| A Publication for American Boating Association Members | Volume 149 |
July 2007 |
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- This year, why not be safe! Get a Free Vessel Safety Check
- Show Your Passion for Boating with ABA Personal Boat Checks
- Boston: Beantown Boating
- Boating Life Magazine for ABA Members
- Only ABA Members Rate Financing This Good
- Product Review - Key Buoy
- Sound Practices - Horn Blasts for Boats Under Power
This year, why not be safe!
Get a Free Vessel Safety Check
by Wayne Spivak, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Freeport Flotilla 13-06
Even as our world has turned upside down by events of last fall, the new normality of our lives should deepen certain values.
For boaters of all ages and all size vessels safety of your family and friends who boat with you should be all important. What better way to know that your vessel has all the appropriate safety gear, then with a Vessel Safety Check (VSC).
Whether you’re a PWC user or a sailor, power boater or kayaker, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free Vessel Safety Checks for all non-commercial boaters (there are also programs for un-inspected passenger vessels and commercial fishing vessels).
From the official VSC web site (http://www.safetyseal.net):
What is a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)?
A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and Federal regulations. The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member or the US Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.
This is not boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. We will supply you with a copy of our evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.
Here are suggestions to speed you along to getting the coveted VSC decal.
1. Have your registration (or documentation papers) handy.
2. Make sure your PFD (personal flotation devices) are in an accessible location and not in the original plastic bags!
3. Make sure your visual distress devices (flares, orange smoke and other pyrotechnic devices) are not expired. Pyrotechnic devices have a three (3) year shelf life.
4. Make sure your fire extinguisher’s are a) fully charged, b) sufficient in numbers and types for your vessel and c) appropriately attached per the label (to be USCG Approved).
5. Make sure your horn works, and if your boat requires it, you have a bell.
6. Check your navigation lights. Many times the bulbs blow.
7. Boats 26 feet and over require a Pollution and MARPOL placard. Many times you can get them for free at area marinas and boat stores.
8. Vessels over 39.4 feet require a copy of the Rules of the Road (COLREGs)
How do you get a Vessel Safety Check? You can go to the following Web Sites on Long Island: Freeport Flotilla 13-06 at http://www.freeportflotilla1306.org, or the USCG Auxiliary National Vessel Safety Check web site: http://safetyseal.net/want_vsc.asp.
Show Your Passion for Boating with ABA Personal Boat Checks
ABA members can order exclusive ABA personal checks and address labels from Identity Check Printers. These products offer a wonderful way to show your passion and support for ABA and America’s proud boating history.
Featured designs include full color photographs or beautiful illustrations of lighthouses, powerboats, sailboats, the American flag, or a photo of your own boat. Each design is accompanied by the ABA logo. So, no matter what type of boater you are, there’s a design that will appeal to you.
Each time you use them, you’ll demonstrate your love of boating and your support of boating safety and a clean environment. You’ll also appreciate that a percentage of each purchase goes directly to ABA in support of helping fulfill our mission to promote boating safety, affordability, growth and a clean environment.
Another benefit of these products is how they connect you to your passion for the water year round. Even when it’s not boating season, it’s always the right time for ABA checks and accessories.
View all of the designs and products online at www.americanboating.org/checks.asp and order yours today!
Boston: Beantown Boating
by Lynn Seldon, Boating Writer
Come summer, it’s hard to beat boating in and around Boston. Like the boys of summer at Fenway Park, Beantown boating is a summer ritual that’s a grand slam for both locals and visitors.
England established the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 and made the well-situated and -protected port of Boston its capital. Harvard, the country’s first university, was established in 1636. Other “frsts” included the nation’s first newspaper, first labor union, and first subway system.
Many marinas play a key role in Boston boating. Some top options in Boston Harbor proper (depending on your destination and needs) include: The Marina at Admirals Hill (www.admiralshillmarina.com); Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina (www.bhsmarina.com); Constitution Marina (www.constitutionmarina.com); and Marina Bay (www.flagshipmarinas.com).
Those trailering their boats will be glad to learn that there are an array of public launch ramps in the Greater Boston area (see www.bostonboating.com/publiclaunchramps). These include town and state ramps, with good parking at a majority of them.
Boating Life Magazine for ABA Members
The American Boating Association is pleased to offer its members a one-year subscription (9 issues) to Boating Life magazine, compliments of ABA – which you can start taking advantage of if you upgrade your ABA membership now.
ABA Visa® cardholders have a complimentary membership, but we thought you might like to consider upgrading it to take advantage of this special subscription offer to Boating Life magazine.
Boating Life is your source for unbiased boat and gear reviews with trailering tips and great advice on how to maintain your boat for peak performance and enjoyment.
Even better news is that by upgrading your membership before the end of June 2006, you can save even more! A regular upgrade costs $10, but if you upgrade now, you pay only $6 - a savings of 40%.
When you add up the value of all of the ABA member benefits, you’re receiving far more than the normal $10 membership fee, and even more with the promotional $6 membership fee. Not only that, but you’re helping to support an organization that is working hard each and every day to promote boating safety, affordability, growth, and a clean environment. Talk about getting your money’s worth!
You’re a valued member. We hope that you’ll take the next step - upgrade your membership and start your complimentary subscription to Boating Life magazine, a $19.97 value, today.
Upgrade today at www.americanboating.org/startupgrade.asp. Enter Offer Code BEA506 to receive the promotional $6 upgrade and save even more money. (Note: The website will show $12 as the upgrade membership fee until you enter the Offer Code. Then you’ll see that the fee is $10.)
Only ABA Members Rate Financing This Good
Who but the American Boating Association would bring you extraordinarily competitive finance rates on your next boat? With rates as low as 6.37%, (at time of this printing), ABA puts you and your dream boat right out there on the water far more quickly than you’d think possible.
The ABA Boat Finance Program has partnered with a nationwide boat finance company, and is pleased to offer financing for a full range of water vessels. With loans for boats ranging from $10,000 to over $2,500,000 in value, competitive rates and terms up to 20 years, we surely have the loan that’s right for you.
You’ll be working with people who have a detailed understanding of both boats and the boat financing market – a decided advantage over the average banker.
To get an online quote, just visit www.americanboating.org/financehome.asp or call toll free 877-222-0244. You can have a credit answer by tomorrow, with a one-to-two-business day turnaround on the loan.
Let ABA assist you with your financing needs for 2007. (Did we mention that we also have financing available for RVs?) It’s all about savings!
Product Review - Key Buoy
It seems simple and inexpensive, but the Key Buoy just may be one of the best investments in the boating industry. If (and more likely when) keys fall in the water, the Key Buoy self-inflating key ring opens up and releases an air tube that inflates automatically. Within 30 seconds your keys rise to the surface and the very visible 14” tube extends above the water and makes for easy retrieval (and relief).
Smart ABA members shop for the key buoy and all their boating merchandise online with BoatersWorld.com because they get an incredible selection, competitive pricing, the convenience of online shopping - and a 5% discount when they access the site through www.americanboating.org! Along with great deals, the BoatersWorld.com website features a gift store, a clearance center, auctions, and many helpful boating links.
Note – the discount does not apply if ABA members go directly to BoatersWorld.com or visit one of many Boaters World stores!
Sound Practices - Horn Blasts for Boats Under Power
1. Two boats are bearing toward each other head-on. At this signal, each decisively alters course to show its port side to the other.
a.) 2 long; b.) 1 short; c.) 1 long
2. This passing signal indicates "I intend to leave you on my starboard side."
a.) 2 short; b.) 2 long; c.) 1 short
3. When overtaking, this says, "I am altering my course to port."
a.) 1 short; b.) 2 short; c.) 2 long
4. This response to a passing signal from another boat means danger.
a.) 5 short; b.) 3 short; c.) 3 long
5. This signal declares your presence to other boats that may be around the corner of a waterway, beyond line of sight.
a.) 3 short; b.) 2 long; c.) 1 long
6. This is your "Open Sesame" for a drawbridge or lock.
a.) long & short; b.) short & long; c.) 3 long
7. The required response to situation 6 is:
a.) in kind; b.) 2 long; c.) 1 short
8. When a drawbridge cannot be opened immediately or is to be closed, the tender sounds:
a.) 5 short; b.) 1 long; c.) 3 long
9. This says you’re powering away from a dock or berth.
a.) 1 long; b.) 3 short; c.) 1 long, 2 short
10. "I am operating astern propulsion."
a.) 1 long; b.) 2 short; c.) 3 short
| Thank you for your ABA membership. Remember, by using the money-saving benefits offered through ABA, you help ABA to keep boating safe, clean, affordable, growing and fun! Safe and fun boating to you!
American Boating Association |
| Disclaimer ~ The American
Boating Association assumes no responsibility or liability for events
that occur due to actions you or others on your behalf take based upon
the information provided herein. You are proceeding at your own risk.
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