Reminder to mariners to slow down to protect right whales

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard is reminding large vessel operators that the Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule is in effect from November to April, to protect endangered right whales in mid-Atlantic waters where they are known to migrate.

Collisions with ships and interaction with fishing gear are a major cause of mortality and injury to the North Atlantic right whale.

As the federal government's primary maritime enforcement agency, the Coast Guard is working closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with a shared goal of conserving and rehabilitating the critically endangered whale’s population, which stands at approximately 300 worldwide.

NOAA fisheries implemented the regulations, which require vessels 65 feet or longer to operate at 10 knots or less over ground in certain locations consistent with the whales’ migratory pattern along the Atlantic coast.

These locations include a 20 nautical mile radius around the port of Morehead City and Beaufort and a continuous area 20 nautical miles from shore between Wilmington and Brunswick, Ga. The areas can be viewed graphically here.

Vessels may operate at speeds more than 10 knots only if necessary to maintain a safe maneuvering speed in an area where conditions severely restrict vessel maneuverability as determined by the pilot or master.

"I think that anyone who’s seen one of these impressive creatures can understand why protecting them is so important," said Lt. j.g. James Kopcsay, an enforcement officer at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington. "Following the provisions of this rule is of critical importance to preventing their extinction. The Coast Guard’s goal is to educate mariners about the importance of this rule, minimizing our need to issue warnings or seek civil penalties that result from choosing to break it."

Historical records indicate an average of two reported deaths or serious injuries to right whales occur due to ship strikes each year. Even a single human-caused death or serious injury a year can impact the population’s ability to survive.

To report a suspected violation in the seasonal management areas, call the national hotline at 800-853-1964.
The North Atlantic right whale is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

For more information, please visit: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike, http://nero.noaa.gov/shipstrike and http://rightwhalessouth.nmfs.noaa.gov.

Part of Lake Ontario is now a “no discharge zone”

Why it's not the whole lake and why it took so long is beyond belief, but at least it finally came about and a good a part of the lake can't be dumped in. 

December 8, 2011 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today announced that a 3,675 square mile area of Lake Ontario is now a “no discharge zone,” which means that boats are completely banned from discharging sewage into the water. EPA reviewed DEC’s proposal to establish a no discharge zone for the lake and determined that there are adequate facilities in the area for boats to pump out their sewage. Boaters must now dispose of their sewage at one of the lake’s 37 specially-designated pump-out stations. This action is part of a joint EPA and New York State strategy to eliminate the discharge of sewage from boats into the state’s waterways.

“Clean water is one of New York’s most valuable assets, and pumping sewage from boats into local waters is a practice that is both harmful and completely unnecessary,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “Lake Ontario provides drinking water to hundreds of thousands of New York residents. Establishing a no discharge zone for the lake is an important step in cleaning up New York’s treasured water bodies.”

"The designation of Lake Ontario as a 'no discharge zone' by the EPA strengthens New York's efforts to improve water quality in the Great Lakes by stopping pollution from boaters," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "We will continue to work with the EPA, Environmental Facilities Corporation, Department of State and other partners to reach our common goal of swimmable, drinkable and fishable Lake Ontario waters to support our health, economy and quality of life.”

Discharges of sewage from boats can contain harmful levels of pathogens and chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenols and chlorine, which have a negative impact on water quality, pose a risk to people’s health and impair marine life. EPA reviewed public comments on its tentative determination for the establishment of a no discharge zone, which was proposed in May 2011.

The no discharge zone encompasses the New York portion of Lake Ontario, including the waters of the Lake within the New York State boundary, stretching from the Niagara River (including the Niagara River up to Niagara Falls) in the west, to Tibbetts Point at the Lake’s outlet to the Saint Lawrence River in the east. The no discharge zone encompasses approximately 3,675 square miles and 326 shoreline miles, including the navigable portions of the Lower Genesee, Oswego, Black Rivers and numerous other tributaries and harbors, embayments of the Lake including Irondequoit Bay, Sodus Bay, North/South Ponds, Henderson Bay, Black River Bay and Chautmont Bay, and an abundance of formally designated habitats and waterways of local, state, and national significance.

For centuries, Lake Ontario has played an important role in the history of New York State and several Indian Nations. In addition to being a place of great natural beauty, the Lake serves as an economic engine for the region, and is a source of drinking water for seven hundred and sixty thousand people. The lake’s water quality is designated as “Class A,” which means that it’s recommended for drinking, swimming, fishing, and in the commercial processing of food.

To read EPA’s final determination or for more information about no discharge zones, go to http://www.epa.gov/region02/water/ndz/index.html

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/eparegion2.

Bill in Congress Would Preserve Boating Access

BoatUS Urges Congressional Support for H.R. 3109 "Keep America's Waterfront Working Act"

In a harbor off the Chesapeake Bay, a small crabbing 

operation (right) and marina (center) offer access to 

both commercial and recreational vessels, while residential 

development (left), can restrict waterway access and 

displace water-dependent businesses.

 

ALEXANDRIA, Va., December 1, 2011 -- Working waterfronts, those parts of town at the water’s edge dotted with marine-dependent businesses like marinas, boatyards and haul-out facilities, are crucial to recreational boating. However, in some places they are struggling as municipalities grapple with development pressures and poor planning and that’s why Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine has introduced the “Keep America’s Waterfront Working Act of 2011” (H.R. 3109) in Congress. BoatUS is urging boaters to ask their Congressional representatives to sign-on as co-sponsors of the bill.

“Boaters rely on such small businesses to provide critical access to the water and essential services for their vessels and families,” said BoatUS Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs Ryck Lydecker. “If Rep. Pingree’s bill passes, it would be an extremely positive step in preserving access, facilities and services for recreational boaters and anglers.”

The waterfront is an economic engine and job provider for many communities, and H.R. 3109 would help states develop tools to preserve sites for water-dependent commercial activities. The bill is nearly identical to one that Pingree introduced in 2009. Grants would allow coastal states and communities to support and protect places where boatyards, marinas and other service providers do business, as well as boat builders, commercial fishermen, fishing charter and tour boat operators, and other water-dependent businesses. For example, working boatyards and other points of waterfront access at risk of conversion to non-water-dependent uses could be acquired from willing sellers. It would also provide essential funding for waterfront planning that could stem the tide of conversion.

“The waterfront is the only viable location for such businesses, and the continued access they provide to recreational boaters along our coasts is vital to the future of boating,” Lydecker added.

H.R. 3109 currently has 18 co-sponsors but needs more, according to BoatUS. Boaters can review the bill and ask their members of Congress to co-sponsor at: www.BoatUS.com/gov/workingwaterfronts.

For more information, contact BoatUS Government Affairs at 703-461-2878, ext. 8363 or email mailto:GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com. 

BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.

EPA Proposes Updated Vessel General Permit and Permit for Small Vessels

Action would help protect U.S. water quality and lower invasive species risk

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing two draft vessel general permits that would regulate discharges from commercial vessels, excluding military and recreational vessels. The proposed permits would help protect the nation’s waters from ship-borne pollutants and reduce the risk of introduction of invasive species from ballast water discharges.

The draft Vessel General Permit, which covers commercial vessels greater than 79 feet in length, would replace the current 2008 Vessel General Permit, when it expires in December 2013. Under the Clean Water Act, permits are issued for a five-year period after which time EPA generally issues revised permits based on updated information and requirements. The new draft Small Vessel General Permit would cover vessels smaller than 79 feet in length and would provide such vessels with the Clean Water Act permit coverage they will be required to have as of December 2013.

Both permits will be subject to a 75-day public comment period, which will allow a broad array of stakeholders, including industry and communities, to provide feedback. That information will help inform EPA’s decision on the final permits, which are expected to go into effect in 2013. EPA intends to issue the final permits in November 2012, a full year in advance, to allow vessel owners and operators time to prepare for new permit requirements.

Information on the draft Vessel General Permit:

The updated permit would reduce the administrative burden for vessel owners and operators, eliminating duplicative reporting requirements, clarifying that electronic recordkeeping may be used instead of paper records, and streamlining self-inspection requirements for vessels that are out of service for extended periods. The permit would continue to regulate the 26 specific discharge categories that were contained in the 2008 permit and, for the first time, manage the discharge of fish hold effluent.

A key new provision of the permit is a proposed numeric standard to control the release of non-indigenous invasive species in ballast water discharges. The new ballast water discharge standard addressing invasive species is based upon results from independent EPA Science Advisory Board and National Research Council National Academy of Sciences studies. These limits are generally consistent with those contained in the International Maritime Organization’s 2004 Ballast Water Convention.

The new standard is expected to substantially reduce the risk of introduction and establishment of non-indigenous invasive species in U.S. waters.

The draft Vessel General Permit also contains updated conditions for mechanical systems that may leak lubricants into the water and exhaust gas scrubber washwater, which would reduce the amount of oil and other pollutants that enter U.S. waters. EPA will take comment on potentially more stringent requirements for bilgewater discharges.

Information on the draft Small Vessel General Permit:

This permit would be the first under the Clean Water Act to address discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels less than 79 feet in length. Recognizing that small commercial vessels are substantially different in how they operate than their larger counterparts, the draft Small Vessel General Permit is shorter and simpler. The draft permit specifies best management practices for several broad discharge management categories including fuel management, engine and oil control, solid and liquid maintenance, graywater management, fish hold effluent management and ballast water management, which consists of common sense management measures to reduce the risk of spreading invasive species. The permit would go into effect at the conclusion of a current moratorium enacted by Congress that exempts all incidental discharges from such vessels, with the exception of ballast water, from having to obtain a permit until December 18, 2013.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels

Alternative Biofuel

NMMA Evaluates Promising Alternative Biofuel

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 18, 2011–The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today released findings from preliminary evaluations on isobutanol-gasoline blends supplied by Gevo.   The tests were conducted by NMMA and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) as the recreational boating industry explores alternative biofuels in response to the U.S. introduction of gasoline containing fifteen percent ethanol, commonly referred to as E15.

 

The Environmental Protection Agency recently approved the use of E15 for model year 2001 and newer cars and trucks. However, the boating industry has found that fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol causes severe damage to boat engines. While marine engines are not currently approved by the EPA for use with E15, misfueling at the pump is a danger for boaters unaware that E15 is not compliant with boat engines.

 

In fact, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced results from tests conducted on engines using E15 which revealed performance issues like stalling, corrosion leading to oil or fuel leaks, increased emissions and damaged valves, rubber fuel lines and gaskets. These results reinforced the recreational boating industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for boat engines.

 

In contrast, the testing conducted on isobutanol reveals it could be a promising biofuel alternative to E15.The NMMA and ABYC isobutanol evaluations tested components, including older fiberglass tanks, and engines during on-the-water testing on inboard, outboard, jet pump and two-stroke outboard engines. The tests showed isobutanol to produce no more emissions than pure, EPA-approved test gasoline, while producing 30 percent more energy than ethanol. Support from Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) and Volvo made the testing possible through the provisions of product, personnel and testing equipment.

 

What’s more, the DOE has designated isobutanol a "drop-in biofuel," meaning it can be used to displace petroleum under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and increasing its use could help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.  Support from Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) and Volvo Penta made the testing possible through the provisions of product, personnel and testing equipment. Gevo, Inc., producer of isobutanol, supplied the fuel for the testing.

 

NMMA President Thom Dammrich says of the NMMA and ABYC isobutanol research, “We are pleased with the results of the evaluation on isobutanol and look forward to more testing on this, and other, important alternatives to E15. We know E15 causes significant damage to boat engines and therefore rushing it to the market is irresponsible and an unnecessary step, especially in light of the promising test results on isobutanol.”

 

For questions or media inquiries please contact Lauren Dunn at 202-280-6928 or ldunn@nmma.org. To read the recently released Boat US article on this important evaluation, click here.

Right Whales Are On The Move

NOAA Fisheries Service is reminding all mariners and fishermen that North Atlantic right whale calving season begins in mid-November and runs through mid-April, which means these large whales are on the move, making their way down the southeast coast.

Boaters are asked to report sightings of the endangered whale and keep a distance of at least 500 yards from the protected species. Currently scientists estimate as few as approximately 360 right whales remain, making the right whale one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world.

Each winter pregnant right whales migrate south, more than 1,000 miles from their feeding grounds off Canada and New England to the warm coastal waters of South Carolina, Georgia and northeastern Florida, to give birth and nurse their young. These southern waters are the only known calving area for the species.

“Right whales are dark with no dorsal fin and they often swim slowly at or just below the water’s surface,” said Barb Zoodsma, NOAA Fisheries Service’s southeast right whale recovery program coordinator. “Many mariners mistakenly assume that because of their large size, right whales would be easy to see, but often a slight difference in texture on the water’s surface is the only clue that a whale is present.”

To reduce the risk of collisions between right whales and vessels, NOAA and its partners conduct aerial surveys over northeast Florida and Georgia waters from December through March, and in New England waters from January through December. Additionally, surface buoys are deployed in strategic locations to acoustically detect right whales. The nearly real-time information from these aerial surveys and buoys is used to alert mariners of the presence of right whales, enabling ships to alter their course to avoid potential collisions with the whales.

North Atlantic right whales are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Federal law prohibits approaching or remaining within 500 yards of right whales, either by watercraft or aircraft. Federal law also requires vessels 65 feet long and greater to slow to 10 knots or less in Seasonal Management Areas along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, including the calving and nursery area in the southeastern U.S. Speed restrictions are in place in various places along the mid Atlantic from November 1 through April 30, and in the southeast U.S. calving area from November 15 through April 15. For more information on seasonal ship speed restrictions, visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike/

NOAA Fisheries Service encourages people to report sightings of dead, injured, or entangled whales to NOAA at 877-433-8299.

E15 Is Not a Suitable Fuel for Marine Engines

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 3, 2011– On Wednesday, Mr. David Hilbert testified before Congress on behalf of NMMA to address concerns about E15 and marine engines. Mr. Hilbert, thermodynamic development engineer for Mercury Marine, a division of the Brunswick Corporation, participated in a Congressional hearing before the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. The subcommittee invited a number of specialists to testify on E15 and its effects. Mr. Hilbert led the research on E15 and its effects on marine engines as reported by the Department of Energy in reports released in late October.

Mr. Hilbert’s testimony highlighted the damaging effects that E15 has on marine engines, and noted that more testing is needed to further identify how E15 will affect engines and fuel systems under various conditions. Mercury’s testing showed significant problems with outboard engines, including severe damage to engine components and an increase in exhaust emissions, reinforcing the recreational boating industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for marine engines.

 

The Subcommittee heard testimony from representatives of the EPA, the American Petroleum Institute, Gevo, the Energy Biosciences Institute, the University of Wyoming Institute of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association. Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD), received David’s testimony favorably and the committee members had no questions for Mr. Hilbert after the research was presented. The testimony and accompanying photos will be printed in the official record of the hearing.

 

NMMA President Thom Dammrich says, “We are pleased that Congress has shown an ongoing interest in this important research. NMMA is committed to continued research on E15 and its effects on marine engines. We hope that before any E15 is offered to the public, a thorough investigation will be completed so that boaters can safely fuel their vessels without incident now, and in the future.”
For questions or media inquiries please contact Lauren Dunn at 202-280-6928 or ldunn@nmma.org.

 

 

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information visit www.nmma.org.

 

2012 Boat Show Schedule

Another boating season nearing an end for many in the colder climates.  That means it's time to plan a visit to one of the many Boat Shows this coming winter.  Even though you may not need a new boat or equipment for your current boat, we all need to dream once in awhile and these boat shows provide just the venue.

107th New York Boat Show

• January 4 - 8, 2012
  
  Jacob Javits Convention Center
  New York, New York
  www.newyorkboatshow.com

26th Nashville Boat & Sportshow

• January 12 - 15, 2012
  
  Nashville Convention Center
  Nashville, Tennessee
  www.nashvilleboatshow.com

50th Atlanta Boat Show

• January 12 - 15, 2012
  
  Georgia World Congress Center
  Atlanta, Georgia
  www.atlantaboatshow.com

82nd Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show

• January 12 - 16, 2012
  
  McCormick Place - North
  Chicago, Illinois
  www.chicagoboatshow.com

40th Minneapolis Boat Show

• January 19 - 22, 2012
  
  Minneapolis Convention Center
  Minneapolis, Minnesota
  www.minneapolisboatshow.com

58th Baltimore Boat Show

• January 19 - 22, 2012
  
  Baltimore Convention Center
  Baltimore, Maryland
  www.baltimoreboatshow.com

58th Kansas City Boat & Sportshow

• January 19 - 22, 2012
  
  Bartle Hall
  Kansas City, Missouri
  www.kansascitysportshow.com

55th Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow

• January 25 - 29, 2012
  
  Kentucky Exposition Center
  Louisville, Kentucky
  www.louisvilleboatrvshow.com

Rosemont Sportfishing, Travel & Outdoors Show

• January 25 - 29, 2012
  
  Donald E Stephens Convention Center
  Rosemont, Illinois
  www.rosemontoutdoorsshow.com

17TH Strictly Sail Chicago

• January 26 - 29, 2012
  
  Navy Pier
  Chicago, Illinois
  www.strictlysailchicago.com

33rd Atlantic City Boat Show

• February 1 - 5, 2012
  
  Atlantic City Convention Center
  Atlantic City, New Jersey
  www.acboatshow.com

58th St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

• February 8 - 12, 2012
  
  America's Center & Edward Jones Dome
  St. Louis, Missouri
  www.stlouisboatshow.com

56th New England Boat Show

• February 11 - 19, 2012
  
  Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
  Boston, Massachusetts
  www.newenglandboatshow.com www.bostonboatshow.com

71st Miami International Boat Show

• February 16 - 20, 2012
  
  Miami Beach Convention Center
  Miami , Florida
  www.miamiboatshow.com

27th Strictly Sail Miami

• February 16 - 20, 2012
  
  Miamarina At Bayside
  Miami, Florida
  www.strictlysailmiami.com

80th Northwest Sportshow

• March 28 - April 1, 2012
  
  Minneapolis Convention Center
  Minneapolis, Minnesota
  www.northwestsportshow.com

46th Tampa Boat Show

• September 28 - 30, 2012
  
  Tampa Convention Center
  Tampa, Florida
  www.tampaboatshow.com

What To Do With A Trailerboat In A Hurricane

There's much written about securing your boat before and during a storm, that is if your boat is moored or docked, but what about the trailered boats?

BoatUS,the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters provides the following helpful advice.

BoatUS' Helpful Hurricane Storage Tips

ALEXANDRIA, Va. September 12, 2011 - As hurricanes approach the US mainland, it used to be that boaters on the coast only had to worry about making storm preparations. However, Hurricane Irene's large destructive path recently showed that trailer boaters located far inland need to make preparations as well. For those who keep a trailer boat in their backyard, driveway or marina parking lot, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has these helpful hurricane storage tips as we enter the "peak" 2012 hurricane season, which runs through November 30.

Do a trailer check-up now: Inspect your trailer today to ensure it will be operable when it's needed. Bearings should be greased, tires inflated and lights working.

Plan your escape: Map out an evacuation route and make the decision early if you are planning to take the boat with you or leave behind. Bridges may have restrictions on towing boats.

When the Storm Strikes

Take it home: Remove all loose gear such as fenders, cushions or any extra other equipment and gear like rods, tackle boxes and electronics and store at home. This includes the boat's papers.

The boat "wins" the garage: If you have a choice of putting the boat or car in the garage, pick the boat. That's because a boat is lighter and more vulnerable to winds. If you have to store a trailer boat outside, placing the rig next to a building (on the lee side of approaching storm) for protection is good. Keep it away from trees.

Tilt me: Remove the transom and any cockpit drain plugs and tilt the trailer tongue up so any water entering the boat exits aft through scuppers or a drain hole. Let some air out of the trailer tires and chock the wheels.

Twist me: Secure gas tank caps tightly to prevent water from entering. Secure any hatches.

Bye bye bimini: Remove the bimini. Trailerable sailboats should have their masts lowered, safely lashed and any sails removed. Towing or mooring covers should be installed and secured with extra line.

Strap me: Secure the boat to the trailer with line or straps. If you have the ability, anchoring the boat and trailer rig with screw-type ground anchors adds extra protection.

Fill up the little guy: Small, lightweight and simply-built outboard powered boats and paddle craft can be placed on the ground and partially filled with a garden hose to add weight. (Rain will add a lot more water later.) This has the added advantage of giving you emergency water (non-drinking). If you choose to keep the boat on top of a trailer, ensure you add blocks between the trailer frame and springs to support the added weight.

Lift me down: Whenever possible, boats on lifts should be stored ashore or moved to a safer location in the water. If the boat must be left on its lift, remove the drain plug so the weight of accumulated rainwater will not collapse the lift. Tie the boat securely to its lifting machinery to prevent the boat from swinging or drifting away. Plug the engine's exhaust outlet and again, strip the boat. Make sure cockpit drains are free of debris.

The largest sea evacuation in history

"Freeze Coverage" Insurance Takes The Worry Out of Winter Power Outages

For Boats Up North, "Freeze Coverage" Insurance

Takes The Worry Out of Winter Power Outages and Other Snafus

Boaters who store their boats over the winter in heated storage facilities or garages have it best. But when winter storms bring power outages and the heat goes off, inside temperatures plummet. That's when a good thing can go bad quickly as the boat's motor likely has not been "winterized," causing water in the engine block to freeze. Even a small amount of ice in an engine block can exert tremendous pressure, cracking cylinder walls or other internal engine passageways leading to irreparable harm. And, unfortunately, most boat insurance policies won't compensate the owner as this kind of damage is considered a maintenance issue.

BoatUS says that's where boat owners may want to consider adding supplemental "Freeze Coverage" insurance to their boat's insurance policy to cover the unexpected consequences of winter snow and ice storm power outages. Keep in mind, however, that most insurers only offer this coverage up to the end of October.

"Adding Freeze Coverage costs very little, but will cover freeze-related damage to the single most expensive item aboard a recreational boat - the engine," said BoatUS Vice President of Marine Insurance, Mike Pellerin. BoatUS freeze coverage, for example, starts at $20 and has an October 31 deadline - after which it's unavailable until the following season.

In addition to those who store their boats in inside heated storage, Freeze Coverage may also be a smart option for do-it-yourselfers who want peace of mind and are concerned about possible winterization snafus, or by trailer boaters who occasionally travel south for vacations or fishing trips. "When your return home, any water left in the wrong place can freeze," added Pellerin.

Supplemental Freeze Coverage is usually only offered in regions with consistent below-freezing temperatures, because engine winterization is not optional there. Those in temperate states usually have this feature automatically added to their policy - including all BoatUS policies - but you should check with your insurer.

For more information on boat insurance, or to get a free quote online, go to www.BoatUS.com/insurance or call 800-283-2883.

Preparing your boat for a hurricane

BoatUS, the Boat Owners Association of the US, makes available an informative PDF on what you need to do to prepare your boat for a hurricane.

Advice on securing your boat at a fixed or floating dock, at a mooring, at anchor on land or on a trailer are all covered giving valuable safety advice for experienced and new mariners alike.  This informative brochure also gives advice for boats stored on high-rise racks, lifts and davits.

You'll a;so learn how to prevent lines from chaffing, proper use of cleats and tips on preventing water damage.

To read the entire brochure on a PDF follow this link: Preparing a Boat for a Hurricane

Jumping Off The Boat?

ALEXANDRIA, Va., August 8, 2011 - "Boating and swimming often go hand-in-hand," says BoatUS Director of Damage Avoidance Bob Adriance, "but adding alcohol to that mix can lead to some unintended outcomes." Charged with combing through the BoatUS Marine Insurance Claims files to identify unsafe boating behaviors and help boaters avoid injury or accidents, Adriance knows what he's talking about. "People know not to drink and drive a boat, but they don't always know that it's not a good idea to drink and swim," he added.

Buried deep in the claims files, Adriance comes across a story about a group of friends having drinks at a Florida resort that decided to go for a moonlit tour of the harbor. At midnight, despite choppy seas and 20-knot winds, their boat is allowed to drift while several jump in. Unfortunately, winds quickly sweep the boat away, so the captain "backs down" on the swimmers in the water to get everyone back aboard. Amazingly, no one is hurt except for a 40-year old woman - later identified as a good swimmer - who is simply never found.

It's no secret that alcohol often causes people to take unwise risks while at the same time inhibiting their ability to think quickly in critical situations. With up to about 50% of all adult drownings involving alcohol, BoatUS has the following information that all boaters should know:

• Medical researchers have found that combining alcohol and swimming without taking in sufficient carbohydrates can be dangerous. In the Florida case, it is believed that the woman had only a salad and two glasses of white wine for dinner, but when adding the exercise of a midnight swim, she may have developed hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which causes weakness and confusion.
  
  
• US Coast Guard tests have shown that environmental stressors - sun, wind, wave motion, vibration and glare - can slow a boat operator's reaction time and make them prone to more errors. This fatigue reduces an operator's reaction time as much as drinking alcohol alone. However, when you combine the two, it can lead to boaters missing ten times as many "cues" as those who are only exposed to the environmental stressors alone.

• Alcohol also inhibits the body's signaling system so that swimmers may not realize how quickly hypothermia has set in. In one case from New England, a man who was drinking beer on a sunny day fell overboard, but the cold waters quickly prevented him from climbing back aboard. He tried to swim to shore but never made it.

• Sudden cooling of the skin can also cause caloric labyrinthitis and/or hyperventilation. An inner ear disturbance, caloric labyrinthitis causes disorientation leading some swimmers to become confused on which way is up. Hyperventilation can also cause a swimmer to "breathe in" water.

• Know what drowning looks like: someone who is drowning lacks lung capacity to call for help. Drowning victims move their arms as though climbing a ladder, taking quick gulps of air before slipping back under. In an adult, this can last up to a minute before the victim never resurfaces - a child may only do this for 20 seconds.

• Never jump overboard before ensuring the depth of the water and knowing that it's free of underwater hazards such as rocks, shoals, stumps, or other structures. Also pick swimming areas away from boating traffic and strong currents. It's always best to anchor, shut down the motor, and deploy the boarding ladder before going in. 

BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services such as boat insurance. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628. For a free online insurance quote, go to www.BoatUS.com/insurance or call 800-283-2883. For more information on boating safety, go to www.BoatUS.com/Foundation.

Happy 221st Birthday to the US Coast Guard

"From humble beginnings, the United States Coast Guard has emerged as a model within our government and, indeed, around the world. I am so very proud to serve with you and your families who make possible everything their loved ones do for our Nation.
The Joint Chiefs and I salute the extraordinary men, women and families of our United States Coast Guard, Reserve and Auxiliary. America is safer and more secure because of you."  Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

From it's humble beginnings in 1790 when President George Washington created the Revenue Cutter Service, the US Coast Guard has grown into the nations first responder on the water, America’s Maritime Guardian

By law, the Coast Guard has 11 missions:

• Ports, waterways, and coastal security
• Drug interdiction
• Aids to navigation
• Search and rescue
• Living marine resources
• Marine safety
• Defense readiness
• Migrant interdiction
• Marine environmental protection
• Ice operations
• Other law enforcement

The Coast Guard's motto is Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready."

EPA Announces Public Comment Period on Proposal to Ban Dumping Sewage from Boats Into Jamaica Bay

(New York, N.Y. – Aug. 3, 2011) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has tentatively determined that there are adequate facilities near Jamaica Bay for boats to pump out their sewage, allowing the establishment of a “no discharge zone” for an approximately 20,000-acre area, as proposed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. A no-discharge zone means that boats are completely banned from discharging sewage into the water. Boaters must instead dispose of their sewage at specially-designated pump-out stations. This action is part of a joint EPA/New York State strategy to eliminate the discharge of sewage from boats into the state’s waterways. Discharges of sewage from boats can contain harmful levels of pathogens and chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenols and chlorine, which have a negative impact on water quality, pose a risk to people’s health and impair marine life. EPA is encouraging public comment on its proposed approval until September 2, 2011.

 

EPA’s tentative determination is available in the Federal Register at:

http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/TEXTgate.cgi?WAISdocID=TMNrhx/1/1/0&WAIS.

 

New York State has proposed to ban the discharge of boat sewage in an area of Jamaica Bay that encompasses 17,177 acres of open water and 2,695 acres of upland islands and salt marshes in Brooklyn and Queens. The northeastern and southeastern parts of Jamaica Bay reach Nassau County, while the northern shore of the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens forms the southern boundary of the bay. The bay is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Rockaway Inlet, and eight tributaries empty into Jamaica Bay: Sheepshead Bay, Paerdegat Basin, Fresh Creek, Hendrix Creek, Spring Creek, Shellbank Basin, Bergen Basin and Thurston Basin. Upon a final affirmative determination from EPA, New York State may proceed to ban the discharge of boat sewage into Jamaica Bay and its tributaries.

 

For more information about no discharge zones, visit http://www.epa.gov/region02/water/ndz/index.html. 

 

To comment on the proposed EPA approval, email, fax or mail comments to Moses Chang at chang.moses@epa.gov, Fax: (212) 637-3891. Mailing address: Moses Chang, U.S. EPA Region 2, 290 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10007-1866. 

 

2011-2012 Boat Show Schedule

Eighteen boat shows are planned by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) for this coming winter season. These shows will showcase the latest in boats, fishing gear, outdoor equipment, RV’s, camping and marine accessories, water sports paraphernalia, sailboats and gear, plus attractions for every outdoor recreational enthusiast. 

Below is the list in alphabetical order of upcoming shows:

50th ATLANTA BOAT SHOW®

January 12–15, 2012

Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA

AtlantaBoatShow.com

33rd ATLANTIC CITY BOAT SHOW®

February 1–5, 2012

Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ

ACBoatShow.com

58th BALTIMORE BOAT SHOW®

January 19–22, 2012

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD

BaltimoreBoatShow.com

82nd CHICAGO BOAT, SPORTS & RV SHOW®

January 12–16, 2012

McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

ChicagoBoatShow.com

58th KANSAS CITY BOAT & SPORTSHOW®

January 19–22, 2012

Bartle Hall, Kansas City, MO

KansasCitySportshow.com

55th LOUISVILLE BOAT, RV & SPORTSHOW®

January 25–29, 2012

Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY

LouisvilleBoatRVShow.com

71st MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW®

February 16–20, 2012

Miami Beach Convention Center,

Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center

Miami, FL

MiamiBoatShow.com

40th MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW®

January 19–22, 2012

Minneapolis Convention Center

Minneapolis, MN

MinneapolisBoatShow.com

26th NASHVILLE BOAT & SPORTSHOW®

January 12–15, 2012

Nashville Convention Center, Nashville, TN

NashvilleBoatShow.com

56th NEW ENGLAND BOAT SHOW®

February 11–19, 2012

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA

NewEnglandBoatShow.com

107th NEW YORK BOAT SHOW®

January 4–8, 2012

Jacob K. Javits Center, New York, NY

NYBoatShow.com

35th NORWALK BOAT SHOW®

September 22–25, 2011

Norwalk Cove Marina, Norwalk, CT

BoatShowNorwalk.com

80th NORTHWEST SPORTSHOW®

March 28–April 1, 2012

Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN

NorthwestSportshow.com

58th ST. LOUIS BOAT & SPORTSHOW®

February 8–12, 2012

America’s Center & Edward Jones Dome

St. Louis, MO

StLouisBoatShow.com

33rd ROSEMONT SPORTFISHING,

TRAVEL & OUTDOORS SHOW®

January 25–29, 2012

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Rosemont, IL

RosemontOutdoorsShow.com

46th TAMPA BOAT SHOW®

September 9–11, 2011

Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL

TampaBoatShow.com

SAIL SHOWS

17th STRICTLY SAIL® CHICAGO

January 26–29, 2012

Navy Pier, Chicago, IL

StrictlySailChicago.com

27th STRICTLY SAIL® MIAMI

February 16–218 0, 2012

Miamarina at Bayside, Miami, FL

StrictlySailMiami.com

Kayaks, Canoes, Inflatable Rafts and Paddleboards: What You Need to Know!

Harrisburg, PA – Kayaks, canoes, inflatable rafts and paddleboards are increasing in popularity with the summer heat.  The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is reminding operators of these watercraft that it is important to know what safety equipment and regulations apply.

“Currently, unpowered boats are not required to be registered, unless they are being used at a state-owned access such as a Commission access area or lake or Pennsylvania state parks and state forests,” said Ryan Walt, PFBC boating and watercraft safety manager. “In these cases, you must either have your non-powered boat registered or have a launch permit issued by the Commission or the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.”

The cost to register a non-powered boat or to buy a launch permit is the same - $10 for one year or $18 for two - but registration provides additional benefits to the owner, Walt added. “By registering your boat, the information is recorded in our system and we can help you and the authorities locate it if it is ever lost or stolen.”

Registration also makes the renewal process easier. “Once your boat is registered, we will send you a renewal notice three months before the period is up,” said Walt. “It’s convenient and allows the owner to spend more time thinking about paddling and less time worrying about whether they renewed their registration or have a current launch permit.”

In addition to the registration requirement, important life-saving equipment is required to be carried on non-powered crafts.

Life jackets:
Every person in a kayak, canoe, inflatable raft or paddleboard must have on board a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard-approved, wearable type I, II, III, or V life jacket of appropriate size. Children 12 years of age and younger must wear their life jackets while underway on any boat 20 feet or less in length and on all canoes and kayaks. Life jackets save lives, so Wear It!

Sound producing device:
Unpowered boat operators are required to carry a device capable of sounding a prolonged blast for 4-6 seconds that can be heard by another boat operator in time to avoid a collision. An athletic coach’s whistle is an acceptable sound producing device. Clip it to your life jacket for easy access.

Lights:
Any kayak, canoe, inflatable raft or paddleboard on the water after dusk must have a hand-held or installed white light to be displayed in time to avoid a collision with another craft.  When anchored or moored after dusk, an all-round white light must be displayed where it can best be seen 360 degrees.

Additional information about paddleboards:
Paddleboards are considered boats as defined by the U.S. Coast Guard if they are used outside the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing, or a bathing area. As such, they are subject to regulations administered by the U.S. Coast Guard and the PFBC, including life jacket, sound producing device and navigation light requirements.

Additional information about inner tubes, float tubes, and inflatable rafts:
Pennsylvania has no general law prohibiting the launching of inner tubes or tubing on Pennsylvania rivers.  Whether it is legal to launch or retrieve inner tubes at a particular access area depends on the regulations for that site. For instance, it is unlawful to launch or retrieve swimming aids, such as inner tubes and similar devices, from access areas managed for fishing and boating by the PFBC. 

However, on PFBC-controlled lakes, float tubes can be used if the user is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, is lawfully fishing, and is not propelled by a mechanical device.  A float tube is defined as a device constructed to provide stable flotation and a level ride to a single angler in a manner that minimizes the possibility of capsizing.  If using an inflatable raft on Commission property the raft must be at least 7 feet in length, made of durable, reinforced fabric and have at least two separate buoyancy chambers exclusive of any floor or bottom.


“As the summer continues to heat up, paddlers and tubers will be hitting the water to cool down,” Walt said. “Remember, safe boating saves lives, so know the waters you’re boating, always be on the lookout for what’s happening around you, and ‘Wear It!’”.

Registrations and launch permits may be purchased through PFBC offices, most county courthouses, boat dealers or through any other PFBC issuing agent. The DCNR launch permit can be purchased from any state park office.  For more information see the Boat Registration Section of our website at: http://fishandboat.com/registration.htm.
 
The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at fishandboat.com.

Boaters Stand to Lose Critical GPS Navigational Aid

Voice Your Opinion: Comment Period Closes July 30

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 13, 2011 - As a result of a proposal by a private company to use radio frequency bandwidth right next to the existing GPS radio bandwidth, the future reliability of the GPS system across the United States is now in question. The nation's largest recreational boaters group, BoatUS, says boaters could have a hard time avoiding treacherous shoals or simply finding their way home if GPS signals are interfered with, and is urging boaters to speak out during a 30-day comment period.

"This is a remarkably short comment period for an issue that has such dire consequences for America's boaters and every other GPS user in the country," said BoatUS Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich.

At issue is an unusual conditional waiver granted in January by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to a broadband wireless communications provider, LightSquared, to permit the dramatic expansion of land-based use of mobile satellite spectrum. This spectrum, or frequency bandwidth, is directly adjacent to the frequencies used for Global Positioning System (GPS) communications. 

The company has proposed to build 40,000 ground stations. LightSquared's high-powered ground-based transmissions from these stations have shown to cause interference in hundreds of millions of GPS receivers across a wide range of uses, including aviation, marine, emergency response and industrial users such as delivery and trucking companies. A new report requested by the FCC says, "all phases of the LightSquared deployment plan will result in widespread harmful interference to GPS signals and service and that mitigation is not possible."

Recreational boaters lost their only other viable navigation system, LORAN, when the Department of Homeland Security shut the system down last year. At that time the US Coast Guard urged mariners to shift to GPS-based navigation systems. Boaters rely on GPS-enabled chart-plotters to steer clear of navigation hazards, keep them in the safety of deep-water channels, or even get them home when storms shut down visibility. "They are a critical piece of safety gear," said Podlich. "What will boaters do if they are unreliable, and how will the US Coast Guard's new emergency search and rescue system that stands watch over 36,985 miles of coastline, Rescue 21, remain effective, since it relies on GPS?"

Boaters and other GPS users are urged to speak up now by going to www.BoatUS.com/gov to send their comments to the FCC and their members of Congress. 

BoatUS is a member of the Coalition to Save Our GPS, which works to resolve this serious threat to the GPS system.

The US Coast Guard reminds the public to use flares responsibly

The Coast Guard would like to remind the public to be safe during the Fourth of July and that flares are to be used for emergencies, not as fireworks.

Flares are essential visual signaling devices that can be used day or night to alert emergency responders and fellow boaters to an emergency situation. Flares are also instrumental in assisting emergency responders to locate those in need of help.

Flares can be dangerous if not handled properly. The following are some safety tips the Coast Guard suggests to properly handle flares:

• Treat a flare as if it is a firearm: don’t point it toward anyone
• Do not look at the flare when launching it
• Hold the flare an arm’s length away from your face
• Keep the flare pointed downwind from your person, any equipment or structures

What the public may not realize is that improper use of flares could potentially divert valuable search assets from an actual distress case and put rescuers unnecessarily in harms way while responding to the false alarm. Not only do false alarms tie up assets that could be needed elsewhere, burn up crew hours and fuel, but they can also prevent scheduled operations from taking place.

"The Coast Guard takes the response to flares very seriously and sends assets to respond until it can be confirmed it is a non-distress situation," said Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey Roberto, a search and rescue controller at the Coast Guard District 17 command center in Juneau.

If boaters plan to use flares for training they should contact the nearest Coast Guard unit to inform them of their intentions. Boaters should be prepared to give times, locations and types of flares that will be utilize during the training exercise.

The Coast Guard recommends that boaters properly dispose of old or outdated flares by turning them over to a Coast Guard base, Coast Guard Auxiliary unit and U.S. Power Squadrons Vessel Safety Check Stations. Boaters can also check with their local fire department about the proper disposal of expired flares.