Ride aboard Coast Guard Cutter Eagle as prize of essay, art contests

The Coast Guard announced its partnership with the Navy and Operation Sail, Inc., for "The Star-Spangled Banner" and War of 1812 essay and art contest, part of this year’s commemoration of the War of 1812 and the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Winners of the contest will be invited to sail aboard America’s tall ship, the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, during one of the six, planned OpSail 2012 events.

The essay contest requires entrants to submit a 1,000-word essay on one of three topics:

• The role of the USS Constitution and the Navy in the War of 1812
• What "The Star-Spangled Banner" means to me
• The role of the Revenue Cutter Service in the War of 1812

The art contest requires entrants to submit a copy of their original watercolor, oil, or pencil artwork, depicting one of three topics:

• What "The Star-Spangled Banner" means to me
• A maritime scene from the War of 1812
• A Revenue Cutter in action during the War of 1812

"It's an honor for Eagle’s officers and crew to both celebrate and increase public awareness of our nation's history,” said Capt. Eric Jones, the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle. “The fledgling U.S. Navy along with the U.S. Revenue Marine, the predecessor of today's Coast Guard, "cut their teeth" in engagements with the Royal navy during the War of 1812. We hope that Eagle’s appearance in ports along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts this summer will inspire students to reflect upon the significance of this oft-forgotten conflict."

One prize will be awarded in each of the OpSail 2012 event cities of New Orleans, New York, Norfolk, Va., Baltimore, Boston and New London, Conn. Entrants must name the one port for which their work is competing. Deadlines vary by port city – full rules and deadlines for the contest can be found online at http://www.opsail.org/press-releases/45/opsail-announces-essay-and-art-contest/ and questions regarding contest rules should be directed to contest@opsail.org. The six OpSail events are part of the nation’s commemoration of the War of 1812 bicentennial.

The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle was taken from Nazi Germany by the United States as a war prize after World War II and has been homeported at the Coast Guard Academy in New London ever since. As America’s only active-duty, square-rigger, sailing ship, the Barque Eagle offers future Coast Guard officers the opportunity to put into practice the navigation, engineering and other professional theories they have learned in the classroom

Low Cost Life Jackets for Teens Available for Camps, Schools, Non-Profit Programs

The BoatUS Foundation's Teens Afloat Program helps keep teens safe on the water by offering discounted vest-style life jackets - at just $5 - to non-profit summer camps, schools, or any local non-profit organization providing on-the-water educational programming for teens. Now is the time to help your group get in on the discount.

Made possible through a donation from the National Marine Bankers Association, the goal of the program is to provide an affordable way to keep teens safe while they participate in educational programs on local waters. Groups interested in getting life jackets may apply using an online application located at www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/TeensAfloat by a March 31 deadline. After applications are received, the Foundation will choose the applications that best match grant guidelines and post them on the Foundation's website and Facebook page for a public vote in April.

"We've received many requests over the years from groups providing these kinds of on-the-water educational programs to teens that desperately need life jackets," said BoatUS Foundation Program Manager Alanna Keating. "These programs are great ways to give teens a chance to experience being on the water and at the same time educate them on the importance of life jacket wear. We also hope that involving the public with voting helps to promote these programs," she added.

The Teens Afloat program is for groups currently offering on-the-water programs, such as educational boat trips, canoe and kayak excursions that include safe and clean boating in their curriculum. However, groups that don't currently include safe and clean boating in their educational programs can also apply if they commit to add these topics to their programming.

"Our ultimate goal is see these kinds of educational programs grow - and keep teens safe while they're participating in them," added Keating.

The life jackets offered are Type III vests - the most comfortable non-inflating type available that normally retail for about $30 each. Applicants are allowed to request from 10 to 50 life jackets in increments of 10. For more information in including application guide lines, go to www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/TeensAfloat.

GPS Interference from cell phones is still a possibility

BoatUS: We Aren't Out of the Woods Yet
on Navigation System Concerns

Public Comments to FCC Needed by March 1

ALEXANDRIA, Va., February 24, 2012 - While boaters view the FCC's move on February 14 to revoke approval of a new broadband telephone network shown to interfere with the country's sole navigational system as positive news, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says we aren't out of the woods just yet. It is urging boat owners to continue to submit comments to the FCC by a Thursday, March 1 deadline to ensure the nation's system of global positioning devices keeps boaters safely on course.

Last summer, over 18,000 boaters along with many other GPS users wrote the FCC asking the guardian of the nation's airwaves to stop plans by LightSquared, the builder of the proposed broadband network, until independent tests proved there would be no interference with GPS devices which operate on adjacent frequencies. LightSquared originally asked the FCC for permission to build 40,000 network ground stations across the country. Recent government reports concluded interference issues with the GPS system could not be overcome.

"Despite the great news last week that the FCC has acknowledged interference issues with the LightSquared proposal, we're not ready to declare a victory," said BoatUS President Margaret Podlich. "Given this company's tenacity over the last year, we want to make sure that boaters' needs are remembered as the FCC makes their final decision."

Here is how to file comments to the FCC through their online comment form:

1. Click on this link for the FCC's Electronic Comments Filing System: http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/hotdocket/list
2. Select "Proceeding Number 11-109."
3. Enter contact information.
4. In the box that says "Type in or paste your brief comments," here's some important points to select from:
   • Explain how you use GPS in your life - on the water, on land or in the air.
   • What would happen to your business/personal life if GPS became unavailable or unreliable?
   • Wireless broadband service is important, but it should not come at the expense of GPS.
   • All the studies show that LightSquared's proposed network would cause interference and that there are no remedies.
   • Tell the FCC that you rely on them to protect the integrity of the GPS signal and that you support their recommendation to stop LightSquared's current proposal.
5. Click "Continue."
6. If the review page is correct, click "Confirm." Done!

If you have any trouble, you may contact the FCC ECFS Helpdesk at 202-418-0193 or email at ecfshelp@fcc.gov.

About BoatUS:
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. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.

Thirteen products receive boating industry’s prestigious Innovation Award

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 71^st annual Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail awarded thirteen companies the prestigious boating industry 2012 Innovation Award. Two other companies received honorable mentions.

The Innovation Awards, organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, recognize products that best meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60 days of award receipt.

 “The winners recognized at the boat show today are a testament to the ongoing commitment to boating ingenuity necessary to the future of our industry, and we’re excited to see how these products adapt in the marketplace.” said Zuzana Prochazka, President of BWI Board of Directors and Innovation Awards’ Judge Chair.

The other judges making up the panel were; Ed Sherman, Educational Programming Director at the American Boat & Yacht Council; Jan Mundy, co-founder of DIY Boat Owner; Lenny Rudrow, Boat Review Editor for Boats.com and Electronics Editor for BoatUS and Marlin magazines; Alan Jones, Executive Editor for Boating World magazine; Elaine Lembo, Cruising World deputy editor; and Mark Corke, owner of the On Board with Mark Corke blog and Contributing Writer to Soundings and Lakeland Boating magazines.

Thirteen Innovation Awards and two Honorable Mentions were presented today in the following thirteen categories:

Applications and Mobile Software

Beneteau Toucan Dealer App by Jester Communications: This interactive selling tool includes video, brochures, spec sheets and a configuring tool that allows dealers to create a personalized boat and a quote right on the dock. “This app,” said Elaine Lembo, “Represents a step up in the professionalism and expediency with which dealers can do their job and may even result in greater sales overall.” 

Runabout and Fishing Craft to 24’:

Pro Skiff Series by Mako: The Mako’s innovative AIV hull shape delivers superior stability, good rough water handling and a greater load carrying capacity. “After running this boat, I came to really appreciate what can be done on a 17’ foot boat,” said Alan Jones. “And it’s an affordable package of boat, engine and trailer that lowers the barrier to entry for anyone thinking of getting into boating.” 

Cruisers (25' to 60' including fishing craft)

SLX 250 by Sea Ray: The 250 incorporates Sea Ray’s Quiet Ride Technology, a comprehensive effort to lessen the total noise and vibration level by 20 – 50% depending on a person’s location on the boat. Jan Mundy commented “This makes a huge difference– it’ll be nice to actually hear yourself think after a long day on the water.” 

PWC & Jet Boats

Sea Doo RXP-X 260 by Bombardier: Sea Doo’s ErgoLock seat, angled footwells, and T3 hull combine to create a PWC with incredible turning ability and maximum comfort designed to build confidence in its rider. “It made me an instant expert,” said Alan Jones who shared his YouTube racing video with us. “I was the cock of the walk on this supercharged muscle machine.” 

Sailboats

Oceanis Series 48 by Beneteau: The electric transom on the Oceanis Series opens up the cockpit and adds three feet to the boat, but only when you want it. “This is a great way to expand the outdoor living area on a boat,” said Lenny Rudow. “It almost makes me want to go somewhere on a sailboat.” For any of you who know Lenny, you’ll appreciate what a powerful endorsement that is. 

Docking and Fendering Equipment

V-Lift by Sunstream Boat Lifts: The V-lift is twice as fast as existing air lifts, has no air hoses or power pack to contend with, and is perfectly portable because it can be towed with a boat from slip to slip. “This is a great modular unit,” said Ed Sherman. “It makes perfect sense for boats up to 11,000 pounds, and you can even put an outboard right on it and drive it to where you need it.” 

Honorable Mention: Eel Shore Power Cord by Marinco 

Consumer Electronics and Software

InReach by Delorme: This global satellite communicator affordably delivers two-way texting, delivery confirmation, and SOS messaging anywhere in the world. Lenny commented, “With global two-way texting, it might even satisfy the communication needs of my twin 12-year olds.” 

Honorable Mention: MS-AV700 Audio and Video Entertainment Package by Fusion Electronics 

Consumer Installed Non-Electronic Hardware

SCUBA Donning Assistance System by Dive Mate: This simple and affordable add-on can help anyone don their dive gear using an insert that goes into an existing rod holder. “It runs on the KISS principle,” said Jan Mundy. “It keeps things simple as it turns your fishing boat into your user-friendly dive boat.” 

Water Sports & Equipment

Battle Saddle by Release Marine: The Battle Saddle functions like a classic fighting chair in the cockpit of a sport fishing boat but only takes up one third of the space which is perfect as it was designed for boats 30-40 feet. “As cockpits continue to do double duty for entertaining and fishing, the space gets to be more of a premium,” said Lenny Rudow. “This can be used by everyone, from kids to really big guys and that opens up the fishing action to everyone aboard.” 

Outboard Engines

DF300 AP by Suzuki Marine: Suzuki’s Selective Rotation feature combines standard and counter-rotation operation into the same outboard by switching an electronic circuit which eliminates the need to buy a dedicated counter-rotation outboard. “This is a brilliant ground-breaking design,” said Ed Sherman. “This will save dealers money in inventory, and consumers selling their used twins will now be able to sell them one at a time and make them into whatever the seller needs.” 

Consumer Safety Equipment

AIS Watchmate Vision by Vesper: The WatchMate is a dedicated AIS display that combines a touchscreen, WiFi and NMEA 2000 in a compact unit and adds iPad and iPhone apps for added functionality. “Eliminating the clutter enhances this products usability,” said Elaine Lembo. “You can instantly see targets around you and who’s headed your way on a clear color screen.” 

Pontoon & Deckboats

Ambassador by Avalon: The Ambassador is feature-packed and has the industry’s only electric reclining rear loungers and pop-up wine rack. Alan Jones may have created a new category when describing the boat’s many yacht-like features. “This isn’t a tri-toon so much as it is a yacht-toon. I can’t wait to test one out for over-night weekends.” 

Environmental Award

Propane Outboard by Lehr: The Lehr outboard is powered by propane from many sources including the small green BBQ bottles. With zero evaporative emissions and no winterization needed, Lehr makes sure some boaters never need to carry gasoline aboard. Mark Corke noted “I’d love to put this on the tender to my diesel powered sailboat and never think about gas again.”

The 2012 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail runs February 16-20. For more information, visit www.MiamiBoatShow.com.

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 NMMA.org.  Sarah Ryser (sryser@nmma.org; (312-946-6285)

FCC Sees GPS Interference with Cell Phone Network

FCC Course Change Promising for Boaters

Agency Acknowledges GPS Interference Issues with LightSquared Plan

 

Recreational boaters who rely on global positioning devices to keep them safely on course can breathe a sigh of relief since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced plans on Tuesday, February 14 to revoke conditional approval of a proposed cellular telephone network that could interfere with GPS signals. The decision came after the U.S. Commerce Department advised the Commission that "At this time there are no mitigation strategies" that could prevent interference with GPS signals if the cell phone network planned by a private company, LightSquared, were to be built as proposed.

"This is a significant development for all GPS users," said BoatUS President Margaret Podlich. "The FCC, as America's guardian of our airwaves, needs to protect the integrity of the GPS system. It is one of the most important, reliable, and critical elements in navigation today - on boats, in the air, and on land."

According to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), many boat owners use GPS chartplotters or carry hand-held GPS units - essentially electronic maps - to safely navigate and steer clear of shoals and other hazards, sometimes in unfamiliar waters. Last summer, BoatUS mounted a campaign to slow down the federal approval process until adequate testing could be done. BoatUS' "Don't Mess With GPS" campaign delivered over 18,000 comments to the FCC from concerned boaters all across the country.

LightSquared had originally asked the FCC for permission to build 40,000 cell phone ground stations across the country that would expand broadband cellular telephone service. In a February 14 letter to the FCC, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration said tests indicate that the network would "...cause harmful interference to the majority of general navigation GPS receivers tested," and in addition, noted that "handset transmissions have the potential to impact General Navigation GPS receivers."

"While the news is positive for America's boaters, we aren't out of the woods yet," added Podlich. The FCC is hosting a 15-day comment period ending March 1 to solicit feedback on their plans to revoke LightSquared's conditional permit. "In the next few days we will be looking at options for gaining GPS users' input on the issue and will post this information at www.BoatUS.com/Gov."

Top Ten Boat Names

The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has released their 22nd annual list of the Top Ten Boat Names.  And the winners are:

1. Seas the Day
2. Nauti Buoy
3. Aquaholic
4. Dream Weaver
5. Pegasus
6. Serenity Now
7. Second Wind
8. Liquid Asset
9. Miss Behavin'
10. Blew ByYou

Check out the BoatUS Annual List of Top Ten Boat Names for the last 22 years as well as a list of over 8,000 boat names by visiting http://www.BoatUS.com/boatgraphics.

New Sponsor of Vessel Safety Check Program

The US Coast Guard and US Power Squadrons expect to complete over 200,000 voluntary Vessel Safety Checks this year. The no-cost, no-risk courtesy inspections, done at boat ramps, marinas and boat clubs, have ensured the safety of thousands of lives. Now, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has stepped in to sponsor this important boating safety program for the next three years.

"A vessel safety check is done as a courtesy and with no risk to the boater - you won't be in trouble if discrepancies are found," said BoatUS Foundation Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner. "What it will do is point out, in a very friendly manner, where you can improve your boat's safety and help educate you on the value of recreational boating safety. Simply put, having a Vessel Safety Check done on your boat at the beginning of the boating season will help prevent bad things from happening and ensures that if something does occur, you're prepared."

If you are ever stopped by law enforcement, the Vessel Safety Check program can also help prevent citations by ensuring your boat meets federal, state and local safety equipment requirements, such as the proper display of registration numbers and documentation.

It also points out both the required and recommended items to have aboard, such as fire extinguishers, life jackets, distress signals, first aid kits, and engine spark arrestors, and also helps provide a better understanding on the care and use of this critical equipment. Additional items covered include the use of local navigation charts, float plans, safe refueling, ventilation, marine heads, weather, sea conditions, survival tips and more.

To find a US Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadron Vessel Safety Check examiner near you, go to www.safetyseal.net/GetVSC. A "Virtual" Vessel Safety Inspection that boaters can use to self-inspect their boat can be found by going to www.safetyseal.net/what_is_vsc.asp. For a look at some of the top reasons why a boat may fail a courtesy Vessel Safety Inspection, go to www.safetyseal.net/vsc_stats.asp.

About BoatUS:
Boat Owners Association of The United States is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour on-the-water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, specialized boat insurance programs, money saving benefits that include marina and shopping discounts, and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its member-funded BoatUS Foundation is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating.

Pennsylvania's new mandatory PFD regulation

Beginning on November 1, 2012 the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) passed a new regulation making it mandatory that Personal Floatation Devises (PFD's) be worn by anyone on a vessel less than 16' in length.

This is a cold water month regulation that is effective between November 1st and April 30th.  It applies to all kayaks and canoes regardless of length and on all other vessels less than 16 feet.  The regulation is applied while a vessel is underway or at anchor.

For more information on this and other Pennsylvania boating rules and regulations visit the PFBC website at www.fishandboat.com

Why Not Butanol?

ALEXANDRIA, Va., February 6, 2012 -- With its ability to attract moisture and clog fuel filters, it's no wonder America's boaters have not been thrilled with ethanol in gasoline, which today is most commonly found as a 10% blend and known as E10 at the gas pump. America's desire for renewable fuels is growing, but recent Department of Energy tests on boat engines showed that increasing the amount of ethanol to 15% doesn't work for boats. While higher ethanol content has been approved by the EPA for 2001 and newer cars and light trucks, E15 is not legal to use in boats and other gas-powered equipment. 

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) suggests that butanol, an alcohol with a characteristic banana-like odor typically made from corn and beet byproducts, may be an answer.

Unlike ethanol, butanol is less corrosive, doesn't attract moisture which can cause harmful "phase separation" of the fuel, and can be mixed in ahead of time and shipped through existing pipelines. It has a higher energy value (110,000 Btu per gallon versus ethanol's 84,000 Btu), and is safer because its flammability is similar to diesel fuel. So why aren't America's boaters, motorists and gas-powered tool and toy owners using butanol?

"Part of the answer is how the stuff is - or was - made," wrote BoatUS Seaworthy Magazine Editor and Damage Avoidance Expert Bob Adriance. He says, "Back in the 1980's when the government was looking at biofuels, the cost to produce butanol was much higher than ethanol. Congress also gave ethanol a head start 30 years ago with a subsidy to produce it from corn. However, the subsidy is now expired and new technologies have made the costs to produce both fuels similar, although butanol is ultimately far less expensive to produce in terms of the amount of energy delivered per gallon.

"With its new cost competitiveness and energy advantages, butanol could be a biofuel that boaters embrace," said Adriance. "However, we need to find out more about any potential long-term effects, and would need to overcome the not-too-insignificant reality of ethanol's financial and political momentum in the market today."

More than 3 years adrift Mass. boat found off Spain

A 26-foot pleasure boat, registered in the U.S., was located 20 miles off the northern coast of Spain, Jan. 17, 2012, three and a half years after stormy sea conditions ejected its crew off the coast of Nantucket, Mass.
 
The U.S. Coast Guard received the report of the located flotsam from Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Madrid Jan. 24, 2012, and was able to link the vessel to a search and rescue case that occurred Aug. 25, 2008, near Nantucket, Mass.

During that case, the Coast Guard responded to reports of two men who had been ejected from the center console vessel Queen Bee while attempting to cross a bar in 6 to 8-foot sea conditions. Both men were able to swim to Esther Island, Mass., and were provided first aid upon recovery.

Aboard the vessel were:

Scott Douglas

Rich St. Pierre

The men located a rescue bag with a PFD and swam for two hours in an effort to reach the nearest shoreline.

"Three things popped out after we got hit," said Douglas, the vessel owner and operator. "Rich, me, and that bag."

"There were times when both of us didn't think we were going to make it," said Douglas. "Everything had to go our way. It was a miracle."

Due to the dangerous sea state, the vessel was left to drift once the men were rescued.

The Queen Bee likely drifted into the Gulf Stream and then north to the North Atlantic Current, said Art Allen with the Coast Guard's Office of Search and Rescue. From there it would have headed east to Spain before being located 1,241 days later, after a 3,500 nautical mile trip.

Referring to the boat's extended voyage, Dr. Don Murphy with the U.S. Coast Guard's International Ice Patrol said that a trans-Atlantic drift is rare, but not unheard of.

The Coast Guard deploys data collection buoys designed to track, study, and report currents in the northern Atlantic, said Murphy. Those buoys have been recovered anywhere from regions north of Scotland to, most recently and coincidentally, Spain.