Boat U.S. - September 2008 - (Page 15)

next few years, millions more boaters will directly benefit from the system, which includes vastly improved distress communications, highly accurate direction-finding, elimination of coverage gaps and service up to 20 miles from shore. The regular VHF radio also works with Rescue 21 and the Coast Guard has no plans to stop guarding Channel 16 for distress calls. In addition to sending a mayday call with the vessel’s MMSI number automatically, perhaps the greatest benefit of a DSC radio is its ability to connect to a GPS or Loran receiver and also transmit an exact position of the vessel. As reported in the July issue of BoatU.S. Magazine, boaters with DSC radios must have an MMSI programmed into the radio for the mayday button to work. And since radio models differ in how they work, reading the owner’s manual is a must. Having an MMSI number also enables one boat to silently hail another boat on the digital channel 70. This year, BoatU.S. is equipping all of its TowBoatU.S. and Vessel Assist providers with DSC radios. While Rescue 21 is not yet operational in all regions, commercial ships are required to monitor Ch. 70. To see a schedule of Rescue 21 installations, go to www.BoatUS. com/MMSI and click on the Map button. Also at this site is a free radio tutorial, “Can You Hear Me?” Since 1999, the FCC has required newly approved fixed-mount VHF radios to include Digital Selective Calling. Now nearly all models have the feature and even some handhelds. For boaters not required to have an FCC license — those with boats less than 65 feet, not using Inmarsat and not cruising abroad — MMSI numbers can be obtained online at www. BoatUS.com/MMSI, or by downloading the form and faxing it in. BoatU.S. does not release its registration information to anyone other than the U.S. Coast Guard. Boating Access Makes Progress A national conference on waterways access sponsored by BoatU.S and 24 other organizations is still bearing fruit to address one of boating’s most difficult challenges. According to co-chair Dr. Thomas J. Murray, with the Virginia Sea Grant program, the May 2007 conference brought together real-world solutions to access issues and has inspired new approaches. “The idea was to highlight successful approaches to water access challenges for the benefit of policy makers, elected officials, land use planners, legal scholars and the boating industry,” Murray said. “But more than that, the goal was to provide an ongoing forum where the same audiences can benefit from a continuing exchange of information on these issues, and that continues today.“ Murray provided an overview of post-conference initiatives that address water access issues at local, state, regional and federal levels to the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council in June. The council, a federally chartered advisory panel to the Secretary of the Interior, and chaired by a BoatU.S. representative provided seed money BoatU.S. Magazine September 2008 http://www.BoatUS.com/MMSI http://www.BoatUS.com/MMSI http://www.BoatUS.com/MMSI http://www.BoatUS.com/MMSI

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Boat U.S. - September 2008

Boat U.S. - September 2008 Contents Behind The Buoy BoatU.S. Reports Member Forum List Locker Aluminum Can Do Cruising in Crossovers Second Guessing Seasonal Forecasts A Cradle for Your Baby Badlands Boating The Inns and Outs of Penobscot Bay All in the Family: The Butler Did It Stealing Back Peace of Mind DIY Boat Owner Files Good Foundations Boat Smart 2nd Time Around Hot Tips Tangled Line Seaworthy Ask Chuck At Your Service BoatU.S. Exchange Behind the Boat Where Our Flags Fly

Boat U.S. - September 2008

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