Increase in Ship Strikes of Large Whale in the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia Area Poses Safety Concerns

DEC Urges Marine Boaters to Reduce Speeds

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) alerts marine boaters about the recent increase in ship strikes of large whale in the mid-Atlantic region and urges extreme caution in nearshore waters, including using slower vessel speeds at this time.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA-Fisheries) issued an alert to marine boaters due to three recent ship strikes along the eastern seaboard," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "This is a higher number of collisions than expected for this time of year. It's unknown why this is happening but is likely that whales are following their prey into nearshore waters at this time, putting them in the path of vessels and mariners should be aware and proceed with caution while out on these waters."

North Atlantic right, humpback, fin (or finback), blue, sperm, sei and minke whales all use New York's waters as a part of their migratory pathway and may be sighted during at least part of the year. Fin, humpbacks, minkes and right whales are the whales most likely to be seen in New York waters.

All of these species, with the exception of the minke, are designated as endangered species by both state and federal governments. Protection of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale is of particular concern. The loss of even one right whale may have a significant negative impact on the population. The presence of these and other species of whales in the New York Bight, an area which has some of the heaviest ship traffic in the world, makes potential vessel strikes one of the biggest threats to these animals while in this area.

Since 2008, NOAA-Fisheries placed speed restrictions which reduce the likelihood of vessel collisions with whales. During certain times of year and in certain areas, vessels 65 feet or greater in length must travel at speeds of 10 knots or less when they are within 20 nautical miles of a major port. The NOAA uses voluntary speed reductions to protect whales in areas where three or more right whales are sighted.

Given the recent increase in whales in the nearshore area, the DEC recommends reduced speeds for vessels of all sizes, particularly if a whale is sighted nearby. DEC also requests that mariners report whale sightings. In the Northeast (Virginia to Maine), sightings of whales, including ship strikes, should be reported to NOAA at 866-755-NOAA or to the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Ch. 16. Whales stranded on New York beaches should be reported to the Riverhead Foundation, New York's designated marine mammal stranding response organization, at their 24 hour hotline 631-369-9840.

For more information contact DEC's Bureau of Marine Resources, Marine Endangered Species at 631-444-0462 or visit NOAA's website .
 

PA Fish and Boat Commission Advises Boaters not to Exceed Their Skill Level

Eight people have died in recreational boating incidents this year. Several occurred in high water following heavy rain events and some victims were not wearing life jackets. High water combined with not wearing life jackets is a recipe for disaster for boaters who underestimate the power of water. Disaster can also occur when boaters think they can handle moving water levels way above their paddling skill level. If a recent rain has occurred, or the water is higher than normal, honestly evaluate your skill level and make intelligent decisions to avoid getting in over your head.

Sudden immersion is one of the main reasons people drown. Even though it’s summertime, anytime a person is unexpectedly plunged into cool or cold water below 70ºF, the body’s first response is usually an involuntary gasp. This is something no one can control and ruins the ability to swim because the person hyperventilates. Not wearing a life jacket in this situation greatly reduces the chances of survival since a victim may inhale while under water and drown.

Water survival safety tips include:

• Always wear a life jacket.
• Never boat alone.
• Always check the weather and real-time river forecasts for potential high water.
• Leave a float plan with a responsible person and know the waters you plan to boat.
• Bring a fully-charged cell phone with you in case of emergency.
• If you capsize, stay with the boat. In calm water, get back into or on top of the boat-- if in moving water—make your way to shore floating with feet pointed downstream.

Boat Buying Season Scams

Some Red Flags You’re About to be Taken for a Ride

It’s summer boating season and some boat buyers and sellers are getting ripped off, say’s Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). The national boater advocacy, safety and services group outlined the top boat selling scams reported to its Consumer Protection Bureau and offers some ways to greatly improve your chance of a smooth sale or purchase – and when to walk away.

Getting a cashier’s check or money for more than asking price: Anytime a buyer offers to pay more for the asking price of the boat your are selling – run away. Today, it’s easy for criminals to print counterfeit bank checks, and by the time your bank figures out the loss, the bad guys are far away, and you will be liable for the lost funds. Always contact the financial institution on which the check was drawn to verify the account, but don’t dial the phone number printed on the check, if possible. The amount of the bank check should also match in numerals and words, and the account number should not be shiny in appearance. Official checks are generally perforated on at least one side.

A twist on the same for the electronic age: Recently PayPal has become a target for scammers. A phony buyer again asks to send substantially more than the asking price. Later, you get a fake confirmation email from PayPal with your user ID for more than the agreed purchase price – with instructions from the buyer advising you to send the extra money to a shipper. The scam can seem even more legit – if you refuse, you may receive additional fake email notices from PayPal threatening to close your account if you don’t transfer the extra money as per your “agreement.”

An escrow service scam: A bogus seller advertises a boat on a website at a low, but not scam-worthy price. When the scammer finds a buyer, they will tell them to use a legitimate sounding yet fictitious escrow service, like GoogleMoney.com. But once the funds are transferred, you’ll never hear from the seller again. It’s wise to use an escrow service for a long-distance purchase, but be very cautious with escrow services you’re not familiar with, and go with established providers such as eBay’s Escrow.com.

Email red flags that mean you may be taken for a ride: Poor grammar, spelling and language use; no phone number for the buyer/seller; generic references (ex. “merchandise”) to the boat being sold; changing names and locations in emails; a buyer who shows no interest in haggling over price or seeing the boat firsthand; a buyer or seller who has no interest in discussing titling or verifying the boat’s Hull Identification Number (HIN).

For a free buying and selling guide for boaters, go to www.BoatUS.com/consumer.

President Signs Legislation Important to Recreational Boaters “Highway Bill for Boaters”

WASHINGTON, DC, June 11, 2014 – Acknowledging that recreational boating is a significant contributor to the nation’s economy as well as a growth engine for local communities, President Obama signed bipartisan legislation earlier this week that recognizes that the Federal government needs to do more to help small harbors, address longstanding dredging issues, and improve boating and navigation infrastructure. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) applauds the passing of the 2013 Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) and thanks the bill’s sponsors, Congressmen Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Nick Rahall, III (D-WV) and Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and David Vitter (R-LA), and the President. BoatUS was an active advocate for WRRDA and will be working on its implementation.

“Maintenance dredging for small harbors and shallow-draft channels has been chronically underfunded,” said BoatUS Government Affairs Senior Program Coordinator David Kennedy. “In addition, funding for infrastructure such as jetties and some inland navigation locks has been significantly curtailed. The 2013 WRRDA Act directs the US Army Corps of Engineers to consider factors beyond total tonnage shipped in making dredging funding decisions, requires that not less than 10% of the value of operation and maintenance funds be directed to ‘Emerging Harbors’ or those that have less than one million tons of cargo shipped annually, and directs the Army Corps to report to Congress on the maintenance needs of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.”

Also, WRRDA for the first time treats the Great Lakes as one single comprehensive navigation system, potentially allowing funding for dredging of smaller harbors. In addition, the US Army Corps is directed to study potential new revenue sources for the Inland Waterways Trust Fund – and are required to consult recreational users, among other stakeholders.

Added Kennedy, “From small West Coast ports to Great Lakes harbors of refuge, inland locks, and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, boat owners depend on federal waterway infrastructure projects to keep them safe and provide authorized waterways deep enough for us to navigate. With 12 million registered boats in the US and over 80 million persons participating in boating, we also need to remember that boating generates $121 billion in US economic activity and over 950,000 jobs.”

Late Spring Thaw Could Lead to Trouble for Boaters

With some of the waters in the northern US still choked with ice, the opening of the season has been delayed for famed tourist boats such as Niagara Falls’ Maid of the Mist and the ferries to Michigan’s Mackinac Island. The brutal winter is also delaying the start of the season for the $121.5 billion recreational boating industry, and Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says the late spring thaw – or “ice-out” as it’s known to some – could lead to trouble for boat owners.

“Boaters want to be in the water by Memorial Day, and this year they will have less time for spring commissioning work,” said BoatUS Vice President of Public Affairs Scott Croft. “That unfortunately leads to more engine troubles or other lack of maintenance issues. Requests for on water assistance to our 24-hour towing dispatch call center could be up a bit as a result.” BoatUS has these tips for boat owners to ensure a smooth launch:

Springtime sinkings: Boats sink in the springtime for specific reasons – but they all generally fall under the category of simply “rushing to get it done.” Take your time inspecting engine hoses and hoses clamps, keep a path clear for water to drain off the boat (ex. leaves in scuppers); inspect any seacocks or sea strainer for cracks. On larger boats with stuffing boxes, check for leaks and adjust nut if necessary. Go to www.BoatUS.com/springchecklist for a full Spring Fitting Out Safety Checklist.

Have the right safety gear: While the air temperatures are warming up, water temperatures are likely to remain cool longer than usual – a real hypothermia threat, especially for owners of small boats according to US Coast Guard fatality statistics. Do you have a way to get back into the boat if you fall off? See how BoatUS staff fared when testing boarding ladders on small boats at www.BoatUS.org/ladderlessons
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Be prepared for breakdowns: After you’ve done everything you can to get her going, stale or ethanol-laden fuel can be a problem in the spring, as is the simple wear and tear of another new boating season. Get yourself an affordable on the water towing plan for the unexpected breakdowns. BoatUS has choices available at BoatUS.com/towing, including a roadside assistance plan for boat trailers and tow vehicles.

Springtime Boat Buying Tips

With the number one boat buying season of the year kicked off, springtime boat buyers are on the prowl. The nation’s largest recreational boating advocacy and services group, Boat Owner Association of The United States (BoatUS), has some must do tips before you sign on the dotted line.

• The Internet is your friend and foe: Of course it’s always good to research a boat you’re considering online, first. While the Internet is not always 100% accurate, you may learn about serious problems other owners have had. Check owners group chat boards or online boating, fishing or cruising discussion groups for the kind of boat you’re looking at. BoatUS has the only national consumer complaint database for boats as well, searchable by members. Also be aware of Internet scams if you’re buying online. Any whiff of something odd and you should proceed with caution.
• Always get a professional marine survey: Surveys will uncover potential problem spots and can help with price negotiations. On a boat with expensive engines or generators, a separate engine survey could save huge headaches later. Make any purchase contingent on the survey. For a list of accredited surveyors, visit BoatUS.com/surveyors.
• Take the boat on a sea trial: You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a drive, and you should treat buying a boat the same way. It doesn’t matter whether it’s 16- or 60-feet.
• Give yourself some reasonable protections: Make sure that any deposit is 100% refundable if any contingencies such as a survey, financing or insurance are not met. Get it in writing. If there is a warranty or promise to fix something as part of the sale, get it in writing. Did we say get it in writing?
• “Who am I talkin’ to?”: Before getting too serious about a boat, verify that the owner (or brokerage/consignor) has the title and registration on hand. Any liens will have to be paid before transferring title.
  

BoatUS has additional resources at BoatUS.com/guide including a free buying guide and boat evaluation checklist.

Annual List of Top Ten Boat Names

If a car’s vanity license plate can tell you a lot about the person behind the wheel, what can a boat name tell you about the person behind the helm? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) just released the national boating organization’s 24^th Annual Top Ten Boat Names List and may have the answer.

The BoatUS list of Top Ten Boat Names:

1. Serenity
2. Second Wind
3. Island Girl
4. Freedom
5. Pura-Vida
6. Andiamo
7. Island Time
8. Irish Wake
9. Happy Hours
10. Seas the Day

“We’ve had indicators that a boater who names their boat Second Wind may have rebounded from a misfortune such as divorce, health or other major issue, while someone who names their boat Island Girl or Island Time may enjoy a more carefree spirit and need an escape from everyday life,” said Greg Edge of BoatUS Boat Graphics. “And you can guess that boats with names like Happy Hours may be the most popular boats on Friday night at the marina or Saturday afternoon raft-up – their more outgoing owners celebrating with family and friends.”

Need a boat name? BoatUS has over two decades of top ten boat name lists and over 9,000 names in its online Boat Name Directory, a checklist to help pick a name, christening ceremony information and an easy-to-use online design tool to make your own boat name, all at BoatUS.com/boatgraphics.