I think it's still useful and the 10-20 mile range of the fixed mount is way better than the 3-5 mile range of a handheld. For distress I'd use the DSC function. It might help to reduce the endless string of silly questions from the CG radio operator's standard time wasting. (I do try to keep in mind that those questions are mandated by lawyers, and legal precedents rule the land).

I do give credit to the CG and very much appreciate them as a SAR organization, but for local coastal emergencies would expect faster response from harbor patrols. A few years ago I remember hearing a VHF MayDay call from a sailboater who had an infant aboard that fainted (probably heatstroke considering the weather that day). It was in Long Island Sound, and the nearest harbor patrol broke into the call and announced he was racing to the scene and would have an EMS team waiting when they got the baby ashore. I thought the response was efficient and appropriate, but it didn't come from the CG, who stepped aside.

Does that mean I'd dial 911 first? No, I think you're more likely to reach an available local harbor patrol directly on VHF 16, and cut out the middleman shore operator.

I do have the Local CG station phone number in my cell contacts, however.

What about DSC? Has anyone seen or heard the response from a DSC MayDay button push?