I help T-BART to respond ?
If T-BART tows my boat, will there be a charge for the tow?
No. All T-BART assistance is free to the boater. Donations are always accepted and appreciated.
Will T-BART remove branches, logs or other debris that drifts against my dock and shoreline?
No. T-BART removes debris only if it is drifting out on the lake and is a hazard to boats on the lake. Why? First, debris against a dock or shoreline is not a hazard to boats operating on the lake. Second, removing debris near docks or shorelines would require maneuvering a T-BART boat in shallow water with the potential for damaging the boat or motor.
Will T-BART tow a boat that is aground or sinking?
No. T-BART is not equipped to handle a grounded or sinking boat. Boaters stranded by these situations should contact TowBoatUS at 800-391-4869 or a local marina, or ask the 911 operator make that contact for them. T-BART will provide whatever other assistance they can do safely, such as taking the people from the aground or sinking boat to a safe location.
Does T-BART respond to emergencies?
Only when requested to do so by an emergency response agency. For example, if a medical emergency occurs on a boat out on the lake, a first responder agency might ask T-BART to transport EMTs from a dock or ramp to that boat.
Does T-BART respond to requests for assistance at night?
T-BART responds to requests for non-medical / non-emergency assistance on Tellico Lake 24 hours a day. This is a significant upgrade to our prior services that were available during daylight hours only. T-BART operates 365 days a year.
To request assistance while on the water call 911. The 911 call center will provide your information to T-BART. Our crew will call you to confirm your situation and send a boat to provide towing assistance.
What training do T-BART members receive?
All T-BART members are required to complete an approved boating safety course such as those provided by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron. They also must complete T-BART specific training that includes a classroom session covering the procedures in the T-BART Operations Handbook and a practical on-water session during which practice assists and tows are performed and evaluated. All Captains and Crews are also required to complete refresher training and perform actual or practice tows every three years. In addition, all boats used for T-BART duty receive an annual vessel safety inspection by the US Coast Guard or Power Squadron that includes inspection of special on-board equipment required by the T-BART Operations Handbook.
Yes, you can. This is the best and fastest way to get T-BART assistance. The Loudon County 911 Center asked T-BART to use 911 since this is the most efficient way for their dispatchers to handle the request. They do this because having T-BART handle these non-emergency situations eliminates the need for local agencies (law enforcement, fire, rescue squads, etc.) to respond to them.
As a stranded boater, how can I help T-BART to respond ?
- First, provide the 911 Center and the T-BART Captain the best information you can about your location on the lake such as a Mile Marker from the lake chart, any visible landmarks such as bridges, power lines, marinas, etc. and the name of nearby coves or creeks.
- Second, provide the 911 Center and the T-BART Captain with a good description of your boat, e.g., type of boat, color and size.
- Third, keep your cell phone turned on so that the responding T-BART Captain can contact you.
- Fourth, has something colorful such as a distress flag or brightly colored life vest to wave when the T-BART boat approaches.
- Fifth, put out an anchor if your boat is drifting toward shore or an obstruction.
- Sixth, dial 911 to cancel the assist request if you get your motor started or a good samaritan boat offers to help you.
If T-BART tows my boat, will there be a charge for the tow?
No. All T-BART assistance is free to the boater. Donations are always accepted and appreciated.
Will T-BART remove branches, logs or other debris that drifts against my dock and shoreline?
No. T-BART removes debris only if it is drifting out on the lake and is a hazard to boats on the lake. Why? First, debris against a dock or shoreline is not a hazard to boats operating on the lake. Second, removing debris near docks or shorelines would require maneuvering a T-BART boat in shallow water with the potential for damaging the boat or motor.
Will T-BART tow a boat that is aground or sinking?
No. T-BART is not equipped to handle a grounded or sinking boat. Boaters stranded by these situations should contact TowBoatUS at 800-391-4869 or a local marina, or ask the 911 operator make that contact for them. T-BART will provide whatever other assistance they can do safely, such as taking the people from the aground or sinking boat to a safe location.
Does T-BART respond to emergencies?
Only when requested to do so by an emergency response agency. For example, if a medical emergency occurs on a boat out on the lake, a first responder agency might ask T-BART to transport EMTs from a dock or ramp to that boat.
Does T-BART respond to requests for assistance at night?
T-BART responds to requests for non-medical / non-emergency assistance on Tellico Lake 24 hours a day. This is a significant upgrade to our prior services that were available during daylight hours only. T-BART operates 365 days a year.
To request assistance while on the water call 911. The 911 call center will provide your information to T-BART. Our crew will call you to confirm your situation and send a boat to provide towing assistance.
What training do T-BART members receive?
All T-BART members are required to complete an approved boating safety course such as those provided by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron. They also must complete T-BART specific training that includes a classroom session covering the procedures in the T-BART Operations Handbook and a practical on-water session during which practice assists and tows are performed and evaluated. All Captains and Crews are also required to complete refresher training and perform actual or practice tows every three years. In addition, all boats used for T-BART duty receive an annual vessel safety inspection by the US Coast Guard or Power Squadron that includes inspection of special on-board equipment required by the T-BART Operations Handbook.