BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters’ safety and we are proud to have them as SPONSORS!

VHF radio technology has greatly improved, but do boaters know how to properly use the newest models of DSC VHF radios?

NEWS From BoatUS

Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

New Online Course for Boaters: All About Marine Radio

ANNAPOLIS, MD, July 6, 2015 ‘“ If you put 10 boaters in a room with a working marine VHF radio, how many could call for help, call a friend, or share a navigational hazard with nearby boaters? Chances are the most important piece of safety gear aboard a boat is the least understood. A partnership with the US Power Squadrons and BoatUS Foundation aims to improve boaters’ knowledge with the new online course, All About Marine Radio, offered at BoatUS.org/courses. The course shows how to use standard VHF radios as well as newer Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radios and is great for novices and experienced boaters. Taken from the comfort of home, the course is $24.95.

`From calling a mayday to requesting a marina slip, it’s the boater’s VHF radio that is the most reliable way to communicate and it is the only piece of equipment that can get those closest to a boat in distress to respond quickly,’ said BoatUS Foundation Director of Education Amanda Suttles Pérez.

All About Marine Radio teaches how to choose the best radio for your boating lifestyle and how to get the most use out of it. The online course will show some simple rules to follow when you’re using a marine VHF radio plus how to:

Determine which features you want in a marine radio for your type of boating
Make and receive radio calls, including what channels to use
Obtain and use an Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number for your boat
Call for help in all kinds of emergencies
Ensure that your transmissions are understandable
Simple rules to follow when using your radio
Joining BoatUS for $24 annually lowers the course’s price to $19.96 ‘“ the same price offered to US Power Squadrons, Canadian Power Squadrons, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Great Lakes Cruising Club members. More information on BoatUS membership benefits can be found at BoatUS.com/membership.

About BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the over half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the non-profit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses ‘“ including 34 free state courses ‘“ can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.

About United States Power Squadrons:

Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.

BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters’ safety and we are proud to have them as SPONSORS!

NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304

The newest fuel portable fuel tanks require installation of a fuel demand valve and BoatUS shows you how.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

Boaters Find Newest Portable Outboard Fuel Tanks Not All They’re Cracked Up to Be:

Installing Fuel-Demand Valve Wise Move

BoatUS Video Shows You How

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 30, 2015 ‘“ Owners with outboard powered boats have lived with portable fuel tanks for years, but recent well-intentioned efforts to stop smog-causing gas fumes from escaping by eliminating the familiar two-way vent is causing new concerns. Without a vent ‘“ typically a small screw type fixture on the tank’s cap or top ‘“ a portable tank can swell up like a balloon in the hot sun with the internal pressure forcing gas into the outboard where it can spew inside the cowling, eventually dribbling out. It’s a wise move to install an inexpensive fuel-demand valve in the fuel line that will prevent any gas from reaching the motor unless the motor calls for it, and BoatUS has a video and easy to follow instructions to show you how.

`Our members are telling us that the new tanks aren’t all they are cracked up to be,’ said BoatUS Magazine Executive Editor Mike Vatalaro. `These new EPA compliant portable tanks and jerry jugs have special fittings that greatly reduce evaporative emissions from gasoline. But where traditional tanks simply vent to the atmosphere, the new tanks won’t vent until the internal pressure reaches five pounds per square inch. In the meantime, fuel could be forced up the fuel line into the outboard, many of which have no means to hold it back.’

`Leaving the tank disconnected just results in the same gush of gas once you do hook it up, either from the tank end or through the engine,’ added Vatalaro. `Installing an inexpensive fuel-demand valve in the fuel line will prevent any gas from reaching the motor unless the motor calls for it.’ The video and instructions can be found at:

BoatUS.com/installfueldemandvalve

The video was done in partnership with the American Boat & Yacht Council (abycinc.com) and is part of BoatUS Magazine’s Practical Boater series that offers skills building, techniques and best practices to get the most out of boating.

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.