Who are the Somali Pirates?

If you think that you are going to be able to pick these pirates out of a crowd, think again. There are no eye patches, shoulder parrots, or metalware for hands. These pirates are everyday residents living in Africa. They use smaller boats when they are out at sea rather than the big ships that you are probably thinking of. The smaller boats allow the pirates to move very quickly and often attack their victims at night without warning. Often times these pirates lead very successful lives, especially in the area of Puntland. When you look at the prestige that comes in this region for being a pirate and the amount of money they can make, it is easy to see how they are able to recruit individuals to commit these crimes. These pirates are very smart individuals and they are skilled at what they do. Many of the pirates actually see themselves as protectors of their coast. They claim that they are protecting their waters from illegal fisherman and other things they feel hurt their body of water.

How Bad is the Piracy?

Are these pirates really protecting their waters or has it turned into something worse? It would appear that it is a little of both. Most of the area off the coast of Somali has had to deal with illegal fishermen and the dumping of toxic waste. Since most of the area relies on fishing to make a living, they feel that they are justified in fighting for their territory against outside fishermen. Though they believe that they are protecting their coast and livelihood, many wonder if they have gone too far.

• Americans killed aboard a yacht: Back in 2011, the yacht Quest was hijacked by 15 pirates off the coast of Oman. Though smaller ships are usually used when hijacking vessels, the pirates used their main ship before they boarded the yacht. The U.S. worked with some of the pirates to arrange for the release of the four American captives. However, at some point gunfire erupted and all the captives were killed.
• Luxury French yacht: Prior to the American hostage situation, a similar situation occurred in the Gulf of Aden. The yacht was traveling to Yemen to pick up new passengers. It is reported that there were six pirates that boarded the vessel and attempted to take it over. The yacht crew ended up being released. Shortly after, the suspected pirates were arrested.

What is Being Done?

It can be very hard to list out all of the occurrences that are happening. Though they believe that they are protecting what is theirs, different nations are standing up to the pirates to let them know that the piracy will not be tolerated. In the case of the four Americans that were killed, one pirate has officially been found guilty. The American government is now pushing that he receives the death penalty. Trials have also begun in the case of the six pirates arrested in connection to the French yacht. Though there has been some legal action, more drastic measures are now being carried out. European Union forces have carried out the first raid against the pirates. The pirates are now becoming huge security risks and it has become a priority to stop them at all costs.

What is a bottlenose dolphin?

Appearance
The bottlenose dolphin is an aquatic mammal that has a fish-like appearance. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, this type of dolphin comes in a range of shades from light gray to black.

A fully grown bottlenose dolphin can be between 10 and 14 feet in length and weighs approximately 1,100 pounds. The average life span of these dolphins ranges from 40 to 50 years, and sexual maturity occurs between the ages of five and 12 years.

Diet
National Geographic notes that bottlenose dolphins are carnivores that mainly feed on fish, although they have been known to enjoy a meal of shellfish or squid. The aquatic mammals are very intelligent and have even been observed attempting to retrieve cast-offs from fishing boats.

Habitat and Migration
Bottlenose dolphins thrive in warm, tropical waters. They are found in moderate waters worldwide and engage in migration patterns throughout the year. Some groups of dolphins, also known as “pods,” choose to stick close to the coastal regions of countries. These pods occasionally migrate into the bays in coastal areas. Other pods prefer staying in open water year-round.

Bottlenose dolphin populations in the United States are primarily located in the waters around Hawaii and off the coast of California. Some of these dolphins have been spotted off the coast of Oregon and Washington State and in the Gulf of Mexico. While these waters have the highest population of bottlenose dolphins in the United States, these dolphins have also been known to inhabit the waters off the Atlantic Coast of the United States.

Reproduction
Research shows that the mating habits of bottlenose dolphins are polygynous in nature. It is believed that the males of the species compete with other males for the opportunity to mate with females. Because of this competitive reproduction process, the strongest males of the species are the most likely to sire calves.

A female typically has only one calf per pregnancy. The gestation period of a bottlenose dolphin lasts 12 months and, calves are often dependent on their mothers for up to six years following birth. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park states that each female has an average of six to eight calves throughout her lifetime.

Why are bottlenose dolphins endangered?

Habitat Destruction
The Dolphin Institute explains that resources necessary to keep bottlenose dolphin populations thriving are consistently being depleted by humans. Not only does depletion of resources by humans affect these dolphins, but the simple fact that humans are using the waters for their own purposes hurts the ecosystem as well. Human activities including oil drilling, pollution from boats and recreational water sports have forced bottlenose dolphins out of these waters that would otherwise be ideal due to the climate and food sources available. These dolphins then migrate to less hospitable waters where they may not thrive due to the harsh environment and limited food source.

Poaching
As mentioned in Daily News & Analysis, the endangered bottlenose dolphin has been the target of poachers in the coastal area surrounding India. Dolphins that are poached are either sold for culinary or clothing purposes as their meat may be considered a delicacy in some cultures and their skin is used as a clothing material.

The problem of poaching is most prevalent in the waters off the coasts of countries with little to no monitoring of poaching activities.

Accidents
The biggest threat to bottlenose dolphins may be the fact that dolphins have been known to get caught in fishing nets. Dolphins that become caught in nets are unable to come up for air and have been known to drown. Others have become so tangled in the nets that they are critically injured.

Poisoning
Although it is not a common practice worldwide, some fishermen have been observed poisoning animals in the sea that eat the fish they are trying to catch. Bottlenose dolphins have been known to be poisoned in this manner in the past. The aim of the fishermen is to make sure that the fish populations stay abundant, but the harm done to the ecosystem as a whole may lessen their chances of keeping the amount of fish that are caught steadily rising.

Conservation Efforts
One step to help bottlenose dolphin populations thrive is the Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan that has been put into place in the United States. The plan’s aim is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries suffered by bottlenose dolphins as a result of fishing net accidents. This goal is to be achieved through the restriction of the types of nets that fishermen are allowed to use in open water. Dolphins in the waters off the Atlantic Coast of the United States and in the Gulf of Mexico benefit from the conservation plan.

Bottlenose dolphins are also protected under acts regarding the interaction of humans with marine mammals. Efforts to keep human interaction from harming dolphins prohibits humans from feeding, touching or approaching bottlenose dolphins in the wild.

While human actions have been threatening bottlenose dolphin populations worldwide, efforts to preserve the species have been enacted in several countries. The general public should take care to avoid personal interaction with bottlenose dolphins or any marine mammal in the wild because of the risk of disturbing their habitat.

1. NOAA Buoy and Tide Data

   The NOAA Buoy and Tide Data app for iPhone provides weather data and tide predictions in the United States’ seas. Buoys at sea can be located by searching for the name or region. You can also use the built-in GPS or manually enter the location. Knowing where the various buoys are is easy with a search radius at hand, a map of all buoy locations, and live buoy data sorted by proximity to your current location. You can even save your favorite buoys for easy access later on. The app will quickly navigate you to the buoy’s website online. In the latest version of the app, moon phases were added for a boater’s quick reference.

2. iNavX Marine Navigation

   With the iNavX Marine Navigation app, you can utilize NOAA RNC raster United States waters marine charts for the West Coast, Gulf Coast, East Coast, Great Lakes, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Virgin Islands. It comes with a built-in GPS, cell tower, and Wi-Fi, making it easy and seamless to plot your position on the available charts. You can then print out the charts if you want a hard copy. Practical Sailor rated the iNavX Marine Navigation app the “Top Choice Marine Navigation app” for its February 2012 issue. On iTunes, it can be purchased for $49.99, a steal considering its multiple functions and compatibility with other boating apps on the market.

3. Boating Suite

   Boating Suite is made to help you organize all of your boating information into one easy-to-use app. It consists of six modules detailing your various boat trips and expenses associated with them. All of the charts and reports can be exported to your computer where they can be printed or kept for record. An integrated fuel log helps you keep track of all of your fuel purchases, while the maintenance log provides a quick reference to all of the maintenance done on the boat over time. An expense log allows you to keep track of your spending. There’s even a shopping list and a to-do list to keep yourself focused and on track. The “my boat” module maintains information as to the boat’s serial numbers, registration, insurance, fluids, batteries, and so forth.

4. Boater’s Pocket Reference

   The Boater’s Pocket Reference is a detailed guide providing 1,800 pages of boating information via facts, figures, formulas, graphs, and tables. It is helpful for boaters of any experience level, from beginner to seasoned boater. Some of the many pages cover piloting and navigation, communication, boating regulations within the United States and Canada, boating terminology, and boating resources for emergencies. There are even chapters devoted to teaching you how to tie 50 different knots. Mechanical charts help you to identify the different working parts of an engine or motor when you’re in a pinch and don’t have access to a mechanic.

5. Emergency Distress Beacon

   The Emergency Distress Beacon app is an extremely simple but effective tool for sending out a call for help when lost or endangered at sea. The built-in GPS system deciphers your exact latitude and longitude, which can then be sent to any email address of your choice. The coordinates are what distinguish the app from regular GPS finders. The app is entirely free and could save your life in a moment of distress.

6. Ship Captain’s Medical Guide

   The Ship Captain’s Medical Guide app is a comprehensive reference to over 1,100 pages of medical information assembled by the United Kingdom’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency. If a medical emergency occurs on a boat without any doctor on board, the app can be utilized to carry out treatment or read for info about preventative measures that can be taken. Among the various topics are the common first aid principles, various toxic hazards, how to care for someone with a head, eye, ear, or nose injury, and references to basic anatomy and physiology. The app also provides links to external assistance, should you find that you are unable to carry out the medical assistance required for the situation.

7. Boat Trader

   If you’re on the market for a boat or looking to sell your boat, the Boat Trader app administers the use of GPS access to locate more than 100,000 new and used boats, yachts, sailboats and personal watercraft in the area. You can easily get in touch with other boat owners or find a dealer in the Boat Trader Dealer Network near you. The search is sensitive enough to allow you to filter by boat type, new and used condition boats, price range, and model year. Boat listings come complete with contact information for various sellers and photos of the boat itself, so you can see it on the app before you see it in person. You can even add your favorite boats to a wish list and view saved boats later on.

8. Anchor Alarm

   Anchor Alarm allows you to specify an anchor point with reference to your location. You can then see your distance from a given point, and straying too far from the fixed anchor will cause an alarm to sound. The app also checks itself by sounding an alarm any time that accuracy within the app is compromised. If you exit the app, your current settings will be remembered and the alarm will still be running simultaneous with other apps. There is a setting that will keep the iPhone from entering sleep mode such that the GPS is always up to date. The makers of the app were even considerate enough to design the app with a dark interface so that if it sounds in the middle of the night, the screen won’t be blinding for sensitive eyes that have been previously sleeping.

1. The Bahamas

   Popular among many Americans during the winter months, the Bahamas offer more than 700 islands and around 2,400 cays to explore. The warm, clear waters of the Atlantic offer splendid views with a variety of marine life. There are many safe anchorages behind some islands that will protect you from especially strong winds, but depending on weather conditions, there is usually a pleasant breeze in the Bahamas to aid you along your sailing expedition. You can almost always count on 20 knots from the East (with the exception of winds preceding a cold front.) In protected waters (designated “safe” areas), you can sail virtually any day.

 

2. Phuket, Thailand

   Phuket, Thailand is the base for sailing the Andaman Sea, Thailand’s maritime jewel. With stunning geography, crystalline waters, and warm weather, the climate is perfect for sailing. Many isolated islands are the main attraction that keeps tourists and avid sailors coming back year after year. Phuket’s famous international yachting and sailing event, The King’s Cup Regatta, takes place the first week of December and attracts the world’s best yachtsmen and sailors who showcase their best vessels while racing against one another.

 

3. Palermo, Sicily (Italy)

   It’s no surprise sailing through the Mediterranean makes for a life-changing experience. With world famous beaches, underrated fishing villages, and isolated anchorages, scenic bays offer a variety of activities and cultures. Leisurely sails can include a scuba excursion, diving stops, and exploring coastline towns. Popular trips are along the Ionian Coast, the Lipari Islands, or Favignana. Summer months (July and August) are usually popular times for sailing.

 

4. Baja, Mexico

   Red cliffs, secluded anchorages, mountainous backdrops, rare sea-life, and stunning waters make Baja, Mexico one of the best sailing destinations in the world. Prime cruising season is between November and June (past hurricane season). Periodically, strong winds from the north may surprise some novice sailors, so it’s best to check weather conditions before sailing. From November to March, northern winds can pick up to 40 knots. Sailors should also take note that the climate in the Sea of Cortes is not tropical during winter, so temperatures can fall into the 40s at night.

 

5. Bay of Islands, New Zealand

   This South Pacific, 50-mile stretch of coastline just so happens to be one of the most stunning places to set sail. With more than 80 scenic islands, sailors can feast their eyes on pristine white sand beaches and a great variety of wildlife. From dolphins to kingfish to blue penguins, you’re immersed in a nature reserve of sea life. The Westhaven Marina complex, the central sailing hub, is located near hiking trails where tired sailors can walk around and experience historic New Zealand.

 

6. Athens, Greece

   The birthplace of civilization, Athens is also home to popular sailing coastlines, with many open-water passages for yachts and sailboats. With ancient ruins, castles, and monasteries perched on hilltops, sailing in towards the city offers amazing vistas of classical architecture. The Aegean Sea offers protected cruising waters that are unparalleled anywhere on Earth. With 6,000 largely uninhabited islands, you’ll find many harbors in which to cast your anchor.

 

7. Boracay Island, Philippines

   Rare glistening white puka shells dot the Boracay Islands, which is said to be the best in the world. Also known as the Pearl of the Orient, Boracay Island features coral lagoons, blue waters, and white sands perfect for windsurfing, sailing, kiteboarding, and snorkeling. Sail to remote Boracay Beaches like Puka Shell and Balinghai Beach, where you can incorporate other activities like dining and scuba diving into your excursion. Island-hopping is best by sailing. From December to July, sailors can enjoy almost continuous onshore winds that are ideal for novice and experienced sailors.

1. Blackbeard

   Blackbeard was the most feared pirate of the Atlantic, and delighted in pillaging towns, ambushing ships, and terrorizing anyone who came in his path. He was a real pirate, and bits of his ship Queen Anne’s Revenge are still being pulled out of the ocean from the battle that lead to his death in 1718. As the story goes, Robert Maynard of the Royal Navy and his men attacked Blackbeard and other pirates at his hideaway off Ocracoke Island. The battle was bloody, and Blackbeard could only be killed by decapitation. After Maynard threw Blackbeard’s body overboard, he tied his head to a high point on the ship and the head called out to the body. The body swam around the ship three times before finally drowning.

 

2. The Kraken

   Tales of the kraken date back to 12th century Norway, in which sailors would mistake the Kraken’s partially surfaced body for an island. Once they set foot on the “island,” the kraken would awaken, capsize their boat, and kill them all. As sailing lore tells us, the kraken was a many-tentacled creature who was large enough to reach the boat’s top mast. In all likelihood, the kraken from sailor tales was actually the giant squid, which is also aggressive and could come to the water’s surface to attack. Reports exist from the 1930s that show at least three different occasions in which ships were attacked by giant squids, who likely mistook the boat’s bottom for a whale.

 

3. Davy Jones and his Locker

   Although popularized by pirate-related fiction, Davy Jones’ Locker is a sailor’s reference to describe the bottom of the sea. It is where sailors go when they drown in the ocean or perish and are thus thrown overboard. Davy Jones himself has many unclear origins. In one tale, he was a cruel pub owner who threw his intoxicated patrons into his ale locker. In other tales, Davy Jones is synonymous with Jonah of the Old Testament after he spent three days in the belly of a whale and became mad. He was consequently thought to be the evil version of Jonah, a malevolent spirit of the seas that exacted vengeance on hapless sailors.

 

4. Sailor’s Weather

   There is an old sailor adage that most people know that helps describe optimum sailing weather. It is “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.” This may seem like an old wives’ tale, but there is definite truth to the statement if you understand the science behind it. A red sky at night indicates that the setting sun is shining through highly concentrated dust particles, a sign of air stability and high pressure from the west. This should result in calm weather. However, a red sunrise shines through dust particles that have moved from the west, showing that a storm may be moving in from the East. Likewise, how deep a red the sky is indicates how concentrated the water content is in the air. Both of these clues point to stormy weather.

 

5. Lorelei, the Siren

   According to legend, Lorelei is the siren that could once be found atop some rocks on the Rhine River. When a warrior and his sailor friend traveled near Lorelei’s dwelling, the warrior heard her voice and uncontrollably steered the ship toward her. As he grew closer and saw her beauty, he dove into the water to swim toward her, but was eaten up by the tide. The sailor, who returned home with news of the warrior’s death, inspired an army of men to try to kill Lorelei. Yet, as they approached her, she spoke a spell to cause a storm and disappeared into the sea. She was never seen again, although sailors occasionally claimed to hear her singing when they passed the Rhine.

 

6. Old Betty

   Old Betty was a witch living in New Brunswick during the time that sailing vessels were being constructed there. A boat called The Black Swan was docked at her home when she demanded the captain of the ship gift her with a shawl. If he refused, she warned that his ship would never leave her port. In an act of defiance, the captain denied her request, claiming he would prove her threats to be empty. When the time came for the ship to leave the port, it at first would not move. It did move after some work, but the captain’s fingers were caught in some of the ropes in the process and were consequently broken.

 

7. Fiddler’s Green

   When a good sailor died, he was said to go to Fiddler’s Green, which was a heaven of sorts. Rum, women, and tobacco are in limitless supply here. Unlike Davy Jones’ Locker, which is more or less akin to hell, Fiddler’s Green is on land rather than under the sea and is thought to be a good place to end up. Likewise, some accounts of it state that a sailor goes to Fiddler’s Green after he’s served 50 years at sea.

Maintenance Checks

Before shoving off for a fun-filled adventure in your watercraft, check the following for necessary repairs or cleaning to ensure everything functions properly.

Oil Change: If your motor has seen little activity for the winter months, chances are the oil could use a refresher. Changing the oil removes built up crud and potential debris from harming the engine and performance.

Windshield Wipers: Give the wipers a swish to test and make sure they don’t streak or the rubber hasn’t disintegrated. Harsh winter temperatures can harden the rubber and cause it to crumble in places. Thankfully, replacing wipers is an inexpensive repair that is easy to do yourself.

Upholstery: Remove the seats and check for unwanted guests who might have taken up residency in the cushions over the winter. Typical creatures that like hiding in boats include moths, roaches, spiders, and on occasion, even mice. Since they’re not invited to the party, a quick extermination is advised.

Hull Hound: Although a sinking boat makes for an exciting movie scene, you rarely want to deal with it yourself. Get out your spectacles and scour the hull of your boat for holes, cracks, oxidation, or any other hazardous elements. Pay particular attention to the seams, as this area is prone to leakage.

DIY Repairs

After you’ve done the mandatory once-over, make a list of any necessary repairs. Smaller issues like windshield wipers can be replaced at a relatively low cost and without difficult installation. Other do-it-yourself fixes include sewing or patching seat cushions, scraping debris off the hull, and changing the oil. Even paint jobs can be done yourself with a steady hand and the correct color and type of paint.

It’s not crucial for safety’s sake that the bright colors on your boat be refreshed periodically but it certainly helps increase the visibility to others and improves the look of your craft in general. If you have special lights on your boat, replacing burnt bulbs is easy to do yourself as well. Certain lights have to be special ordered from a parts store, so if you’re planning to use them for a specific event, place your order well in advance.

Gel Coats

This is a resin-paint that seals most fiberglass boats to protect the hull and add a glossy shine. Gel coats can become dull or oxidized, or collect grease over time, which puts your hull at risk of deteriorating. All of these issues can be taken care of yourself with proper cleaning products and a little elbow grease. The first step is always cleaning, which preps the gel coat for everything else. A simple solution of detergent in a gallon of warm water is easily applied with a sponge to clean the surface. In the case of mildew, add about a cup of bleach to the solution, and for even tougher stains, apply the bleach in concentrated form directly to the stain.

Degreasing when necessary is the next step. Wax or polish will not stick properly if grease is present. On more porous fiberglass boats, a detergent cleaning may not remove all traces of grease but an all-over wipe with cloth soaked in acetone or the preferred Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) will sufficiently rid the hull of grease. In the case of oxidization, using a rubber compound as a scrub will eliminate the problem. Commercial scrubs are also available in the event of severe oxidization.

Following the cleaning and degreasing, the last step in proper gel coat maintenance is waxing. Prior to waxing, some people like to polish the surface of the gel coat and remove excess texture to provide the smoothest possible surface. Special abrasives and cleaning agents can be purchased to aid with this. As with most waxes, you can apply your boat wax by hand with a sponge or cloth in circular motions. After it dries, buff it with a clean cloth. Wax fills the pores in the gel coat and adds a beautiful reflective shine to the hull. It also protects the boat from water damage, oxidization, mold, and mildew.

Fiberglass

Most boats are made with fiberglass hulls that can be difficult to repair in the event of damage. Although commercial self-repair kits are available on the market, it requires a certain amount of expertise to ensure a decent repair. It may be less time-consuming and more cost effective to have a professional or competent friend do the repair for you. For those brave enough to repair fiberglass damage themselves check out this helpful guide on howstuffworks.com.

1. Manual for First Aid In case of an emergency, it’s always best to be ready. Many different injuries can happen on a boat. Because of this, a manual can offer step-by-step instructions teaching you how to correct the problem.
2. Bandages A first aid kit should include a variety of bandages. These bandages should include waterproof adhesive brands, butterfly types to help close open wounds, and triangular bandages to help wrap body parts such as an ankle.
3. Sterile PadsThese pads are designed to help absorb heavy flow of fluids. In case of a bleeding wound, sterile pads are a great way to help reduce the bleeding.
4. Tweezers and Scissors Tweezers can help with problems such as splinters and other foreign objects that had made its way into the skin. Scissors are also recommended to help cut the bandage to size.
5. Adhesive Tape In order to make sure that the bandages stay in tact, adhesive tape can provide the adequate support needed.
6. Antiseptic An antiseptic is a solution that will instantly kill all germs and even help with minor burns. Keep this handy for fast acting wound cleaning.
7. Motion Sickness Pills A common problem that happens on many boats is that passengers can often find themselves seasick or woozy. Motion sickness pills can often help offset this problem preventing vomiting and that light-headed feeling. With these pills, be sure to pack away a few bags for when vomiting does occur.
8. Pain Relievers Minor headaches and pain can arise anywhere throughout the day. Pain relievers are also a great way to thin out the blood. In case of any minor aches or pain, keep a small bottle of ibuprofen in your kit.
9. Eyewash Eyewash bottles contain a solution that can flush out particles that get into the eye such as dust, salt and even smoke. In case of an eye emergency, eyewash can flush away the debris fast and easy.
10. Calamine Lotion This type of lotion can help prevent itches from happening. In case of a rash or allergy, this lotion will help protect the skin.

Any first aid kit that is put together doesn’t have to include hundreds of items. Instead, the items listed above can often be enough to get the job done. Always make sure that you have easy to read instructions and become familiar with how each item works. It’s also highly recommended that someone on the boat knows CPR so that if unthinkable does happen, a life could be saved.

]]> http://www.boatinsurance.org/10-must-haves-in-your-boating-first-aid-kit/feed/ 0 http://www.boatinsurance.org/15-breathtaking-water-trips-for-a-day-on-the-boat/ http://www.boatinsurance.org/15-breathtaking-water-trips-for-a-day-on-the-boat/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 15:07:23 +0000 Lorin Pollack http://www.boatinsurance.org/?p=1711 Summer days are perfect for spending time on the water. Keep reading to discover 15 of the best boating locations in the United States.



1. St. Joseph, Mich.
   Less than 10,000 people live in this small city on the coast of Lake Michigan, making it the perfect vacation destination for boaters who want to get away from it all.
2. Catalina Island, Calif.
   Recognized at the birthplace of glass-bottom boat tours, Catalina Island is a mecca for sailboat enthusiasts from around the world.
3. Biscayne National Park, Fla.
   Boating is the only way visitors can explore Biscayne National Park as water covers nearly all of its 172,000 acres.
4. Seattle, Wash.
   The weather may not always be sunny, but Seattle’s vast expanse of protected salt water is still a wonderful place for boating. Breathtaking mountains, lushly forested islands and uninhabited peninsulas contrast with an urban skyline to create unforgettable scenery.
5. Knoxville, Tenn.
   Home to several boat manufacturers, including Sea Ray and MasterCraft, Knoxville is a boater’s paradise. Visitors can join a tailgating party on the Tennessee River during football season or head to Tellico Lake to watch the boatbuilders’ newest crafts being tested.
6. Otter Tail County, Minn.
   No other county in the United States can lay claim to as many lakes at Otter Tail. The official count of lakes here reaches 1,048, making it a great place to plan a summer boating vacation.
7. Corpus Christi, Texas
   Year-round boating weather, pristine beaches and sparkling water help make Corpus Christi a great place to spend time on a boat.
8. Wilmington, N.C.
   Boaters in Wilmington can choose whether to spend their time drifting down the Cape Fear River or exploring the Atlantic Ocean.
9. Phoenix, Ariz.
   Arizona may not be a place that springs to mind when people think about boating, but it should be. Dams have created four picturesque waterways near Phoenix, perfect for boating, fishing and spelunking.
10. Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
    This 55,000 acre lake boasts nearly 1,200 miles of pristine shoreline, making it one of the largest man-made lakes in the country.
11. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
    Also known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale boasts more than 150 miles of canals and waterways. Each October, Fort Lauderdale plays host to the largest in-water boat show in the world.
12. Austin, Texas
    Fishing and boating are popular activities in Austin’s Highland Lakes region. Large boats and watersports are best suited for Lake Austin and Lake Travis, the largest waterways in the area.
13. Lake Mead, Nev.
    The largest man-made lake in the United States is located near Las Vegas. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area features stunning scenery featuring towering cliffs and distant mountain ranges.
14. Smith Mountain Lake, Va.
    Crystal clear water awaits boaters in a small valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This 32-square mile lake boast shaded inlets, natural beaches and plenty of foliage.
15. Finger Lakes, N.Y.
    Famous for its wine, the Finger Lakes region boasts 11 serene lakes. Visitors to the area can participate in a trout derby on Seneca Lake, spend the day at Cayuga Lake enjoying a picnic on the water or just float around enjoying the scenery on another famous waterway in the area, Lake Ontario.
]]> http://www.boatinsurance.org/15-breathtaking-water-trips-for-a-day-on-the-boat/feed/ 0 http://www.boatinsurance.org/how-to-prepare-for-winter-fishing-trips/ http://www.boatinsurance.org/how-to-prepare-for-winter-fishing-trips/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 22:44:15 +0000 Lorin Pollack http://www.boatinsurance.org/?p=1705 Preparing for winter fishing trips requires special precautions. If caught unprepared, sudden winter storms or falling overboard into icy rivers and lakes can often prove catastrophic. During the winter months water temperatures can fall to near freezing, making even a quick dunking in the water life threatening.



Concerns

Defined as the body’s internal core temperature falling to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia can cause death in a matter of minutes by compromising all necessary metabolic process, such a heart rate and brain function.

Being exposed to extremely cold temperatures begins to wick heat away from the body in a matter of seconds. Even in southern latitudes, where the water doesn’t approach freezing, hypothermia is still a threat, as even water as warm as 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause mild to severe hypothermia.

During the winter storms can crop up unexpectedly. Severe weather can cause rough water and high waves, causing boats to take on water or capsize. Additionally, sudden storms can prevent open water crossings, stranding boaters and fishermen in remote locations.

Preparation

Even though no one thinks it will happen to them, the U.S. Coast Guard reports during the winter months that 25 percent of all boating accidents result in fatalities, mostly from hypothermia. Compare this to only a 7 percent fatality rate of all accidents during the warmer summer months.

Preparation is the key to surviving a winter boating accident. To prevent hypothermia body temperature must be normalized as quickly as possible. When preparing for winter fishing trips special gear must be added to the inventory.

Because cold water reduces the body’s ability to function, life vests should be worn by everyone going out in a boat during winter fishing trips, regardless of how strong of a swimmer they may be.

Wool clothes are one of the best garment materials for cold, wet weather. Wool holds virtually all of it natural insulating abilities even when fully soaked with water. Some man-made materials, such as Thinsulate, also retain body heat when wet, but not to the extent of wool. At least one blanket, also made of wool, should be taken onboard.

An epinephrine syringe, such as those used to treat people allergic to bee stings, can prove lifesaving to someone suffering from extreme hypothermia as the adrenaline will temporary increase metabolic functions.

Becoming stranded miles from help may mean spending a night out in the open. A good tarp, emergency food rations, water and fire staring materials should always be carried.

Cell phones don’t always have reception in remote locations, so carrying signal flares and an emergency radio or Emergency Locator Transmitter, known as an ELT, can mean the difference between getting back alive, or not.

]]> http://www.boatinsurance.org/how-to-prepare-for-winter-fishing-trips/feed/ 0 http://www.boatinsurance.org/boat-safety-for-dummies/ http://www.boatinsurance.org/boat-safety-for-dummies/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 17:07:31 +0000 Lorin Pollack http://www.boatinsurance.org/?p=1702 According to Coast Guard statistics, there were 4,730 recreational boating accidents in 2009, of which there were 736 deaths, over 3,000 injuries, and around $36 million dollars in property damage. While boating may not seem as dangerous as skydiving or snorkeling with sharks off the coast of Africa, boating can still be a dangerous activity, especially if the right safety measures aren’t taken before boarding the boat.



A few simple safety measures can protect yourself, your passengers, and other boaters from becoming a Coast Guard statistic.

Begin by familiarizing yourself with whatever boat you‘re using or boarding before ever stepping foot on it. You should ensure that the boat has proper registration, is up to legal code, and is in good maintenance and working order. It’s too late to complete this check list once on the water and faced with an emergency situation or a pricey ticket for not obeying federal and state boating laws.

Many states have boater safety education requirements for boat operators, which may require operators to complete a boat safety course and obtain a boating safety certificate if they’re under a certain age and/or operating a boat powered by a certain hp motor. However, it’s always advisable, law or not, for all boat operators to take a basic boating safety course that focuses on handling, operation, emergency action, and first aid.

There should always be a Coast Guard approved life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD), for each person on the boat. An off-shore life jacket, or type I PFD, is designed for choppy off-shore waters. A near-shore life vest, or type II PFD, is designed for calmer waters. A floatation aid, or type III PFD is commonly used in closed waters, such as lakes and bays. There are also “special use” floatation devices that are used for specific water activities, such as kayaking, cannoning, and so forth. It’s important to have the appropriate life jacket for the body of water and type of boating you’ll be doing.

In addition to the above, here are a few more safety tips to consider:

• Be sure to let someone on shore know where you’re boating and an approximate return time.
• Always check with your local weather service for a weather update before leaving shore.
• Never operate a boat while drinking alcohol and ensure passengers follow open container laws for your state.
• Don’t leave shore until everyone aboard has a PFD on.
• Keep a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and visual distress devices aboard for emergencies.
• Abide maximum loading and horsepower requirements, registration requirements, speed restrictions, equipment and lighting requirements, and other state-specific regulations.

Remember that it’s often a lack of awareness and disregard for boating safety laws that lead to boating accidents. Follow these boating safety tips to have a fun, safe boating experience.

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