Tips for Fishermen & Boaters

(courtesy of Reef Relief)


Practice good seamanship, and safe boating. Maintain a safe distance from other fishermen, and divers. Do not troll over or near divers. Stay at least 100 feet from a red and white diver down flag and watch for bubbles.

Know and observe size and catch limits; release any fish you can't eat. Florida law requires a fishing license. Applicable size, bag limits, and seasons must be observed when harvesting seafood. NOTE: Avoid throwing fish carcasses and wrung lobsters overboard or into canals, as they decompose and degrade water quality.

Use reef mooring buoys if available. Otherwise, anchor in sandy areas away from coral and seagrasses so that anchor and chain do not drag or grate on nearby corals or tear-up seagrass beds.

Accidental boat groundings damage the reef. Consult tide and navigational charts and steer clear of shallow areas (shallow, seagrass beds appear brown in color). Accidental boat groundings damage coral and seagrasses, and fines are imposed for such damage. Remember, "Brown, brown, run aground. Blue, blue, sail on through."

Avoid disturbing wildlife, harassing fish and invertebrates; it only makes them wary of people.

Keep boating speeds and noise to a minimum, and avoid boat wakes near isolated mangroves. When in a diving area, slow down to an idle speed.

It is illegal to dump trash at sea; plastic bags and other debris can injure or kill marine animals. Try to retrieve fishing gear and equipment, especially monofilament line. Bring your trash back to shore and recycle it.

Camping, campfires, and collecting of any kind is prohibited on all National Wildlife Refuges. Personal watercraft and airboats are prohibited in all National Parks and Wildlife Refuges in the Florida Keys.

Posted by Bill Schrama

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Don't Go Off "Half-Cocked"!


When is the last time you exercised the seacocks on your boat? If it's been a while, you should consider doing it before you take that next cruise. Why? Because a seacock is worthless unless it works when you need it.

 The first thing to do is to make sure the valve looks like it is in good condition; and not suffering from any electrolysis. Badly rusted or corroded seacocks can suddenly break off or start leaking.

Another excellent idea is to tie a wooden plug of the proper size to the seacock handle so that it's immediately available as a last resort in case you do experience a seacock failure.

         
Seacocks come in a wide variety of sizes depending on the usage. The most common are bronze fittings, but there are also stainless steel and nylon fittings. Each probably have their advantages but bronze is tried and true and it seems like the best alternative.

Make sure you don't connect any dissimilar metals, because the electrolysis it causes is deadly.

When you are dealing with as important an area as holes in the bottom of your boat, it's a also good idea to use double hose clamps and check the fittings on a regular basis.

To keep seacocks functioning reliably, they need to be operated every once in a while, and lubricated at least once a year. Cone and plug type seacocks need to be disassembled to be properly serviced, but ball-valve seacocks are easily maintained by spreading a dollop of waterproof grease on both sides of the closed ball.

By Bill Schrama
www.BoatFinance.com

Red Right Return... Right?

Red Right Return... Right?

An answer to that age-old question, "What Side of the Buoy Do I Go On???" 

Guest blog by Vincent Pica
Chief of Staff, First District, Southern Region (D1SR)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Red, Right, What? ©iStockphoto.com/Robert Rushton

Two of the “great mysteries” of boating are:

[1] how do I dock this thing in front of all these people and not look like a land-lubber, and

[2] Good Lord, what side of this buoy do I go on?

We will address #1 in a later column. We will address #2 right now and forever!

Here we go...

Imagine this. You are on one of those reality TV shows and you have won! In addition to the big job and the big bucks, the host throws in a beautiful penthouse apartment in a brand new 50-story condo overlooking the marina and harbor. You get so excited that you faint straight away. You wake up in the elevator and you see the elevator numbers flashing by…

If the numbers were going up, would you be leaving the building or returning to our new home in the penthouse? If the numbers were going down, would you be returning to your new home in the penthouse or leaving to go to work..? Clearly, if the numbers are going up, you are returning home. If the numbers are going down, you are leaving.

And the same is true of the buoyage system in the entire United States… While certain pearls of wisdom work in local waters (“keep the reds and the ocean on the same side of your boat”), they don’t work everywhere and they also fail to educate you as a mariner as to “how the system works” and why…

Of course, many of us have heard and used the old saw of “red, right, return” – meaning when returning from sea/to your harbor/home, keep the red buoys on your right. But often harbors line cheek-to-jowl along a shore. Are you leaving one or returning to the other? So, let’s extend the old saw and get it right forever more…

“Red - Right, Return; Left, Leaving.” Keep the red buoys on your right when returning and on your left when leaving. And, if the numbers are going up, you are returning (to your penthouse in the sky!) If the numbers are going down, you are leaving (to that great job you just won!)

Be wary of one thing – “discontinuous numbers”, meaning big jumps between buoy numbers or the numbers starting to go the opposite way. This means you have entered a new seaway or road and you need to recalibrate the direction of the numbers. For example, if returning from sea via an inlet, you will certainly see the buoy numbers go up in step. But what if, for examples, pass Nun#4 and see ahead Can#15? That’s a big jump and undoubtedly means you are entering a new seaway. Now, what side? Quickly check your chart. If the next buoy after this hypothetical Can#15 is Nun#16, you are still “returning from sea.” If, however, it is Nun#14, you are “leaving harbor” as far as the buoyage system is concerned! Remember: Red-Right-Return; Left-Leaving. In this case (leaving), you would now take Can#15 to starboard so that you can subsequently take Nun#14 to port (left leaving!). Never fails (in North America).

Want to know why our reds are on our right when returning from sea and not the other way around as in Europe? Well, when we were at war with the mightiest navy in the world over 230 years, the revolutionaries turned all the buoys around so that the English men-of-war would run aground… and we just kept them that way ever since…!

“Red - Right, Return; Left, Leaving.” If the numbers are going up, you are returning as far as the rules of the road are concerned… Always…

BTW, if you are interested in being part of USCG Forces, email me at JoinUSCGAux@aol.com or go direct to the D1SR Human Resources department, who are in charge of new members matters, at DSO-HR and we will help you "get in this thing…"

 

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Daily Boater Boating News: Boating Safety Tips from College

Daily Boater Boating News: Boating Safety Tips from College: Broward College Offers Safe Boating Tips for the Summer...  Photo Courtesy of The U.S. Coast Guard. Since Florida is one of the most...
Boating week, which is coming up from May 17 to 23, 2014. Broward College’s marine engineering management program is the first institution to send us such an announcement with boating safety tips, and we're happy to pass them along.

“Safety on the water is everyone’s responsibility, but many recreational boaters make the mistake of assuming they can beat the odds, and without proper preparation, this may not be the case,” said Anthony Petriello, associate dean of the marine programs. “Don’t take anything for granted, as all on board are your responsibility.”

There are several precautions boaters should take before casting off...

Boating Safety Tips from Broward College’s marine engineering management program

• Always file a float plan in the form of a note, email or voicemail with someone you trust, such as a family member or friend, so they will know what to do if you don’t come back on time.  

• Check all recommended safety supplies and equipment on board periodically, such as first aid kits, sunscreen, spare batteries and flashlights. The American Boating & Yacht Council has released a free app called “Boating Essentials,” which is designed for both new and experienced boaters. Not only will boaters be able to identify a safety checklist of all the items they are required to have onboard, but also receive maintenance guide alerts and monitor their supply lists.

• Consistently wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Every person on board should be wearing a life jacket that is the right size and fit because it is the best defense against drowning.  

• Complete routine boat safety inspections. Check the navigation and safety lights, steering, engine fluids, electrical and heating systems, bilge pump and anchor.  The ventilation system is often overlooked, as well, so periodically make sure that all openings are free of obstructions, the ducts and ducting are not blocked, and make sure worn components are replaced.  

• Refill and replace fire extinguishers so that they are in functioning order. There should also be a supply of flares available in the event someone needs to send out a distress signal.  

• Beware of carbon monoxide hazards while on the water. Dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide can accumulate when a boat is by a pier, near a seawall or alongside another boat.

• Do not run engines for extended periods of time under these conditions without continuous monitoring.  

• Check the weather forecast, as sudden summer storms can place boaters in rough conditions. In these cases, reduce your speed, keep bilges free of water, head to the nearest shore or even anchor the boat, if necessary.

For more information on the marine programs at Broward College, contact Anthony Digirolamo at 954-201-8616 or adigiro1@broward.edu.

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National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 Safe Boating Campaign.

 

(OMAHA, Neb.) - The National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have teamed up with boating safety advocates across the U.S. to promote safe and responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, 2014.

National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of life jacket wear by recreational boaters.

Before casting off for a day on the water, boaters should take appropriate precautions. File a float plan with a friend or family, get a vessel safety check and take a boating safety course. Boaters should also check the weather forecast and make sure everyone on board is wearing the correct type and fit of life jacket. Boaters can develop “boater’s hypnosis” a condition in response to sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion, which causes fatigue and slows your reaction time. Combining this condition with alcohol or drugs greatly reduces your coordination, judgment and reaction time, which could lead to deadly consequences so please boat sober.

“Throughout the year hundreds of people drown or die in boating accidents and the majority of the deaths could have been prevented,” said Pam Doty, National Water Safety Program Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.   “We want you to come out and enjoy your national lakes and rivers and return home safely, so please wear a life jacket and boat friendly.”

 

 

–U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

 

By: Bill Schrama

 

                   Get out on the water and start practicing safe boating. Need a loan?

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Delaware kicks off boat safety week:

Delaware officials, including U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., convened in Lewes on Monday to celebrate National Safe Boating Week, which is May 17-23, to kick off the state's busiest boating season by encouraging safe boating practices.
Last year, there were no fatalities and eight reportable boating accidents in Delaware waters, a decrease from two fatalities and 13 accidents in 2012, according to a U.S. Coast Guard report. A total of 59,186 boats were registered in the state for 2013.
The report shows Delaware, Nebraska and Wyoming being the only states with zero boat-related fatalities in 2013. There were 14 fatalities — an increase from 11 in 2012 — in Maryland and 11 —a decrease from 15 in 2012 — in Virginia. The number of boating accidents declined in both Maryland and Virginia from 2012 to 2013.
Since 1991, when a Delaware law was passed that required children under the age of 12 to wear personal floatation devices, not a single child has died in Delaware waters, said Collin O'Mara, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary.
The state has also required persons born after Jan. 1, 1978 to take a boating safety course before they can operate boats on state waters, thanks to a law passed in 1994. Several courses are offered, many taught by U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary members, O'Mara said. The state offers an eight hour basic boating safety course in multiple locations statewide and online.
"These are laws that work," he said. "A lot of times when folks ... are passing laws, folks say 'what is this actually going to mean on the ground?' In this case it means lives are saved. It doesn't get much simpler than that."
Carper has been told by Delaware and out-of-state boaters the state is a great place to fish with wonderful facilities.
"We just had Mother's Day, a lot of people showed up to be with their mom, their grandmom, everybody was there ... in part because their lives were not lost in a boating accident," he said. "Father's Day is coming up ... and you can look around the room ... and everybody will be there. And at least if they're not, it won't be because of a boating accident, because we're looking out for them."
On a national level, boating accidents decreased from 4,515 in 2012 to 4,062 in 2013, with fatalities decreasing from 651 to 560, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Despite the week being devoted to boat safety, Chief Robert Legates of DNREC's Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement section said it's important to remain vigilant about boat safety all year long, adding wearing a lifejacket can reduce the change of drowning by as much as 80 percent.
"Not knowing or obeying the navigation rules of the roads, drinking alcohol or taking drugs while operating a boat or choosing not to wear your lifejacket puts boat operators and passengers and other boaters at risk," he said. "As a boater, sharpening your skills and knowledge and being aware of the risks can dramatically increase your safety on the water."

jbleiweis@dmg.gannett.com

By: Bill Schrama

                          Need a boat loan to get out on the water and start practicing safe boating.
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11: Cleveland Coast Guard National Safe Boating Week

Start the 2014 boating season with a safety check and refresh yourself with the safety rules.
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Safe Boating Week 2014 is May 17-23

BURLEY -  Idaho is a boater’s paradise. Hundreds of thousands of motorized and non-motorized vessels take to Idaho waterways annually. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) would like to remind boater’s to “Wear It” – Always wear your life jacket.


May 17 – 23, 2014 is National Safe Boating Week and Idaho intends to participate with several events. A complete listing of events is available on the IDPR events calendar.
 

Boating safety partners across the U.S. and Canada are teaming up to promote safe and responsible boating, including wearing a life jacket each and every time you are on the water.

“Life jackets are more comfortable and lightweight than ever, with many new styles including ‘suspender’ and ‘fanny-pack’ styles. Always make sure your life jackets are U.S.C.G. approved,” said Juelie Traska, Boating Education Coordinator for the IDPR. “Drowning remains the primary cause of death in recreational boating accidents. Statistics released by the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that eighty five percent of boaters who drowned in 2012 were not wearing their life jackets,” said Traska.
As part of Safe Boating Week, IDPR is advising boaters to take the time to check safety gear, replacing old life jackets as well as servicing boats and review boating laws before heading out for that first day on the water.
“Remember to practice safe and responsible boating, by wearing your life jacket and staying alert and aware while on the water,” said Traska. “By practicing these simple steps you can save your life as well as the lives of the people boating with you,” she said.
IDPR recommends four important things a boater can do to reduce accidents and fatalities. First, take a safe boating course; second, get a vessel safety check; third, never boat while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medications, and fourth, WEAR your life jacket.
For additional information on Vessel Safety Checks and Safe Boating Courses in Idaho, visit www.boat.idaho.gov.
Idaho’s Department of Parks and Recreation manages 30 state parks and recreation areas throughout Idaho.  The mission of the agency is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. Learn more about Idaho’s State Parks and Recreation Programs by visiting: www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

By: Bill Schrama

                    Need a boat loan to get out on the water and start practicing safe boating.
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Tips on Buying a Used Boat for Water Sports

Boat Buying Guide - Part II

USED BOAT BUYING CHECKLIST

TEST DRIVE - You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first, would you? Same holds true with a boat, even more so than a car. Boats are finicky animals. They tend to require more attention and maintenance than cars. When you test drive the boat pay close attention to the following things while underway:

Vibration
If it vibrates it could mean a variety of things like a bent propeller. A vibrating boat makes a noisy boat.Functioning Trim
If you're looking at an inboard/outboard boat check to make sure the trim works, which allows the motor to move from the down position to the angled position.
Response
Rapidly, but carefully, test the steering from one direction to another to see how long it takes the boat to respond.
Planing
Check to see how long it takes the boat to plane after take off.
Shifting
Does the boat slip smoothly into gear, or does it jump?
Reverse
Make sure the boat works in reverse. You never know how important this is until you have to dock.
Gauges and Instruments
Check the temperature, RPM, and speedometer for proper function.
Bilge
Make sure it is doing it's job. If your test ride is not long enough to tell, when you get back to the dock run some water in the engine hole with a water hose until the bilge kicks in.
It's a good idea to take along several people on the test drive. Added weight in a boat can affect it's performance and quickness.

Check to see how many hours are on a boat. You measure a car's use by miles and a boat's use by hours. If a boat has more than 500 hours you can expect to pay some money in upgrades and maintenance.

Wood and water don't mix, especially in the floor of a boat. Carefully inspect the floor for soft spots, which indicate rot. Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees and smell for floor for mildew.

Ask for a maintenance history on the boat. Find out what major repairs have been made to the boat. If a lot of work has been done to the boat, chances are there will be lots to come, which translates into dollars. Ask if the boat is still under warranty. Also, ask who the boat owner used for repairs and make a point to talk to them.

It's a good idea to have a qualified marine mechanic thoroughly inspect the boat before purchasing it. To find a marine surveyor call either the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS. If you are going to do it yourself check the spark arrestors and plugs, alternator, belts, hoses, strainer, blower, shift cables, engine alignment, etc. Analyze the oil and make sure it is not cloudy or gritty Cloudy oil can mean the engine block is cracked.

Take a walk around the boat and inspect the hull and make sure it is in good condition. Feel free to tap on the hull all the way around and make sure the hull is consistently solid. Mismatched paint is a sign the boat has been in an accident. Also check for gel-coat blisters and dry rot.

Check the prop for warping, cracks, or nicks. Any of these things can throw off the performance of the boat.

How has the boat been stored while not in use? Was is stored outside and exposed to the sun and weather? Or was it kept in protected dry storage? 

Depending on how the boat was stored can affect how the upholstery has held up over the years. Check for ripped seams and color fading. Also check the boat cover if there is one. 

It's nice if the owner will sell the boat with a few extras which are probably already on the boat. In my opinion, a depth finder is crucial. You don't want the boat to run aground, much less let your skier run aground. In most states a marine radio is required by law. A stereo is a nice thing to have so you can listen to tunes. Also see if the boat owner will throw in some life jackets and an anchor. And if you are a lucky slalom skier they may throw in a speed control device. 

If a trailer comes with the boat you want to buy check the trailer thoroughly. They are not cheap to replace. 

Locate the boat in the N.A.D.A. Guide to find out the price value range for the model and year. Remember, if the boat is priced at the low end or lower than the low end it's likely the boat's had a history of problems and there is a reason the owner wants to get rid of the boat.

By: Bill Schrama

                              Get money you need to buy a used boat
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Hurricane Season

If you boat anywhere down the East Coast or the along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when, you’ll have to deal with some direct or indirect affects associated with a hurricane. Now that the hard reality is out there, there are some things to keep in mind that can help you keep yourself safe and protect your property.

Stay Informed
One of the reasons folks get into boating in the first place is to get away from the constant sensory input of today’s overly connected world. But if you live an area that’s exposed to hurricanes (or other extreme weather for that matter), you need to find a reliable and fast way to get the latest forecasts. Of all the things you can do to keep safe when you’re in the path of a hurricane, advance warning is, by far, the most effective.
Get Out Of The Way
For most recreational powerboats, many times the best solution is to pull the vessel and head inland. This reduces the impact of the initial storm surge and the accompanying rain and wind. The sooner the better on this because there will be lots of folks who either don’t or can’t move their boats in advance. Those folks will be the ones jammed onto the back roads and highways when mandatory evacuation orders are issued.
Batten Down The Hatches
For those boats that can’t be moved, it’s time to go old-school mariner and batten down those hatches. That phrase has survived modern times because it precisely describes what you need to do in a crisis situation. First, remove anything that’s not permanently part of the boat. That means cushions, toasters, life jackets, curtain rods and anything else that would fall off if the boat gets sideways. Leave them aboard and you not only risk losing them for good, but you could create dangerous projectiles for anyone or anything still hanging around during the worst parts of the storm. Use plenty of extra fenders, used tires or anything else that will absorb impact and lash them to the boat. Quadruple your normal line usage, springing to any and all potential contact points. Check that all hatches and portholes are secure and detach or cover windscreens. It also wouldn’t hurt to drop an anchor fore and aft and make sure they’re well set.
Don’t Try To “Ride” It Out

There seems to be some absolutely crazy theory floating around out there that you and your boat might be better off away from your marina, riding out the storm in open water. That is a misguided and misinformed idea. Yes, you are technically out of the way of more flying debris and your boat won’t be lashed to a “fixed” object like a dock when the indescribable physics of a hurricane are set in motion. Here’s the rub: YOU will be unnecessarily in harm’s way. There is NOTHING tough about riding out a furious storm on the water. Boats become a part of our lifestyles and identities, but they can ALWAYS be replaced.

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