Monthly Archives: January 2013
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
While attending law school in the late ’70’s I got a degree in Law and Marine Affairs. This entailed studying resource management and the Law of the Sea. We learned a bit about pollution, fish processing and product safety. One subject that has become a concern in recent years regards Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). often … Continue reading
Do You Wear a Life Jacket?
Do you wear a life jacket? This is almost as controversial a subject as choosing an anchor. (We won’t go into that: too dangerous.) Wearing or not wearing a “personal flotation devise” (PFD) is a choice that should be considered carefully. In our cruising waters (the Pacific NW) sometimes it’s an easy decision. The water … Continue reading
Getting to the Broughton Islands
The Broughton Archipeligo contains hundreds of islands, tiny to large. It is located east of Vancouver Island, at the southern end of Queen Charlotte Strait. It’s a long way from Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, and the other large pacific northwest cities but it’s worth the effort. For more detailed info and some photos go to our … Continue reading
How can I check to make sure I have all the required equipment before I leave for a cruise this summer?
That’s a good question. You should start with a checklist and a self inspection of your boat. Then you should contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary for a free courtesy inspection. Here’s how to begin. 1. Gather information. The easiest way to get free information is to attend a boat show and visit the Coast … Continue reading
What constitutes a false distress call and what are the consequences and penalties?
Under USC Title 14, section 88, the Coast Guard is directed to render aid to “distressed persons, vessels, and aircraft on and under the high seas and on and under the waters over which the United States has jurisdiction…”. Subsection (c) of section 88 provides that, “An individual who knowingly and willfully communicates a false … Continue reading
What should I know about consuming alcohol while we are boating?
Alcohol consumption and cruising go hand in hand for many people. A cold beer on a sunny day or a cocktail or glass of wine in the evening can enhance a nice day on the water. But beware, there are specific laws that prohibit operating a boat while intoxicated and the penalties can be severe. … Continue reading
What are the basic boater education requirements for Washington and British Columbia?
Washington: Washington State has mandatory boater education requirements. No person under 12 years old may operate a boat with 15 horsepower or more. The following rule will be phased in beginning 1/1/2008: All persons operating a boat with 15 horsepower or more must have completed a boating safety course approved by the Washington … Continue reading
What are the licensing and registration requirements for a dinghy in Washington State?
I am going to buy a new dinghy for my 42′ sailboat. I am thinking it will be about 10′ long and I will use a 9.9hp engine. What are the licensing and registration requirements for a dinghy in Washington State? This is a good question that is coming up more frequently because of increased … Continue reading
Clean Your Boat: But Keep it Legal.
It’s time for spring cleaning. For most of us, that includes washing off the dirt and bird poop accumulated during the off season months. However, there are some very specific laws that apply to our spring cleaning and maintenance. It’s not legal to scrub the bottom of your boat while it is in the water … Continue reading
It’s time for me to renew my insurance on my boat. Is there any way I can save some money on my premiums?
Insurance on a boat can be expensive. The cost depends on a lot of factors, some of which are as follows: Type of boat (i.e. sail or power), size of boat, owner experience and education (i.e. Coast Guard Aux. course or Power Squadron course), past history of claims, age of boat, location of boat (bad … Continue reading