Florida Boaters Can Take Free Boating Safety Course at Home

BoatUS Foundation Online Boating Safety Course Approved by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Photo Caption: Florida boaters have it a little easier meeting the state’s new boating safety education requirement thanks to the BoatUS Foundation.

TALLAHASSEE, Fl. December 13, 2010 – A law put into effect earlier this year now requires boaters in Florida born after January 1, 1988 and operating a vessel powered by an engine with 10 or more horsepower to have successfully completed a boater safety course, carry a boater safety identification card and photo ID. However, some Sunshine State boaters could find it challenging locating a nearby boater safety course that’s both convenient and fits their budget.

However, the new Online Boating Safety Course provided by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is now approved by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which allows the state’s boaters to take the course at no cost in the comfort of their own home. For boaters over 22 years old, taking the course could also earn a discount on your boat insurance.

The online course and exam is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the US Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

“We’ve loaded the course with interactive animations, videos and photos to give boaters an education that goes well beyond the basics of boating,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Chris Edmonston. “It includes videos that demonstrate important safety devices such as visual distress signals, how to get help in an emergency, how to prevent and extinguish fires aboard your boat, and the best way to fit a life jacket to a child so they will not slip out,” he added.

“The best part of all is the course is free and can be taken at home, and it’s designed so that you can stop and then continue at any time. I will guarantee you that everyone will learn something new,” said Edmonston.

Upon successful completion of the course, boaters print out their own certificate of completion and forward to FWC which issues the boater safety identification card. To take the course go to www.BoatUS.org.  For more information about Florida boater education, go to www.myfwc.com/recreation/boat_index.htm. 


About the BoatUS Foundation:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the half million members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.

Georgia Boaters Can Take Free Boating Safety Course at Home

BoatUS Foundation Online Boating Safety Course Approved by Georgia Department of National Resources

ATLANTA, Ga. December 13, 2010 – Depending on the type of boat, its horsepower and whether they are accompanied by an adult, boaters in Georgia who are 12 to 15 years of age operating a vessel or PWC may be required to pass a boating safety course that is approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. However, some young Peach State boaters could find it challenging locating a nearby course that’s both convenient and fits their budget.

The new Online Boating Safety Course provided by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is now approved by Georgia Department of Natural Resources, which allows the state’s boaters to take the course at no cost in the comfort of their own home. For boaters over 15, taking the course could also earn a discount on their boat insurance.

The online course and exam is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the US Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

“We’ve loaded the course with interactive animations, videos and photos to give boaters an education that goes well beyond the basics of boating,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Chris Edmonston. “It includes videos that demonstrate important safety devices such as visual distress signals, how to get help in an emergency, how to prevent and extinguish fires aboard your boat, and the best way to fit a life jacket to a child so they will not slip out,” he added.

“The best part of all is the course is free and can be taken at home, and it’s designed so that you can stop and then continue at any time. I will guarantee that everyone will learn something new,” said Edmonston. 

 

Upon successful completion of the course, boaters print out their own certificate of completion as proof of boater education. To take the course go to www.BoatUS.org.  For more information about Georgia boater education, go to www.georgiawildlife.com. 

About the BoatUS Foundation:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the half million members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.

North Carolina Boaters Can Take Free Boating Safety Course at Home

BoatUS Foundation Online Boating Safety Course Approved by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Photo Caption: North Carolina boaters have it a little easier meeting the state’s new boating safety education requirement thanks to the BoatUS Foundation

RALEIGH, NC, December 13, 2010 – In 2010 a new law went into effect in North Carolina requiring boaters, under the age of 26 operating a boat or PWC having greater than 10 horsepower, to carry a Boater Safety Certificate approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The catch is, to get the certificate a boater must complete an approved boating safety course. However, some Old North State boaters could find it challenging locating a nearby course that’s both convenient and fits their budget.

The new Online Boating Safety Course provided by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is now approved by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, which allows the state’s boaters to take the course at no cost in the comfort of their own home. For boaters over 26, taking the course could also earn a discount on their boat insurance.

The online course and exam is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the US Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

“We’ve loaded the course with interactive animations, videos and photos to give boaters an education that goes well beyond the basics of boating,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Chris Edmonston. “It includes videos that demonstrate important safety devices such as visual distress signals, how to get help in an emergency, how to prevent and extinguish fires aboard your boat, and the best way to fit a life jacket to a child so they will not slip out,” he added.

“The best part of all is the course is free and can be taken at home, and it’s designed so that you can stop and then continue at any time. I will guarantee that everyone will learn something new,” said Edmonston. 

Upon successful completion of the course, boaters print out their own certificate of completion as proof of boater education. To take the course go to www.BoatUS.org.  For more information about North Carolina boater education, go to www.ncwildlife.org/Regs/Regs_Boating.htm. 

About the BoatUS Foundation:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the half million members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.

South Carolina Boaters Can Take Free Boating Safety Course at Home

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Approves BoatUS Foundation Online Boating Safety Course

Photo Caption: South Carolina boaters have it a little easier meeting the state’s new boating safety education requirement thanks to the BoatUS Foundation

COLUMBIA, SC, December 13, 2010 – In South Carolina boaters under the age of 16 operating a boat or PWC having greater than 15 horsepower must carry a South Carolina boating safety education certificate. The catch is, a young boater must complete an approved boating safety course. However, some Palmetto State boaters could find it challenging locating a nearby course that’s both convenient and fits their budget.

The new Online Boating Safety Course provided by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is now approved by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, which allows the state’s boaters to take the course at no cost in the comfort of their own home. For boaters over 16, taking the course could also earn a discount on their boat insurance.

The online course and exam is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the US Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

“We’ve loaded the course with interactive animations, videos and photos to give boaters an education that goes well beyond the basics of boating,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Chris Edmonston. “It includes videos that demonstrate important safety devices such as visual distress signals, how to get help in an emergency, how to prevent and extinguish fires aboard your boat, and the best way to fit a life jacket to a child so they will not slip out,” he added.

“The best part of all is the course is free and can be taken at home, and it’s designed so that you can stop and then continue at any time. I will guarantee that everyone will learn something new,” said Edmonston. 

 

Upon successful completion of the course, boaters print out their own certificate of completion as proof of boater education. To take the course go to www.BoatUS.org.  For more information about South Carolina boater education, go to www.dnr.sc.gov/boating.html.

About the BoatUS Foundation:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the half-million members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.  

Virginia Boaters Can Take Free Boating Safety Course at Home

BoatUS Foundation Online Boating Safety Course Approved by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Photo Caption: Virginia boaters have it a little easier meeting the state’s new boating safety education requirement thanks to the BoatUS Foundation.

RICHMOND, Va., December 13, 2010 – With a phase-in period that began last year, many Virginia boaters and PWC operators will soon be required to carry a boating safety certificate while operating a PWC or boat with motor having 10 or more horsepower. The catch is, to get the certificate, Old Dominion state boaters need to complete a boating safety course. The challenge for some, however, may be finding a nearby course that fits their schedule and their budget. 

However, the new Online Boating Safety Course provided by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is now approved by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries which allows the state’s boaters to take the course at no cost in the comfort of their own home.

The online course and exam is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the US Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

“We’ve loaded the course with interactive animations, videos and photos to give boaters an education that goes well beyond the basics of boating,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Chris Edmonston. “It includes videos that demonstrate important safety devices such as visual distress signals, how to get help in an emergency, how to prevent and extinguish fires aboard your boat, and the best way to fit a life jacket to a child so they will not slip out,” he added.

“The best part of all is the course is free and can be taken at home, and it’s designed so that you can stop and then continue at any time. I will guarantee you that everyone will learn something new,” said Edmonston. 

Upon finishing the course, boaters can print their own Certificate of Completion, including a wallet-sized card that can be cut out and laminated to carry with you on your boat.

To take the course go to www.BoatUS.org.  For more information about Virginia boater education, go to http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating.

Register Your Beacon Before You Start Leakin'

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Coast Guard urges mariners to ensure their digital selective calling VHF-FM marine-band radios, emergency position indicating radio beacons and personal locator beacons are properly registered and updated regularly to reduce response times for rescuers.

During the past four years, the Coast Guard’s 5th District and other partnering agencies have responded to dozens of cases dealing with unregistered DSC VHF-FM radios, EPIRBs and PLBs resulting in nearly $250,000 worth of response to these cases.

“The biggest issue we have with these searches is the unregistered or improperly registered electronic devices on board,” said Geoff Pagels, a search and rescue specialist for the Coast Guard’s 5th District in Portsmouth. “When a boater ensures the DSC radio, EPIRB or PLB is registered properly, it could mean the difference between a rescue in minutes and a rescue in hours, even days.”

If the EPIRB and PLB are properly registered, the Coast Guard will be able to use the registration information to take action on a distress call immediately. If the EPIRB or PLB is unregistered, the alert may take as much as two hours longer to reach the Coast Guard over the international satellite system. If an unregistered EPIRB or PLB transmission is shortened for any reason, the satellite will be unable to determine the location and the Coast Guard will be unable to respond accurately to the distress alert.

That inability to respond is why the Coast Guard believes it is imperative to properly register and regularly update all satellite emergency notification devices. Other devices that should be registered include DSC VHF-FM marine-band radios and PLBs.

DSC is a digital transfer between radios versus voice transmission. DSC is part of the Global Maritime Distress Signaling System and allows mariners to instantly send an automatically formatted distress alert to the Coast Guard, provided the radio is registered with a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number and connected to a compatible GPS unit. Once the properly connected and MMSI registered radio sends the automated message over the airwaves on channel 70, the signal will continue to "bounce" from vessel to vessel until it arrives at a Coast Guard shore station. Once the signal is received at the shore station, it will be acknowledged by the watchstander sending a signal back to the source radio.

With a properly registered device, the Coast Guard can begin searching immediately upon receiving the signal and precious time that could be the difference between life and death is not spent looking in the wrong location. Unregistered information forces the service to act as a detective before it can act as a lifesaver.

To register or update your EPIRB and PLB information go to http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/.

To obtain a free MMSI number for your DSC radio you may do this at http://www.boatus.com/mmsi, www.seatow.com, http://www.usps4mmsi.com, https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsEntry/licManager/login.jsp.

To schedule a USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check utilize the following website http://www.safetyseal.net/GetVSC/.

FISHING VESSEL CREWMAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF FISHERIES OBSERVER

FISHING VESSEL CREWMAN SENTENCED IN FEDERAL COURT FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF FISHERIES OBSERVER
Defendant Sentenced to Deportation, Fined and Placed on Probation 

Anchorage, Alaska — United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that a crewman on a fishing vessel pled and was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage for sexual harassment of a National Marine Fisheries Service observer while on board a fishing vessel.

On November 30, 2010, Victor D. Chavez-Ramirez, 28, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the United States, admitted that while a crew member on the fishing vessel FV Frontier Spirit, from August 2008through October 2008, he sexually harassed the NMFS observer assigned to the vessel.

After accepting Chavez-Ramirez’s guilty plea, United States Magistrate Judge Deborah Smith sentenced him to be immediately deported, imposed a term of probation of three years, and imposed a fine of $1,500. Magistrate Judge Smith also ordered him to attend sexual harassment training and ordered that he not obtain employment in any fishing-related industry nor any employment on any fishing vessel for the three-year term of probation. Smith imposed these conditions whether or not Chavez-Ramirez was present in the United States. Additionally, Smith told Chavez-Ramirez that he could not re-enter the United States without first obtaining the permission of the Attorney General or his designee. During sentencing, the victim observer provided the court with a statement about the offense and its impact on her and how it has interfered with her work as a fisheries observer.

U.S. Attorney Loeffler noted that, “We will not countenance sexual harassment in any business. All people have a right to perform their work free from harassment.”

NOAA Special Agent in Charge Sherrie Myers said, “We take offenses against observers very seriously. These individuals work very long hours in a hazardous marine environ and they are entitled to work in a safe environment, free from any form of assault, harassment, or interference. These type of offenses threaten both the observer’s safety as well as their ability to collect biological data that is essential for effective management of the fisheries.”

The case was investigated by special agents of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with assistance from the Enforcement Removal Operations division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Coast Guard Cutter Continues "Christmas Ship" Tradition

CLEVELAND – The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (WLBB 30), acting as the “Christmas Tree Ship”, is scheduled to arrive at Chicago’s Navy Pier for a two-day event, starting Friday at 8 a.m. to distribute Christmas trees to more than a thousand deserving families.

The distribution of the holiday trees to trucks from community organizations will begin off the decks of “Chicago’s Christmas Ship,” the USCGC MACKINAW, on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 at 10 a.m., after the first three trees are given to three families during the brief public ceremony
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Tours of the USCGC Mackinaw will also be available on Dec. 3 - 4 from 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The Mackinaw will arrive loaded with 1,500 Christmas trees purchased by Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee to be distributed to disadvantaged families throughout the Chicago area. The Mackinaw’s reenactment continues a treasured part of Chicago’s maritime tradition.

The Rouse Simmons was the original Christmas Tree Ship that came to Chicago with fresh evergreens and wreaths for holiday season during the early 1900’s. Rouse Simmons was a three masted schooner and was recognized by the Christmas tree tied to her mast as she entered port. The Simmons was the principal means of bringing Christmas trees to Chicago for over 30 years.

Chicago’s boating community reenactment of the olden days of the Rouse Simmons landing in Chicago is now portrayed by the Mackinaw. The trees will be taken off the Mackinaw by local youth volunteers, the Sea Cadets, Venture Crews, Sea Explorer Scouts and the Young Marines and loaded onto trucks for distribution by Ada S. McKinley Community Services.

The Chicago's Christmas Ship Committee is comprised of and supported by all facets of the Chicago’s boating community: the International Shipmasters’ Association, Chicago Marine Heritage Society, US Navy League, Chicago yacht clubs, Friends of the Marine Community, Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Chicago Yachting Association.

Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee will also host educational programs for local area schools aboard the Mackinaw. More than 300 children from the Chicago area will learn about the role of the Coast Guard, the Christmas Tree Ship tradition, observe a Sea Partners ecology presentation and experience a ship tour by Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The Mackinaw replaced the original icebreaker, which served the Great Lakes since 1944, and was donated for use as a maritime museum located in Mackinaw City, Mich. This ship, which is home to a crew of 60, was built in Marinette, Wisconsin and commissioned in June 2006. It is one of the Coast Guard’s most technologically advanced multi-missioned cutters.  In addition to its primary ice breaking and aids to navigation missions, the Mackinaw also performs search and rescue and maritime law enforcement.

The Mackinaw’s arrival is a culmination of efforts by the Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee, working together with the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Sea Partners Program, Chicago Navy Pier, private individuals, and the hard working generous boaters of the marine community to help make Christmas special for Chicago's families in need.