Beyond Basic Safety Gear

Go beyond the basic safety gear. This is survival gear.

Safety on board is undoubtedly the most important aspect of boating. When something goes wrong, having the proper gear can keep you alive. Increase your chances of survival by going beyond basic safety gear.

Most boaters carry just the basics: navigational lights, air horn, PFDs, fire extinguisher, flare, and a bottle of water. But before you head offshore this summer, consider carrying an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), a personal locator beacon (PLB), emergency life raft, a night-vision camera, and high-powered spotlight.

I once was lost but now am found

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is essential when planning your safety gear.

The most recent European Union launch of Galileo navigation satellites added second-generation search-and-rescue (SAR) transponders to the International COSPASSARSAT Medium-Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) constellation. The primary mission of the MEOSAR system is navigation. Its large footprint on the globe allows the use of Doppler measurements to calculate a distress beacon’s location, while the Low-Earth Orbit (LEOSAR) and Geostationary Orbit (GEOSAR) are primarily for gathering meteorological data. Both the LEOSAR and GEOSAR satellites, however, provide assistance when a distress beacon is activated. The MEOSAR array provides faster signal detection, greater reliability, and accuracy and will soon be the dominant system for COSPAS-SARSAT service.

This is the system that communicates with an EPIRB and PLB distress signal that transmits on the 406 MHz frequency. A GPS-enabled EPIRB can identify your location to as close as 164 feet. A PLB works the same way but only transmits about 24 hours (the EPIRB has a minimum 48-hour transmission) and is registered to a person whereas an EPIRB is registered to the watercraft.

There are a number of EPIRBs and PLBs on the market, such as ACR’s GlobalFIX V4 EPIRB which has an internal 66-channel GPS. It has a 406 MHz transmission to connect with the COSPAS-SARSAT system and also uses the 121.5 MHz signal for more accurate detection when rescuers are close by. McMurdo’s Smartfind G8 AIS (shown) is the first to combine 406 MHz transmissions with an AIS (Automatic Information System) locator. Ocean Signal’s rescueME EPIRB and Simrad’s EP70 are also highly rated.

Was blind but now I see

Fishing in the Gulf at night won’t be fun if an oil rig gets in the way. Coming into the harbor isn’t any easier. With obstacles like tidal currents and other boats that can get in your path, docking can be a challenge. What if there was a man overboard scenario? Hope he’s wearing a PLB along with a strobe light.

Having a low-light and/or thermal camera that links with your electronic display is a godsend in those situations. Infrared or thermal imaging captures temperature differences between the background and the foreground. It detects thermal radiation that is emitted by anything with a temperature above zero. Thermal imaging cameras don’t need light to see.

A night vision camera requires some ambient light (from the shore or even the moon and stars). The latest technology has cameras capable of returning an image with just 0.1 lux (a full moon with a clear sky is 0.05 to 0.3 lux) and some with a sensitivity of 0.0008 lux. Resolution size is a critical number with thermal imaging and night vision cameras, but the camera’s sensitivity mode is important as well. The higher the number, the more you can see. High sensitivity modes make the camera more sensitive to pick up changes in temperature, which is important when trying to locate a crewmember in a man-overboard situation.

As with most safety gear, there are a number of companies producing thermal and night vision cameras, such as FLIR, Raymarine, and The Yacht Group.

That Saved a Wretch Like Me

One of the handiest safety accessories is the spotlight. Not much needs to be said as most people understand the advantages of having a flashlight when it’s dark. ACR, FLIR, and West Marine are just a few of the manufacturers who offer spotlight solutions. Fully automated systems with cameras, such as The Yacht Group’s Yacht Cam Bright that combines the night vision camera with a searchlight are extremely helpful.

The Yacht Group’s Yacht Cam Bright is a combination night vision camera and searchlight.

Its extreme lowlight sensitivity of 0.0013 lux (color) and 0.0008 lux (monochromatic) distinguishes images with 2.13-megapixel resolution and 30x optical zoom. The wide spot beam, effective to 1,000 feet by 70 feet, can further illuminate an object seen in the camera’s all-in-one unit with joystick control.

In addition to these important safety products, keep in mind the location in which you’ll be cruising. Conditions on the water can change rapidly, so logically consider all possible scenarios prior to heading to the marina. Think about how far you’ll be from shore, the water temperature will be, and weather conditions. Make sure to have ample supplies of food and water in the event you’re out longer than anticipated. Even a ditch kit if you have to abandon ship. When it comes to boating, safety is always the first priority.

Useful Resources

ACR

FLIR

MCMURDO

SIMRAD

By Steve Davis, Southern Boating June 2018

E-flares to the Rescue

E-flares are a safer alternative to pyrotechnic flares that burn dangerously hot.

When it comes to marine distress flares, compliance with current regulations might not be safe enough for some recreational boat owners. Current regulations call for recreational boats to carry three pyrotechnic handheld flares that can stay lit for 60 seconds. While buying a kit of three flares and stowing it in a locker makes the boat “in compliance” if the U.S Coast Guard inspects the vessel, it’s not the ideal plan. It’s the least expensive plan,
though, and too often that wins. It’s said that safety doesn’t sell, but that attitude may be changing, thanks to e-flares.

For example, Weems & Plath launched The SOS Distress Light in 2015, which is U.S. Coast Guard compliant to replace pyrotechnic flares. At a cost of about $100, that is three times more expensive than a three-pack of pyrotechnic flares, but it is safer, and thousands have been sold. Sirius Signal was the developer of the SOS Distress Light, and after engineering and testing, brought it to Weems & Plath to manufacture and distribute.

“It flashes the SOS light sequence only, and that is the sole purpose of the light, which was the requirement from the Coast Guard,” said Cathie Trogdon, VP of Public Relations and Advertising for Weems & Plath. “If the Coast Guard is to board you, make sure [the light is] working— that the batteries are in the unit so when the officer tests it, it works. People love the idea that they don’t have to go out and buy flares. Our product has a lifetime warranty, and while it is more expensive than some flares, you make up the difference quickly over time.”

SOS Distress Light’s LED flashes up to 60 hours and is visible up to 10 nautical miles out. When paired with a daytime distress flag, which is included with the purchase of an SOS Distress Light, it satisfies the Coast Guard requirements for day and night use in lieu of traditional flares. “These e-flares float and can be hand-held, tethered or hoisted aloft,” Trogdon said. “It operates with three standard C batteries [and] complies with all U.S. Coast Guard requirements for ‘Night Visual Distress Signals’ as found in the Code of Federal Regulations: 46 CFR 161.013.”

Building better e-flares is also the goal of Ocean Signal. The company also builds emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) and personal location devices (PLBs) out of its Margate, UK, facility and is owned by ACR. “Electronic is just the smarter way to go,” explained Rich Galasso, National Sales Manager for Ocean Signal. “With the pyrotechnic flares, you are putting a 5,000-degree torch in somebody’s hand in a wet environment on an unstable platform. It’s all problematic. Plus, flares can quickly be out of date and not usable.”

Ocean Signal’s rescueME EDF1 is a perfect complement to the pyrotechnic kit of three e-flares that makes your boat Coast Guard compliant. The rescueME EDF1 is approved to replace pyrotechnic flares in specific circumstances in Finland and Latvia. “An electronic flare is something a child can use,” Galasso said. “It’s a product you are going to use if something really goes bad, and in the end, it will be the product that actually saves your life.”

The rescueME EDF1 is small enough to fit inside a ditch bag or life raft, and its lithium batteries offer enough power for 6 hours, whereas a traditional flare burns for about 30 seconds. The unit can be used repeatedly in any of its four modes ensuring continued visibility is maintained over a longer period. Those modes are Economy, High,Ultra, and Forward Beam, plus SOS signaling. It can be used with one hand, has a visibility range of up to seven miles and is waterproof to 10 meters. “Another big challenge with pyrotechnic flares is disposal of them when they are out of date,” Trogdon said. “People have a difficult time getting rid of pyrotechnic flares legally. In some towns, the city of Annapolis, for instance, the fire department will take them and use them for their own training. But they really have to go to specific incinerators for proper disposal.” Water-logged flare kits wedged in a boat storage compartment underneath the life jackets are common. Or people toss the old kits in their garage, hoping they never see them again. Others, like the reckless and inventive, will light them off on July 4th, which is crazy but true.

Because the SOS Distress Light floats, it can be constantly signaling even when you are in the water. Since a flare only burns from 30 to 60 seconds, the light is much more constant. In addition, because most people first send out a Mayday call by cell phone and VHF, the e-flare is an important way for a Coast Guard vessel to locate the distressed vessel when rescue is imminent.

An actual rescue on January 6, 2017, was aided by the SOS Distress Light. Michael Misianowycz and a friend were rescued by the Coast Guard after their 25-foot center console had trouble. They had departed out of Mobile, Alabama, and when they didn’t return as scheduled, a rescue was initiated. At about 10 miles out, the Coast Guard spotted a light blinking SOS and contacted Misianowycz via VHF handheld. The SOS Distress Light was turned on and the Coast Guard aircrew spotted it using their night vision goggles. The boat capsized almost immediately after the Coast Guard vessel, a 45-foot Metal Shark, picked them up.

oceansignal.com; weems-plath.com

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating January 2018

WATCH: Safety Items for Summer

Safe summer ahead!

Memorial Day is just around the corner. While the holiday honors those who died serving in the country’s armed forces, the date is also considered the unofficial kickoff of summer.

This year, Memorial Day is right after National Safe Boating Week (May 19^th to 25^th). If you are planning to take advantage of the long holiday weekend by heading out on the water, be sure to have your safety gear in check. Make 2018 a safe summer with this new gear.

There’s no time like the present to see the newest safety gear on the market, ranging from life jackets and floats to flares and fire extinguishers. All are lifesaving and also necessary to pass inspection with the USCG.

Watch this video, as Wesley Strong of Baltimore Marine Centers highlights some of the important safety gear you’ll need for the long weekend at sea.

For more safety tips, check out our Top Six Safety Tips.

Guest Guidance

How to talk safety with guests before you leave the dock.

When it comes to having an enjoyable time out on the water, ensuring the safety of your passengers is paramount. As summer progresses and days grow warmer, the arrival of the weekend signals the perfect time to capitalize on one of the many pleasures of boat ownership: to invite friends and family aboard for a day of carefree cruising. What’s better than taking the helm and treating your guests to that specific kind of fresh air that only comes from a salty breeze?

Adhering to safety regulations and establishing safe boating practices is one of the most important ways to help your guests enjoy their experience. Accidents happen no matter the age or degree of competence of the skipper, and having a predetermined understanding of the waterway rules may help avoid incidents.

As the skipper of the boat, you have a unique responsibility not only for the safety of all passengers, but also for that of nearby boats, individuals in the surrounding waters (such as swimmers, divers, etc.) and anyone who may be impacted by your boat’s wake. It’s important to learn how to manage this responsibility without taking away from the enjoyment of being out on the water.

So now that you’ve ensured the vessel is in working order, double-checked your safety gear and refilled the cooler, are your passengers aware of their own onboard responsibilities? Guests should be briefed on how they can positively contribute aboard the boat. Before casting off lines, take any passengers unfamiliar with the boat on a tour around the vessel. Show them where you keep the safety equipment, such as PFDs, throwables and the fire extinguisher, and also explain docking plans. These extra steps could save a life in the event of an emergency or if the skipper is suddenly incapacitated and/or unable to man the helm.

Before the excursion, preparing a list of tips and guidelines for your guests helps them understand the rules of being on the deck. Make these tips as silly or straightforward as you want as long as they convey the proper message and necessary information to guests. Use these as a guide:

Keep distractions to a minimum.
In order to effectively steer the boat, the skipper must remain focused on his surroundings. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) Recreational Boating Statistics, operator inattention was the primary contributing factor of accidents and casualties nationally in 2014 with approximately 600 incidents recorded. Guests may easily avoid unnecessary distractions, which could help reduce the number of incidents. We’re not suggesting to turn off the music or stop socializing; however, it might mean that the skipper needs to wait to view that funny video your friend posted on Facebook until the boat is docked.

Pay attention to surrounding area.
All passengers should keep an eye out for oncoming boat traffic and feel free to speak up to the skipper about any concerns. It’s probable the skipper sees that looming megayacht or quick-moving cigarette boat approaching, especially in crowded areas like the ICW, but it won’t hurt to speak up and share your concerns, anyway. After all, distractions ensue slyly and a quick shout may help get the skipper’s attention back on the water.

Properly stow away all personal items.
Provide specific instructions for your guests before they arrive or don’t be surprised when they show up at the dock with four bags full of towels, spray-on sunscreen, three extra outfits, and an extra-large cooler. With limited space on board, it’s important to disclose what guests should bring and what is provided ahead of time so they may pack appropriately. Along the same vein, prepare your guests to wear weather-appropriate attire. Keep in mind that even a hint of rain means you have to find room for multiple raincoats brought as a preventative measure, which is difficult when space is limited. Show guests where to neatly stow away their personal items to keep walkways clear.

Wear proper footwear.
Although many cruisers go barefoot while out on the water, wearing non-skid shoes on deck helps prevent the potential for slips and falls. Guests without much on-the-water experience especially benefit from this policy as it aims to reduce the number of onboard injuries. Slipping and falling on a moving vessel was ranked among the top factors in the USCG Statistic report regarding bodily injury incidents. Wearing appropriate footwear is a simple solution to keep guests upright and having fun.

Consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation.
Obviously, excessive consumption of alcohol is extremely dangerous in any situation. Alcohol abuse aboard a vessel results in dozens of deaths each year. Communicate the limits to your passengers before cracking open a bottle so everyone may have a good time and relax while underway, especially the hosts.

By Susanna Botkin, Southern Boating July 2016

Bone Up On Your Boating Skills

Bone Up on Your Boating Skills and then enjoy the Tides.

With cooler temperatures prevailing in the Mid-Atlantic region, it’s a good time to take in a boating course or two on such topics as safety precautions, navigating and diesel basics to name a few. Fortunately, our region offers plenty of educational opportunities, many of which are nearby and relatively inexpensive.

Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and North Carolina all offer state-sponsored safe boating classes with schedules and registration available on their state government boating websites. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), for example, offers free instructor-led courses to the public. Pre-registration is required and classes typically fill fast. VDGIF recommends its basic course for anyone 12 years and older with good reading and comprehension skills who want to learn more about safe and responsible boating. By 2016 in Virginia, all operators of PWCs and motorboats with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater will be required to have a boating safety education course completion card on board. The schedule for a variety of courses are on the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons websites—just punch in your zip code. cgaux.org; usps.org

The other option is simply propping yourself in front of a computer. Courses approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators are accepted for certification by all the states. Some courses have a fee. nasbla.org

Scenic wine tasting
Once you’re of legal age or if you already are, a fantastic place to dock is the Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia, for its annual “Taste by the Bay: Wine, Food, Arts and Ale” event on November 21st from 11AM to 5PM. Activities include samplings from local wineries and craft breweries, tastings from local restaurants, live music by Mercy Creek, and shopping—well-timed for the holiday season—for local creations by artisan vendors.

The Tides Inn overlooks Chesapeake Bay and is an 11-minute walk from the Steamboat Era Museum and 5.5 miles from the boutiques and galleries of Kilmarnock. The Inn’s marina on Carters Creek offers new floating docks that accommodate up to 24 vessels ranging from small weekend cruisers to 150-foot charters. The resort also offers tennis, golf and a spa. Lodge Marina, a water taxi ride away from the Tides, provides 36 slips and also accommodates boats up to 150 feet. tidesinn.com

Big fish are back
It’s that time of the year when large migrant striped bass make their way back through Chesapeake Bay from more northern environs. Anglers fishing in the 23rd Fall Classic November 20-22 hosted by the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association hope to hook up with the traveling fish for prize money, bragging rights and, perhaps, seafood to add to this year’s Thanksgiving feast. Some 800 anglers on more than 200 boats are expected to participate in this year’s tournament, which is the last in the club’s tournament series. During the two-day competition, anglers can fish their favorite hot spots throughout the Bay and its tributaries as the MSSA and its volunteers have weigh stations set up from Sandy Point to Point Lookout. mssa.org

By Christopher Knauss, Southern Boating, November 2015