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A VHF Marine radio connects you with the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard does NOT monitor CB radio or family walkie-talkies. Get s VHF marine radio. Get one for your boat or your paddle craft. VHF marine is your emergency link to the Coast Guard.
Posts Tagged ‘Boating Safety’
October 22, 2012 | 
Author Date: Oct. 22, 2012
Contact: D7 PADET CENTRAL
Office: (305) 965-4672
TAMPA, Fla. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies responded to numerous disabled boat distress calls in the area this weekend.
Coast Guard Watchstanders at Sector St. Petersburg received more than 10 distress calls from disabled boaters in need of assistance.
The Coast Guard would like to remind boaters of a few tips to keep safe on the water:
Being educated about safe boating could save a life. Most boating fatalities occur on boats where the operator had not completed a boating safety education course. Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather.
The Coast Guard urges boaters to obtain a free vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Vessel safety checks, are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
Always wear a life jacket and be alert and aware while on the water.
Make sure a friend or relative knows your float plan. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are on board your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.
Make certain to check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly and you should keep a watchful eye on the fore-casted conditions.
Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery.
Wear your life jacket. More than 90 percent of boaters who drown were not wearing their life jackets. In an emergency there might not be enough time to put one on, so wearing one at all times may save your life.
Making sure all equipment is in good working order, prior to leaving the dock ensures a safe trip.
For information on recreational boating safety information, click here.
(Ed Note: Be prepared!)
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Posted in Boating Safety | 
Tags: boat handling, boating fatalities, Boating Safety, boating safety education, Distress, distress call, drown, Float Plan, global positioning device, Life Jacket, life jackets, local weather, nautical charts, recreational boat, recreational boating safety, safe boating, safety equipment, vessel safety, Vessel Safety Check, vessel safety checks, VHF, watchful eye, Weather | 
No Comments »
Seven Swimming Safety Tips From the Boat US Foundation
Boaters have special safety needs when swimming from a boat.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 25, 2012 – Boating and swimming go hand-in-hand, but unlike a public pool or beach, boaters can’t count on a lifeguard to watch over them. As this summer’s sweltering heat wave drives more boaters to dive into the deep blue, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety has these seven swimming tips:
Posted in Swimming | Tags: backstop, boating, Boating Safety, boating safety course, carbon monoxide, drown, electrocution, fall victim, heat wave, Holiday, Life Jacket, lifeguard, marinas, mucky bottom, Navigation, running gear, sandy bottom, seat cushion, sweltering heat, swim platform, swimmer, swimmers, swimming safety, water depth, wave | No Comments »
WASHINGTON- Prescription medications can bring on unwanted side effects to boaters on the water far from emergency personnel. “The marine environment exposes people to heat or cold, motion, wind, noise and other factors that can cause fatigue in anyone,” says Richard C. Lavy, M.D. The physical condition of everyone on board should be assessed before leaving the dock. Lack of shade and over exposure to the sun and heat along with ever changing sea conditions can bring on dehydration, dizziness and heat exhaustion. Drowsiness or confusion will impair the ability to operate a boat safely much like too much alcohol.
Recognize the signs of medical distress and know how to call for help. Depending on geographic area, use VHF marine channel 16 or call 911. Know before you go.
Remember this acronym – BOAT SAFE – it stands for -
- Bring plenty to eat and drink – avoid dehydration
- Operate the boat in a safe and responsible manner
- Always wear a life jacket
- Take a boating safety course
- Sun, wind and temperatures can be more of a factor than boaters think
- Annual courtesy vessel safe check
- File a float plan – leave it with someone who will take action if overdue
- Evaluate the readiness of operating crew and passengers – it is ok to not get underway when there is doubt
For more information go to www.uscgboating.org or for a boating safety class contact the Coast Guard Auxiliary at www.cgaux.org.
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Date: Jul 19, 2012
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs
Contact: Diane Riggan
Office: (530) 289-6397
Mobile: (772) 631-3562
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary created by an Act of Congress in 1939 is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard supporting the Coast Guard in nearly all its missions. Coast Guard men and women live and work in the communities they serve and understand the unique needs of those communities.
For more information on the Coast Guard Auxiliary, please visit cgaux.org
Posted in BUI | Tags: Boating Safety, boating safety class, boating safety course, coast guard auxiliary, dehydration, dizziness, drowsiness, drugs, Float Plan, heat exhaustion, Life Jacket, marine environment, prescription medications, sea conditions, temperature, unwanted side effects, VHF Marine | No Comments »
Salisbury, Md. (July 3, 2012)— Local officials and residents of Salisbury came out to show their excitement and support for the official christening of the M/V Michael J. McMullen fire and rescue boat at a ceremony on June 23 at the Port of Salisbury. With both fire and medical service capabilities, the 36-foot MetalCraft Marine, Inc. boat is ready to provide rapid response to boating accidents along the Wicomico and surrounding rivers.
M/V Michael J. McMullen fire and rescue boat
“In all, the boat provides state of the art performance in fire, rescue, dive and emergency medical services,” said Fire Chief Richard A. Hoppes. “Among its many features, the boat has a stable platform to support dive rescue operations and can supply unlimited water at 2,500 gallons per minute.”
The vessel features:
The new fire and rescue vessel project, completed on May 1, was a joint venture. Funding came from a Federal Homeland Security grant for $896,055 and $50,000 in matching funds from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Waterway Improvement Fund. Revenue for the fund comes from the one-time 5 percent excise tax paid when a boat is purchased and titled in Maryland.
For information on boating safety, visit dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/.
| July 3, 2012 |
Contact: Josh Davidsburg |
Annapolis, Md. (June 29, 2012)— With the Fourth of July nearing, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Natural Resources Police (NRP) are urging citizens and visitors to be extra vigilant in and on the water for the holiday and throughout the summer.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the wonderful recreational opportunities our State has to offer, on water and land, to the fullest,” said Superintendent Colonel George F. Johnson IV. “But the importance of safety while boating and swimming cannot be overstated and must be a number one priority while enjoying Maryland waterways and State Parks.”
Last year, Maryland experienced an unusually high number of boating deaths. Over the summer, NRP will focus their enforcement efforts on those activities that contribute to boating accidents, such as alcohol, negligent operation, bow riding and navigational violations.
NRP recommends that swimmers stay within designated swimming areas with lifeguards on duty whenever possible. Lifeguards keep all swimmers informed of any changes in water conditions and are trained to respond if an emergency occurs.
NRP also offers the following swimming safety tips:
If an emergency occurs, immediately call 911 and remember to Reach, Throw, Row and Go:
REACH the person in trouble by extending a releasable item, such as a pole, line or rope to pull them to safety ─ but not by hand, as the rescuer could quickly become another victim.
THROW an object that floats to the victim if they are unreachable. Life rings, PFDs, coolers or plastic jugs are suitable floating objects that can keep a troubled swimmer afloat until rescuers arrive.
ROW to the victim using a canoe or any other safe watercraft. The rescuer must wear a life jacket. Once the victim is nearby, a rope or paddle should be extended and used to tow the victim to shore if possible.
GO to the victim by entering the water as a last resort and ONLY if properly trained. The rescuer should bring an object to keep the victim afloat and to prevent being pulled under.
More information on boating safety is available at dnr.maryland.gov/boating/safety.
Press Release
 |
U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Drum Point Flotilla Prince Frederick, MD |
Date and Time of Release: June 20, 2012 1600 Hrs
Contact Person: R.T. West, Flotilla Staff Officer-Public Education
Contact & Registration Telephone: 410-535-2035
Contact Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.drumpoint.org
Maryland Boating Safety Course
Prince Frederick, MD – Get ready for the Summer boating season with a Maryland Boating Safety Course presented by the Drum Point Flotilla, Calvert County’s Volunteer Guardians. Instructors of the Drum Point Flotilla teach five, two-hour session on Mondays and Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Five two-hour sessions start on Monday July 9, 2012. Additional class dates are the 10th, 16th, 17th, and 23rd of July. A final examination is given during the last class session of July 23rd.
The cost is $20 twenty-dollars per student.
Pre-registration is requested, but walk-ins are taken if space permits.
The classes are held at this location:
County Services Plaza
150 Main Street
Prince Frederick, MD
Across the street from Lusby Motors Hardware in downtown Prince Frederick.
Maryland residents born after July 1, 1972:
This course satisfies the requirements for operating a vessel on Maryland waters and a Maryland Department of Natural Resources Certificate of Boating Safety Education is issued upon satisfactory completion.
For questions and pre-registration call R.T. West at 410-535-2035 or go to our website http://www.drumpoint.org.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
The Drum Point Flotilla
Southern Maryland’s Volunteer Lifesavers
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Posted in Public Education | Tags: Boating Safety, boating safety course, boating safety education, boating season, calvert county, maryland boating, maryland department of natural resources, maryland residents, prince frederick maryland, Public Education, safety course, southern maryland, summer boating, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary | No Comments »
The U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary are sponsoring short (ten to fifteen minute) seminars that contain information about many safety related aspects of boating and just being around the water. Qualified Coast Guard and Auxiliary members are located at their booth in Baltimore Harbor’s Rash Park this weekend through Monday during the Sailabration event. There is a mini-seminar just for you!
Please stop by to meet your Guardians and perhaps learn something you might have missed in your own boating-safety education.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is also recruiting during these seminars. Perhaps you have thought about joining the Auxiliary? We would like you to join us. Visit us at the booth and and find out how to be one of America’s volunteer Guardians.
See you at Rash Park!
WASHINGTON - With Memorial Day now behind us, the summer boating season is “officially” under way. Now is the time to get a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)!
A VSC is a complementary safety inspection of a recreational boat conducted by a trained and certified U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron Vessel Examiner. A VSC helps to ensure your vessel meets current Federal safety standards. Items reviewed during the VSC include number, type, and condition of life jackets and fire extinguishers, emergency distress signals, navigation lights, ventilation, and registration and numbering. While not mandatory, a marine VHF-FM radio, de-watering device(s), anchor, and a first aid kit are also recommended.
Vessel Safety Check
Boats passing safety checks are awarded a VSC decal that indicates your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and State boating safety regulations at the time of inspection. A successful VSC may also qualify you for a discount from your boat insurance company. If your vessel does not meet the requirements, your Vessel Examiner will provide you with information on what corrective action n
eeds to be taken to bring your boat into compliance to receive your VSC decal. No citations are issued for safety violations discovered during a VSC.
To locate a vessel examiner in your area, please visit: http://www.safetyseal.net/GetVSC/
Get your Vessel Safety Check today and BOAT SMART FROM THE START!
MIAMI - U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiner James Simpson inspects safety equipment during a complementary Vessel Safety Check. Vessel Examiners perform thousands of free Vessel Safety Checks across the U.S. each boating season. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo.
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Date: Jun 13, 2012
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs
Contact: Public Affairs Officer
Office: (530) 289-6397
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary created by an Act of Congress in 1939 is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard supporting the Coast Guard in nearly all its missions. Coast Guard men and women live and work in the communities they serve and understand the unique needs of those communities.
For more information on the Coast Guard Auxiliary, please visit cgaux.org
Posted in Vessel Safety Check | Tags: Boating Safety, coast guard auxiliary, compliance, emergency distress, federal safety standards, Life Jacket, marine vhf, Navigation, navigation lights, power squadron, recreational boat, safety regulations, safety violations, summer boating, u s coast guard, vessel examiner, Vessel Safety Check, vessel safety checks | No Comments »
5th District Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard
Photo Release
Date: May 26, 2012
Contact: Public Affairs Det. Baltimore
(410) 576-2541
BALTIMORE — Dion Mulvihill, a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Wheaton, Md., talks to a boater about getting a vessel safety exam during a National Safe Boating Week event at the Annapolis City Dock in Annapolis, Md., May 26, 2012. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provided free vessel safety examinations and information to boaters during the event. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Lindberg.
BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Maryland Natural Resources Police and the U.S. Power Squadrons sponsored a National Safe Boating Week kickoff event at the Annapolis City Dock in Annapolis, Md., Saturday.
Boaters were able to receive a free vessel safety examination at various docks in Annapolis from auxiliarists who checked for compliance with all federal and state regulations and issued a highly visible sticker showing compliance.
A Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Annapolis hosted tours aboard their boat, having the opportunity to learn about the Coast Guard as well as how to stay safe this boating season.
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Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.
Posted in Boating Safety | Tags: annapolis, Boating Safety, boating season, coast guard photo, Maryland Natural Resources Police, national safe boating, national safe boating week, photo release, power squadron, Power squadrons, safety, safety event, safety examination, station annapolis, U.S. Power Squadron, United States Coast Guard, vessel safety | No Comments »
Reducing Maryl;and boating tragedies is at the top of the to-do lists of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons. Together we moderate a local bulletin-board form at the popular Southern Maryland Online website. We want to thank SOMD>COM for making the forum space available as a public service.
Southern Maryland join with us and talk boating safety in the Boating Safety Forum! See you there.
Posted in Boating Safety | Tags: boating, Boating Safety, coast guard auxiliary, Maryland, safety, southern maryland, U.S. Power Squadron | No Comments »
The Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons also inspect kayaks and other paddle craft.
Boat Safe. Boat Smart. Get the Decal!
Three Maryland boating deaths in 2012. Three sailboat emergencies, 1 death; 1 swimmer death; 1 allision death with two trauma injuries; 1 major injury from gasoline engine fire,
Lifejackets are comfortable and they save lives!
“You wouldn’t allow your kids to sit on the hood of your car, so why would you allow them to sit on the bow of your boat?”
Rear Admiral Dean Lee, 5th District commander, United States Coast Guard
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The Division 23 Chesapeake Chatter is available at the Division 23 website.
The Blinker Newsletter is available at the Fabulous 5th Southern Website.
The weekly CGUAX Newsletter is available at SITREP.
THE RBS Department's newsletter WAVES - Watercraft and Vessel Safety is available at the RBS website.
The CGAUXA eBeacon Magazine.
UPTOP in Operations Newsletter
