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Teak Surfing BANNED!
| 09MAY2006 |
S.B. 6364 - The Teak Surfing Ban
The purpose of this bill was to make the thrill sport of Teak Surfing, platform dragging,
or bodysurfing behind a motor boat illegal due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning risks.
>> more info |
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Public Information
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Is your Vessel Safe?
The Vessel Safety Check is a complimentary check of your boat conducted by
members of the Auxiliary, confirming that it meets both federal and state requirements for safety.
See >> schedule <<
for times and locations. Or email
>> Dick Espe <<
for an appointment. Visit the following site to find more information about Vessel Safety Checks:
Virtual VSC's |
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What is a Float Plan, and Why Use It
Before setting out with your boat, file a FLOAT PLAN. You will find a copy of a suggested Float Plan by clicking
>> HERE << and fill in the descriptive facts about you and your
boat. Make photocopies, saving for later printing, and then all you have to do is fill out the rest of the
information each time you take a trip.
File your float plan with a friend, relative or neighbor. The plan tells them where you are going and the route
you will take. It also tells them when you will be back and whom to call if you don't return on time.
Most often you will ask that the Coast Guard be notified if you are overdue. The Coast Guard does not accept
Float Plans, but will mount a search as soon as you are reported overdue.
When you are trailering and you can't find someone to accept your Float Plan, leave a copy under your windshield
wiper. Some police authority will find it, probably soon after dark. Cancel your Float Plan when you return!
The person with whom you left it may not know you have returned and a needless search may be started.
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Can You Hear me Now? (Rescue 21)
MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity): Obtaining an MMSI is necessary in order to use the DSC functions of the radio.
The MMSI number serves as both a nine digit telephone number and as a unique identification number for the
U.S. Coast Guard to use in order to locate and identify you in an emergency.
During normal communications, vessels with DSC capable radios may call each other over channel 70 using the MMSI as
a "telephone number". The signal will only be received by those vessels with the MMSI numbers that were called.
During an emergency, the boater may push a button to automatically transmit a May Day call which would include their
MMSI number (and location if the radio is linked to a GPS receiver) to every DSC radio within range. When the U.S.
Coast Guard receives the unique MMSI number, it will use the information on file (emergency contact number, type of vessel, etc.)
to mount a more effective rescue effort.
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Learn Safe Boating and Protect Your Children
Recreational Boating deaths: A SERIOUS problem
- Recreational boating is fun, but the water can be unforgiving.
- An average of 714 boaters die each year--508 of them by drowning.
- Deaths are the result of two major safety failures: lack of a required personal
flotation device (PFD), and uneducated boaters.
- About 84 percent of these drowning victims would still be alive if they had worn PFDs,
the U.S. Coast Guard estimates.
- On average, 80 percent of recreational boat operators involved in accidents had
never completed a boating safety education course.
- Most of those who drown were in open motorboats--51 percent--and in boats less
than 21 feet in length--71 percent.
What can you do to reduce recreational boating accidents and deaths?
- Use a personal flotation device when aboard a recreational boat and be sure that
children always wear PFDs. PFD wear is effective. Boating accident data shows that
when mandatory PFD requirements are adopted, drowning fatalities go down.
- Most parents would not drive anywhere without their kids in seatbelts, car seats or
booster seats. Parents should not hesitate to protect their children on the water
in a life jacket.
- Complete a recreational boating safety course approved by your State.
To check upcoming dates for courses in your
area visit our of schedule page.
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