Long Island Coast Guard Station Gets Special Purpose Boat

NEW YORK- Coast Guard Station East Moriches received a new boat type in to aid in Coast Guard operations around Long Island Sound, Nov. 23, 2010.

Coast Guard Station East Moriches, on the South Shore of Long Island, received a new 24-foot Special Purpose Craft - Shallow Water (SPC-SW), designed for use in a variety of missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, and port, waterway, and coastal security.

The SPC-SW, designed especially for shallow water use, can reach speeds of more than 40 miles per hour, tow vessels weighing up to five tons and has a draft of only two feet, six inches. This shallow draft provides Coast Guard crews greater mobility on the water, particularly in Moriches Bay where charted depths are likely to change and waterways are confined and hard to reach by rescue crews in larger boats.

Station East Moriches was involved in or responded to over 60 search and rescue cases during Summer 2010, including 20 disabled or aground vessels, five sinking vessels, eight cases of people in the water and two vessels on fire. Prior to the acceptance of the SPC-SW, Coast Guard Station East Moriches' only other shallow water response boat was the slightly larger 25-foot Response Boat, which drafts three feet, three inches.

The additional boat is part of the nationwide process to upgrade the Coast Guard's aging fleet of cutters and small boats with newer vessels, such as the SPC-SW. By working with other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as improving our fleet of small boats and cutters, the Coast Guard continues to become better prepared for challenging search and rescue missions around Long Island's waterways.

Coast Guard Authorization Bill

WASHINGTON — A new law that improves maritime safety, improves living conditions for Coast Guard members, assists the ongoing replacement of the service’s aging fleet and bolsters maritime and port security was signed into law Friday by President Barack Obama.

"The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 provides us with authority to enhance the safety of U.S. ports and waterways, acquisition assistance to acquire state-of-the-art ships and aircraft to patrol America's waters, and tools to promote individual readiness, including improvements to our family housing and child development centers," said Adm. Bob Papp, commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, adding, "I am particularly pleased with the modernization authority — it will allow us to finish our organizational realignment and enhance our ability to meet the high demand for our services."

Key provisions of the new law include:

• Policies that will support the execution of the maritime safety and security missions.
• Increased criminal penalties for vessel operators who fail to heave to, especially in cases involving the smuggling of drugs or illegal migrants.
• Promulgation and clarification of commercial fishing vessel safety standards.
• New authority to sell Coast Guard-owned property and use the resulting funds to purchase and build improved housing for military members and their families.
• Policy and procedures that formalize existing acquisition program processes and mandate minimum training and experience standards for acquisition staff.

Other major sections of the law improve or affect shipping and navigation, marine safety, oil pollution prevention, port security and benefits for Coast Guard personnel.

The law also allows the President to designate up to four positions of importance and responsibility to be held by vice admirals, in addition to the vice commandant, and removes language linking the rank of these vice admirals to specific positions, creating more flexibility in how senior leadership is organized within the service.
A full version of the law can be found online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/signed-legislation. 

RMG Joins Forces with NMMA to Produce 2011 Boat and Sportshow Show Guides

Partnership will offer new advertising opportunities for recreational marine industry companies to better reach boat and sportshow attendees

Renowned publishing company TRMG announced today it has joined forces with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), North America’s leading boat and sportshow producer, to publish the Official Show Guides for NMMA’s 16 boat and sportshows in 2011.

 

TRMG has produced publications for events across the globe for 20 years from their UK headquarters in Hertfordshire. In June, TRMG opened a U.S.-based office in Chicago after securing the contract to produce the official publications for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

 

“TRMG has more than two decades of experience publishing show guides for events all over the world including several boat shows, so this is an excellent partnership for NMMA to help ensure we produce the best show guides possible for our boat and sportshow attendees,” notes Ben Wold, executive vice president for NMMA. “Not only will our new boat and sportshow show guides have an improved look and feel, but we can now offer the marine and outdoor industries a better way to reach potential customers with a much more relevant, targeted publication.”

 

TRMG representatives will be working with NMMA to offer new and improved advertising opportunities in NMMA boat and sportshow show guides. Interested advertisers are encouraged to contact Alisdair Martin, CEO of TRMG at 847.441.4122 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              847.441.4122      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or alisdair@trmgllp.com.

TRMG’s experience in the boating market includes publishing show guides for the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, which hosts more than 500 exhibitors, the PSP Southampton Boat Show, which features more than 1,000 boats, and the Liverpool Boat Show, which takes place at London’s historic Albert Docks.

 

 “We are extremely excited about having the opportunity to work with NMMA on such well-established events and will put our 20 years of expertise into providing them with top quality publications,” says Jon Fellows, director for TRMG “Boat and sportshows are a fantastic addition to our company portfolio as we continue to develop our place in the American market.”

 

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About TRMG – Specializing in the highest quality publications, TRMG’s portfolio includes show guides and programs for global events including multilingual publications for 14 rounds of the Formula 1 championship and 11 rounds of the Superbike World Championship. They also publish the official programs for the British rounds of both the World and Intercontinental Rally Championships and the official magazine for the England Rugby squad, which is circulated to members of their club worldwide.

 

In Britain, TRMG has published programs and show guides for events ranging from the world famous Crufts dog show to the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which takes place in the grounds of Windsor Castle. In 2009 TRMG published approximately 1.6 million publications for more than 100 events.

 

For more information on TRMG, please contact Jon Fellows on +44 (0)7770 848170 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +44 (0)7770 848170      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or by email at jonf@trmg.co.uk

 

About NMMA –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.

 

NRS Named Paddlesports Manufacturer of the Year

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company, has presented NRS its 2010 Paddlesports Manufacturer of the Year Award for Paddlesports Accessories.  

Cited for its “quality products and strong dealer support,” NRS shares top honors with Pyranha Mouldings, which was named Kayak Manufacturer of the Year. “Pyranha and NRS have proven their support of NOC and the whitewater paddlesports industry in the 2010 Season,” says NOC Retail Director Chris Hipgrave. “Both are brilliant sponsors and have shown stellar support of NOC retail staff and our instruction programs.”

“To be chosen for this award by a first-class organization like NOC is not only an honor, it’s an inspiration,” says NRS Sales Manager Josh Davis. “We work hard to make good products and provide great service, and this is motivation to do even better in 2011.”

The 2010 Paddlesports Manufacturer of the Year Awards were handed out at NOC’s annual Guest Appreciation Festival in September, but the winners were not made public until November 3. The official NOC announcement can be viewed on the company’s Paddlesports Awards webpage store.noc.com/Paddlesportsawards.

About NRS
NRS is a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative, rugged paddling gear and high-performance inflatable boats. Born in a college professor’s garage in 1972 as Northwest River Supplies, the Moscow, Idaho company has become a major force in the outdoor industry and an important ambassador for the paddlesports community – inspiring and equipping countless boaters in the US and around the world.

New York Requires PFD Use During Colder Months.

State Parks Reminds Boaters to Wear Life Jackets during Off Season

Law now requires PFDs to be worn on small boats from Nov. 1 to May 1

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Andy Beers today reminded boaters of the dangers of cold water when venturing out on small boats. State law now requires that anyone on the water on any watercraft less than 21 feet in length – from November 1st to May 1st – must wear a personal flotation device (PFD).

"Wearing a life jacket is the single best way boaters can prepare for the unexpected," Acting Commissioner Beers said. "Life jackets are critical to surviving cold-water boating accidents and could significantly reduce boating-related fatalities if universally worn during the colder months of the year."

"In New York State this year, seven boaters who were not wearing life jackets lost their lives in cold-water accidents," noted Walter Taylor, the First Coast Guard District's recreational boating specialist. "Tragically far too many boaters and paddlers underestimate the potentially dire consequences of sudden unexpected cold water immersion. Particularly in the cold weather months, a life jacket can mean the difference between life and death."

Taylor recommends boaters, paddlers, hunters and fishers venturing out during the colder months dress for cold water and consider wearing insulating clothing like a wet or dry suit. He also emphasizes the importance of filing a float plan and recommends carrying a VHF radio, cell phone in a water-proof bag, flares, light and a whistle or similar sound producing devices. Immersion in cold water, considered anything less than 68 degrees Fahrenheit, can induce an uncontrollable gasp reflex leading to the inhalation of water, cardiac arrest, the loss of swimming ability and grip strength, unconsciousness, hypothermia and potentially death. These risks are only compounded by the absence of other boaters on the water at this time of year, reducing the likelihood that others will come to the aid of a boater in distress.

PFDs must also be worn year-round by all children under 12 years of age on any boat less than 65 feet in length, unless within a fully enclosed cabin; by anyone engaging in towed activities, such as water-skiers or wake-boarders; and while on board a personal watercraft. Otherwise, a wearable life jacket must be available for every passenger on board every vessel, including non-motorized watercraft such as canoes and kayaks.

Winterize Your Boat

Now that the recreational boating season is over and the cold weather is approaching, the PA Fish & Boat Commission is reminding boaters to take the time to properly winterize their boats. Boat winterization is essential to maintaining the life and longevity of a boat. Regardless of whether a boat is stored inside or outside, there are several important things that have to be done to prepare a boat for winter storage:

• Fill the fuel tanks and add the appropriate amount of stabilizer. Run the engine long enough to get the treated gas into the fuel line and engine. Most fuel now contains ethanol and if your fuel is left untreated over the winter it will deteriorate and cause engine problems.
• Flush the cooling system and drain all the water from inboard and I/O engines.
• Fog the engine with oil to prevent rust. Check the spark plugs and replace them as necessary.
• Replace the oil and oil filter on inboard and I/O engines. Be sure to dispose of the used oil at an authorized recycling center.
• Change the lower unit gearcase lubricant on outboards and I/O engines. Even a little water trapped in the gearcase can cause damage, especially if allowed to freeze.
• Check the props for nicks. Even slight damage can hinder performance and cause vibration, damaging other engine parts and the drive system. Some damaged props can be repaired by marine dealers for a fraction of the cost of a new one.
• Store outboard engines in an upright position. Consider having the water pump impeller replaced every two or three years. The rubber legs can get stiff, reducing water circulation, or they may break off, eliminating coolant flow completely.
• Spray a moisture displacing lubricant such as a silicone product onto electrical terminals and the fuse panel. Read the label to make sure the spray is safe for use on electrical components.
• Inspect steering systems, including tiller steering friction fittings on outboard engines.
• Clean the backfire flame arrester on inboard and I/O engines with carburetor cleaner.
• Clean boats and cover when stored, even if boat will be indoors. Allow for air circulation under the cover to prevent mildew.
• Drain water from the bilges and leave the transom drain plug out.
• Hang life jackets up where they can air out.
• Examine trailer tires and grease the wheel bearings, replacing them as necessary. Check bulbs and electrical contacts on the plugs as well as sockets where the bulbs screw in.
• Check the owner's manual for instructions that are particular to your own boat, engine and trailer.

Quality maintenance will increase the life span of your boat and investment. Proper winterization will keep your boat in top operating condition and make the transition from winter storage to an enjoyable summer on the water much easier and less expensive.

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 www.fishandboat.com.

Speed Restrictions to Protect Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales

NOAA: Ship Speed Restrictions to Protect Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales

NOAA has announced seasonal vessel speed restrictions along the U.S. East Coast where the endangered right whale travels to protect them from being injured or killed by colliding with ships.

The restrictions—the same as imposed last year— require vessels 65 feet or longer to travel at 10 knots or less in key right whale areas, reducing the chances ships will collide with whales.

“These speed restrictions are in place when we know right whales are in certain areas, where they are vulnerable to being hit by ships,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator. “We implement speed restrictions every year, based on what our scientists know about the locations and times of year that right whales are calving, feeding and migrating.”

North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered whales in the world, with only 300 to 400 in existence. Their slow movements and time spent at the surface near the coast make right whales highly vulnerable to being struck by ships. Shipping lanes into East Coast ports cut across their migration routes, making collisions with ships one of their primary threats.

The existing 10-knot speed restriction extends out to 20 nautical miles around major mid-Atlantic ports. According to NOAA researchers, about 83 percent of right whale sightings in the mid-Atlantic region occur within 20 nautical miles of shore. The speed restriction also applies in waters off New England and the southeastern U.S., where whales gather seasonally. A two-page guide to complying with the restrictions and additional information on reducing vessel collisions is available at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike/.

The seasonal speed restrictions being announced today apply in the following approximate locations from November 1 through April 30, times when whales are known to be in these areas:

•Block Island Sound
•Ports of New York/New Jersey
•Entrance to the Delaware Bay (includes ports of Philadelphia, Pa. and Wilmington, N.C.)
•Entrance to the Chesapeake Bay(includes ports of Hampton Roads, Va. and Baltimore, Md.)
•Ports of Morehead City and Beaufort, N.C., and
•A continuous area from 20 miles from shore between Wilmington, N.C. to south of Savannah, Ga..

In addition, from November 15 through April 15, the same restrictions apply in an area extending from north of Brunswick, Ga. to south of Jacksonville, Fla.
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NOAA routinely calls for temporary voluntary speed limits in other areas or times when a group of three or more right whales is confirmed.

Ship speed restriction rules are part of NOAA’s broader effort to help the right whale population recover by protecting their habitat. NOAA efforts include surveying whale habitat by aircraft, mandatory ship reporting systems that provide advisories and information on right whale locations to mariners, modified shipping lanes into Boston, recommending shipping routes into other coastal areas to prevent collisions, and regulations to prevent entanglement in fishing gear.