Boat U.S. - January 2009 - (Page 8)

Continued from previous page for the Alaskan coastline, complicated by lack of roads and existing sites to set up radio towers. Since the Coast Guard’s 1970s-era radio system is so antiquated that replacement parts are no longer available, the new system has proven itself in a number of fast rescues in which boaters and ships in distress were quickly located, saving expensive search and rescue time for ships and aircraft. The new technology gives Coast Guard watchstanders stronger radio signals, enhanced directionfinding, instant playback of received calls, and better communications with other agencies and first responders. For boaters, a DSC radio connected to a GPS sends the boater’s position automatically with a distress call. Anyone using a regular VHF radio can still be heard and benefit from Rescue 21 where it is available. However, using a DSC VHF radio enables the Coast Guard to receive the vessel’s GPS position and ID number automatically. One push of a DSC radio’s mayday button sends an encoded distress signal and continues sending even if the skipper is incapacitated. The new system also makes it easier to identify and catch hoax distress callers. To register for a free MMSI (Marine Mobile Service Identity) number for a DSC radio, go to www.BoatUS.com/MMSI. For boaters already registered, visit the site and update your records whenever your contact information or vessel changes. The nationwide implementation schedule is also at this site as well as links to Coast Guard updates. — Elaine Dickinson Could You Use A Clean-Water Grant? For 10 years, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has awarded grants to community groups that want to address environmental problems on local waterways. This grant program awards up to $4,000 to yacht clubs, fishing groups, scout troops, and community nonprofit organizations to spur environmental education and action in their home waters. Groups have used grants to create brochures to educate boaters about the availability of pump-out stations, for BoatU.S. Magazine January 2009 example, install information kiosks on waterway ecology, add monofilament recycling bins for anglers at launching ramps, and host river cleanup contests. Any project that educates boaters about protecting the marine environment is eligible. The annual program has funded 149 projects in 35 states since its founding in 1997. This year’s application deadline is Feb. 1, 2009. www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/cleanwater/grants. — Scott Croft http://www.BoatUS.com/MMSI http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/cleanwater/grants http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/cleanwater/grants

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Boat U.S. - January 2009

BoatU.S. - January 2009 Contents At The Helm Reader Forum BoatU.S. Reports Brokerage Boats Invasion Of The Access Snatchers Don’t Move A Mussel Tech Connection BoatsGearWheels A Defect And Its Aftermath Obama Onboard? Fast-Water Fly-Fishing How I Got That Shot A Loop Through The Heartland Why Boats Sink At The Dock Install Your Own Trim Tabs BoatU.S. Exchange At Your Service/Mbr. Benefits

Boat U.S. - January 2009

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