Thanks for the newsletter, I needed it.

BTW, you didn't mention the new Coast Guard Satellite Uplink Credit Card Acceptance Relay (SUCCAR) system. The new procedure calls for the rescue basket to be lifted within arm reach of the helo crew at which point the would be victim hands over his credit card. The helo crew runs the card through the SUCCAR system to validate the card and credit limit. If it’s rejected or the victim has insufficient credit limit, the crew cuts the basket lose.

The administration defends the policy claiming it will actually improve SAR statistics as Left On Site Emergency Rescuees (LOSERs) are no longer considered victims and will not be included in future reports. Hence they anticipate a nearly 100% success rate. The administration cites their current education policy as the model for this statistical practice.