Boating Safety Archives

Remote Monitoring and Management Solutions provide Off-Season Peace of Mind

November 20, 2020 By EJ Vongher

Putting your boat up on the hard means that the boating season is over and, for many boat owners, a few months of low-level anxiety being away from their vessels is about to begin. This stress can be even more pronounced if you leave your boat in a slip during the winter months.

Sailboat Sunk in ice on CT River — Sailboat sunk at her mooring in Hamburg Cove on the Connecticut River in February 2019.

One way to reduce the anxiety of being away from your boat for the winter is to install a remote vessel monitoring system. These systems can send instant notifications to your smartphone or email account if the entries or hatches to your boat have been opened. If you do leave your boat in the water during the stormy winter months, vessel monitoring systems can alert you if your boat takes on excessive water or moves away from your dock or mooring.

There are a few of these products on the market, each with different features and selling points. Following is a brief summary of three leading solutions that you might consider. Should you decide to move forward, contact us to discuss our 9-months of monitoring rebate offer, which is available on new installations.

Garmin OnDeck™ – Designed by the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer, the Garmin OnDeck system provides comprehensive monitoring of all your vessel’s critical systems including vessel location, door/hatch status as well as battery status, bilge activity and ambient temperature.

When paired with the Garmin ActiveCaptain® smartphone app, you can customize the alerts you receive to your smartphone for the systems you are monitoring. What’s more, you are also able to turn on up to five different vessel systems remotely so you can have the icemaker and boat AC running when you arrive at the marina on a hot summer afternoon. Visit the Garmin OnDeck webpage to learn more.

Siren 3 Pro – The latest offering from remote monitoring technology innovator Siren Marine, the Siren 3 Pro uses global cellular (and optional satellite) connectivity to provide anytime, anywhere connectivity to your remote vessel monitoring system. Standard features on this system include battery and GPS positioning monitoring as well as the ability to remotely activate refrigeration systems, lighting, and more.

Add-on sensors and accessories are available to let you monitor bilge activity/water level, shore power connection/outages, vessel entry security as well as ambient temperature and fluid tank levels. Each of these systems as well as the battery and GPS positioning can be monitored via your smartphone with flexible alert settings. Visit the Siren Marine website to learn more.

Nautic Alert with Nevata HD™ and X2 Vessel Security – A pioneer in the remote vessel monitoring arena, Nautic Alert offers many of the features referenced above but also dials up vessel security to even higher levels with two key optional features: Nevata™ electronic bilge switching and Nautic Alert Insight X2 monitoring system.

If dealing with water incursion from a remote location or in short-handed crew situations is a concern, the Nevata Bilge Pump sensor and controller will monitor bilge events and, when necessary, switch to backup bilge pumps should primaries become compromised. With regards to vessel security, Nautic Alert technology can provide three layers of protection: Outdoor perimeter via microwave and FLIR-based imaging sensors, Interior Vessel protection with hidden radar-based detection technology, and GPS-base geofencing movement detection for anchor slippage or unauthorized vessel movement. Visit the Nautic Alert website to learn more.

There are other remote boat monitoring and management solutions in the marketplace you might consider; we intended this post as a first step in exploring these vessel security technologies. Please contact us with questions.

If a VHF Radio Transmits And Nobody Hears It …

July 25, 2018 By EJ Vongher

A recent U.S. Coast Guard rescue operation here in southeastern Connecticut in which a distress call on the VHF radio resulted in a good Samaritan mariner recovering four passengers from a capsized vessel is a great reminder of the importance of a functioning marine radio.

The quick story: a boat in distress put out a call to the USCG on the VHF, which was being monitored by a good Samaritan who responded to the sinking boat and took the endangered crew aboard his boat until the Coasties arrived. The linchpin in this great story: a functioning VHF radio.

For many mariners – especially weekend boaters or casual fisherman who don’t use their vessel every day – the VHF Radio is infrequently used; you’d be surprised at the number of boats we encounter without one at all. If you do have a VHF, it’s only a benefit if it’s operating correctly. Which leads to the topic of this post: how can you determine whether your VHF radio is functioning as intended. Here are some tests you can conduct yourself.

Transmission Tests

What is the best way to make sure you have a functioning VHF? Test it. There are a variety of ways to determine whether it’s transmitting.

The first is to make an on-the-air radio check by asking for confirmation of message received from another boat or shore station that is a reasonable distance away. When doing this, you should avoid using Channel 16, which is for hailing purposes only.
If this isn’t possible, switch your radio to low power (1 watt) and monitor yourself on a handheld VHF. You’ll probably need to turn the volume down and keep the handheld away from your boats primary radio and antenna to minimize proximity feedback squeal. Another option in this method is to have a crew member take your portable down the dock for an on-the-air radio test.
A third transmission test is to watch your boat’s amp meter when depressing the radio microphone transmit button. When transmitting on high power (25 watts), you should see about 4 to 5 amps registered on the meter; on low power is should be close to 1 amp.

Reception Check
In most communications scenarios, the key to success is a two-way exchange of information. It is no different with Marine VHF radios. No matter how well your radio is transmitting, if you can’t hear a station transmitting back you don’t have communications. Here are two tests to check your radio’s “hearing ability.”

Local Weather Test – Use a local weather channel to verify that you are hearing the broadcast clearly and without distortion. If you can, switch to a weaker, more distant weather channel to test your radio receiver’s ability to hear weaker signals. For further reception diagnostics, remove the antenna cable connector from the back of your radio while monitoring local weather. Then insert the tip of a small screwdriver or paper clip into the center contact of the radio’s antenna jack. If you can still hear the weather broadcast, your radio most likely has good reception.

Sea Tow Automated Radio Checks – Sea Tow operates a network of automated radio-check stations in many parts of the country as a public service. You can check your VHF radio by calling the station in your area. When you transmit on its channel, you will hear a recorded response and then hear a playback of your voice verifying that your radio is transmitting, modulating and receiving. Check the Sea Tow website to if this service is offered in your area and on which channel it operates.

Shakespeare Radio-Check Meter
Finally, if you require more consistent feedback on your VHF radios transmission and reception performance, install a Shakespeare Radio-Check Meter. Their ART-3 Antenna Radio Tester is a palm-sized monitor that easily connects between your radio and antenna. It will give you a readout on your radio’s power output, the health of your antenna and cable, and evaluate your reception as well. It can also be permanently mounted next to your radio to provide a radio check every time you transmit. What’s more, Shakespeare also has a very nice video on trouble-shooting radio and antenna problems.

Pro Tip
A common error is miss-setting the channel mode. VHF radios operate on three different channel groups: U.S., Canada or International. An incorrect channel-mode setting might result in the inability to communicate on some channels. An icon on your radio’s screen indicates which mode your radio is operating on.

If you have any questions about the health of your VHF radio, or any other Marine Electronics or Electrical issues, please contact us for a complimentary consultation. [Read more…]

New Vessel Notification solution provides peace of mind away from marina

March 21, 2017 By EJ Vongher

It’s a startling feeling that creeps into the mind of every captain: “Is everything OK with the boat?” When you left the marina or mooring field, you’re certain you did everything right. You checked the lines, warps or mooring bridle for chafe. You turned off anything that might cause unnecessary battery drain. All the hatches were battened. But something just doesn’t feel right and now that you’re 150 miles away – the feeling is getting worse.

Bilge Level Readout

What if there was a product that linked to your cell phone or tablet computer that monitored your bilge, battery status and boat position. Would that help with this nagging feeling? Well, there is and we think it’s just what the doctor ordered for providing greater levels of confidence when you are away from your boat. It’s called the Nautic Alert Decision Platform™.

Introduced earlier this year by Market Spectrum, Inc. (a company with which we have just entered into a distribution and installation partnership), the Nautic Alert Decision Platform is an intelligent marine telematics solution engineered to reduce risk of vessel sinking and provide early detection and notification of anchor slippage or unexpected movement from a mooring or dock.

Research shows that upwards of 69% of boats that sink go down either on a mooring or in a slip. This solution addresses this situation head-on by reporting potentially catastrophic events to boat owners remotely, via cell phone or tablet. With this gear, you are going to know about a potential problem before it becomes a real problem.

The Nautic Alert Decision Platform is a collection of detection and reporting technologies which work together to monitor three key early warning indicators: bilge pump activations, DC current flow and vessel movement. The solution provides owners with real-time views into bilge and battery levels as well as vessel location with a geo-fenced area and transmit alert notifications when activities fall outside pre-programmed parameters.

Market Spectrum CEO Fernando Velado characterizes the benefits of his new solution this way: “Early event detection and notification is key to reducing risk leading to losses and sizeable insurance claims including detection of anchor slippage and unexpected movement from a mooring or dock. The Nautic Alert Decision Platform delivers – when it matters.”

Velado, along with his son Nick, are well-credentialed IT professionals who happen to be passionate boaters. They developed the technology behind Nautic Alert when the elder Velado lost his boat due to a fire aboard another vessel in his marina. So for them, this offering is a mix of professional ability and personal passion.

Vessel Position Locator

Boat owners employing the Nautic Alert Decision Platform will receive highly-calibrated and customized notifications of changes to their vessels bilge state while underway, when many other distractions preclude monitoring water incursion on a regular basis. In addition, when boat owners are ashore or away from their marina, they can have bilge water, battery status and vessel location information delivered to their smartphones.

Working with a team like the Velados to provide boaters with solutions that use technology to create a safer boating environment is a core mission here at Marine Special Products Group. While we are thrilled to provide boaters with solutions that deliver convenience and comfort, what really excites us are boating safety solutions that give boat owners the information they need to be confident that their crew and vessel are safe, whether they are on board or not. The Nautic Alert system delivers on this objective in a very significant fashion.

To learn more about the Nautic Alert Decision Platform, please visit their website.

PFDs only work if they work!

June 27, 2016 By EJ Vongher

Since 2010, the National Boating Safety Week campaign has centered on a pretty simple concept for boating safety: wear a PFD. Whether you call them personal flotation devices, life jackets or life preservers, donning a PFD dramatically increases the likelihood of a positive outcome to most mishaps on the water.

However, making sure that PFD is functioning properly is critical to this approach. We all go through a variety of “checklists” to make sure our boats are in working order every spring; doesn’t it make sense to take a moment to do the same thing for the most important piece of gear on your vessel?

Whether you have a foam life vest or an inflatable one, the steps below represent accepted best practices to ensure that vests are properly fitted, maintained and in good working order.

We’ll Start with Inflatable Vests. First step is a visual inspection. Open up the vest and visually inspect the bladder; make sure that there are no rips, tears, excessive abrasion or holes and that all seams are securely sewn. Don’t forget to inspect the outer cover, adjustment straps and any integrated harness strapping to make sure they are sound and in good working order. If the cover, straps and harness are not working properly, further damage to the vest through normal use can become accelerated. Or worse, prevent the vest from working as it optimally should when you need it the most.

PERFORM AN INFLATION TEST

Manually inflate the vest using the oral inflation tube.
If you have another cylinder on hand, use the opportunity to test the manual pull tab inflator on your vest.
You should inflate the vest until the bladder is firm to the touch. Then let the vest sit overnight; this will help identify any slow leaks or decaying seals. By the next morning, the vest should still be as firm as it was after you finished inflating it. If it is not, you have a leak and you should replace the entire vest.
INFLATION TESTS SHOULD BE PERFORMED EVERY TWO MONTHS

Next, Ensure that every mechanical component of the inflator is in proper working order. Start with the CO2 cylinder; remove it by unscrewing it from the inflation mechanism. Inspect it to make sure there is no pitting or rust on the threads as poor threads can allow air to escape during the inflation process. Check the date on the cylinder; if your cylinder is within one year of expiring, it is best to replace it.

If you have an automatic vest that uses a bobbin to activate the inflation, a good rule of thumb is to replace the bobbin annually. However, if you do not have a replacement bobbin or believe the bobbin can last more than one season, at least make sure the bobbin still has all of its filler-material. In addition, make sure the filler material has not developed a glaze which will increase its impenetrability causing a delay in inflation activation. During the season, a good practice is to inspect the bobbins every two months.

Hydrostatic inflators on PDFs offer reliable inflation in a low maintenance design that only automatically inflate when submerged in four or more inches of water, not inadvertently due to rain, spray or humidity. However, these units typically have a finite working life – usually five years from the date of their manufacture. So it’s critical to check the date on these inflators and if they are within one year of expiration it’s best to replace them.

Foam or Inherently Buoyant vests, similar to inflatable vests, require that their outer covers, seams, straps and any harnesses to be in good working order to serve their function. So, just as with an inflatable vest; begin with a visual inspection of the PFD. Make sure that there are no rips, tears, excessive abrasion or holes, that all seams are securely sewn and any buckles are securely fastened and working properly.

This is also a good time to make sure you are using the right vest for the type of boating activities you’ll be enjoying. Make sure it is properly rated and recommended for the activity. You will also want to make sure that the vest is properly rated and fitted for the person using the vest.

DETERMINING A PROPER LIFE-VEST FIT
A proper fit is essential to ensuring a PFD will function adequately when it is needed. It should fit snug but not overly tight, It should not restrict breathing or be uncomfortable in any other way (uncomfortable vests do not get worn, and an unworn vest is useless in an emergency). The United States Coast Guard recommends the following steps in fitting a life vest:

Check the manufacturer’s label to ensure that the life jacket is a proper fit for your size and weight.
Make sure the jacket is properly fastened.
Hold your arms straight up over your head and then ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up. There should be no excess room above the openings and the jacket should not ride up over your chin or face.

If you will have children on your vessel take special note that to work properly, a PFD must fit snugly on a child. To check for a good fit, pick the child up by the shoulders of the PFD. If the PFD fits right, the child’s chin and ears will not slip through. Ask them questions about where it feels too tight or loose, make adjustments as necessary. While it may seem obvious, children grow and may need a new life vest every year or two. Be sure the child’s life-vest is the proper vest for their weight range. Standard Weight Ranges For Children’s Life Vests Are:

Up to 30 Lbs
30 – 50 Lbs
50 – 90 Lbs

Speaking of children and life vests, remember that PFDs are not babysitters. Even though a child wears a PFD when on or near the water, an adult should always be mindful of the situation. Another obvious point: remember that inflatable toys and rafts should not be used in place of PFDs.

When considering life jackets for infants, toddlers or non-swimmers, choose a model that has extra foam behind the child’s neck which will help the child right themselves if they fall into the water. Also, allow young crew members to experience their life jackets in a controlled settings such as a pool. This lets the child feel how the life jacket will float them when they are immersed in water, potentially minimizing panic in an emergency. It will also let you see how the jacket fits in an in-water situation.

One final word about children and life jackets – be aware that children are extremely perceptive and if you minimize the risk factors for wearing a vest, they will mimic your attitude. Handing down good safe boating habits is one of the best gifts you can provide a young crew member so wearing your lifejacket when you are boating with them will set a good example. Setting this precedent early in their boating life, especially as they approach pre-teen and teenage years will hopefully avoid any notions that wearing a lifejacket is silly, un-cool, or worse yet, for little kids and babies.

Finally, if you have any lights or peripheral equipment associated with your vest such as Spray Hoods, Whistles, Safety-Knives, PLB, AIS, or Tethers, now is a good time to inspect them as well. Make sure all peripheral equipment is properly secured and affixed to the life jacket.

Here at Marine Special Products Group, we are either on boats or in conversations with boaters every day. We realize people want to be comfortable and casual in their approach to boating life. Integrating safe PFD practices into everyday boating makes it a more comfortable experience for everyone involved. To learn more visit the USCG website on PDFs.

Blessing of the Fleet Ceremonies: Serenity for some, Celebration for all

June 8, 2016 By EJ Vongher

Tracing their origins back centuries to Mediterranean fishing villages, annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies are based on a tradition meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season for the area’s commercial fishing community. Over time, however, they have morphed into community gatherings as much about food and festivities as they are about acts to provide sea captains and their crew with feelings of safety and serenity.

Brought to our Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island shores by immigrants who held strongly to their religious beliefs, most Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies today go well beyond the Catholic mass and blessing to include parades, pageantry, dancing, feasting and, in a few instances, road races.

Whether one takes stock in the value of divine providence or view the ceremony as another opportunity to court good fortune, most Blessing of the Fleet activities involve fun for the entire family and, in come cases, the ability to see grown men running along a greased pole (Gloucester, MA).

Here in Connecticut, the oldest Blessing of the Fleet ceremony is in Stonington, where this year’s events will mark the 63rd annual blessing. Of the Stonington observances, event co-chair Michael Crowley has said, “It’s so important to bless these boats and these fishermen, the ones that are still fishing, because the peril is still there.” Since records have been kept, it’s believed some 38 Stonington fishermen have perished at sea. In addition to the fleet blessing, most of the ceremonies also include an observation for those who have perished while working the waters so vital to these communities historic economic interests.

Owing to their religious heritage, it is common to hear biblical verses read at these ceremonies. Two of the most common are Psalm 104, versus 24-31 and Psalm 107, versus 23-32. An often-read prayer at many Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies is the following: “Most gracious Lord, who numbered among your apostles the fishermen Peter, Andrew, James and John, we pray you to consecrate this boat to righteous work in your name. Guide the captain at her helm. So prosper her voyages that an honest living may be made. Watch over her passengers and crew and bring them to a safe return. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon this vessel and all who come aboard, this day and forever. Amen”

Should you be a boat owner seeking every avenue of protection against misfortune or someone interested in an enjoyable summer afternoon outing, A Blessing of the Fleet ceremony should prove interesting and enjoyable. Here is some information about local Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies:

City/State/Port	Date	Website/Email Address	Phone
Montauk, NY	June 12	marina@starislanddyc.com	1 (631) 668-5503
Southport, CT	June 18	www.southportconservancy.org/blessing-of-the-fleet.html	1 (203) 255-2877
Milford, CT	June 19	fleetcaptain@milfordyachtclub.com	1 (203) 783-0060
City Island, NY	June 26	www.tinyurl.com/CityIslandBotF	1 (718) 652-3056
Stonington, CT	July 31	st.marychurchstonbor@comcast.net	1 (860) 535-1700
Narragansett, RI	July 30	www.narragansettlionsclub.com	1 (401) 783-7121

National Safe Boating Week – A Brief History

May 17, 2016 By EJ Vongher

The origins of National Safe Boating Week, slated for May 21-27 this year, can be traced back to a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary persuading the town of Amesbury, MA to issue an “Auxiliary Day” proclamation in June of 1949. Three years later, that same Auxiliarist, Steve Sadowski, helped organize a weekend of Courtesy Marine Examinations which was the forerunner to the Vessel Safety Checks now featured during many Safe Boating Weeks.

Soon afterward, the governors of Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island joined Massachusetts in providing annual celebrations of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary and boat safety inspections. Momentum picked up in 1956 when the state of Hawaii enlisted local entertainer “Lucky” Luck, who later appeared in episodes of “Hawaii Five-O”, to promote vessel checks and the first Safe Boating Week. In 1957, USCG Auxiliary leadership launched the first nationwide observance of safe boating during the week of June 30 – July 6. The Coast Guard prepared a formal resolution to establish National Safe Boating Week (NSBW), and then convened a committee from industry, yachting groups and the United States Power Squadron (USPS) to promote the resolution. A house bill, sponsored by Representative Charles Chamberlain of Michigan, passed on June 4, 1958. The US Senate modified the bill to include dates covering July 4th, and the first NSBW was kicked off by President Eisenhower’s White House.

The Federal Safe Boating Act of 1958 became law just months later, and the National Safe Boating Week Committee (later to become the National Safe Boating Council – NSBC) was formed. The Coast Guard had no funds for the observance or promotion so industry trade groups funded activities. Spearheaded by Guy Hughes, Outboard Club of America, groups such as the Girl & Boy Scouts, American Red Cross, National Safety Council, American Yachtsmen Association and the National Association of Marine Dealers got the campaign underway by providing funds and manpower to produce kits, posters, and manage activities for local events.

Recreational boating boomed in the 1960’s as fiberglass power boats became affordable and water skiing became popular. Initially viewed as reckless and dangerous, the American Water Ski Association joined NSBW to burnish the sport’s tarnished image and to ward off government regulation. The Federal Safe Boating Act of 1971 transformed the boating landscape and introduced funding for the states as well as organizing enforcement activity under the Coast Guard which provided order to this rapidly expanding recreational activity.

The Bicentennial celebration of 1976 marked a transformation for the newly-formed National Safe Boating Committee, which utilized a nationwide tour of historic Tall Ships – OPSAIL, to kick off radio and television programs, safety exhibits, search and rescue demonstrations, parades, open houses, posters, milk cartons and giveaways promoting boating safety. It was during this timeframe that National Safe Boating Week was moved to early June, recognizing that most boats were in the water well before July 4th. Almost two decades later, the National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC) argued the timing should be even earlier and persuaded the Coast Guard in 1993 to designate the first full week before Memorial Day as NSBW.

The first official federal funding for NSBW came about with the passage of the Wallop-Breaux amendment to the Sport Fish Recreation Act. This led the way for some higher-profile promotional activities. For example, in 1987 Popeye the Sailor Man was introduced to the campaign. In 1998, “Coastie” the robotic boat joined in Auxiliary efforts.

The current NSBW campaign was established in 2003 and focused on the fact that nearly 80% of on-the-water fatalities had one thing in common: the lack of a life jacket. Moreover, studies in 2001 showed that two thirds of all fatal accidents involved a sudden capsizing or fall overboard where merely having a life jacket on board was little help. The message of the current campaign is simple and direct: Wear It. Most states now have laws directed at children of various ages, and a Federal regulation has been enacted. Those involved in NSBW will provide communications materials, and energize volunteers and safety personnel to spread this simple but important message. All 50 States have adopted the Wear It theme in some capacity, tailoring it to their particular state.

To learn more about the Wear It campaign and National Safe Boating Week, please visit The National Safe Boating Council or the North American Safe Boating website.

Luck at Sea – How to stack the deck in your favor

April 29, 2016 By EJ Vongher

With National Safe Boating Week just around the corner and the climate here in southern New England finally making the turn to boating weather, now is as good a time as any to spend a moment on boating safety.

Given the unpredictable and powerful nature of the ocean, it’s little wonder that ancient mariners and their contemporary counterparts put so much thought into improving their fortunes at sea. As superstitious as anyone who gives over control to the unknown, some of the things they did (and still do today) are curious to say the least. Never boarding left foot first? Placing a silver coin beneath the mast? How many of these superstitions do you know? Take our quiz to gauge your knowledge.

One old adage we know to be absolutely true when it comes to safety at sea is that fortune favors the prepared. So if you want to stack the deck in your favor when it comes to the fortunes of you, your crew and your vessel while boating ,we strongly suggest you consider taking a safe boating course. Depending upon where you live, you can learn more about courses available in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island.