NMEA Business
EDITORIAL
ADVISORY BOARD
Safety at sea:
The staff of Marine Electronics
Journal greatly appreciates
the time and effort contributed
by the following NMEA members
to maintaining the magazine’s
high editorial standards.
It’s all about preparation
Tim Conroy
ComMar Sales Inc.
Annapolis, MD
Ken Englert
Maritime Communications
Marina del Rey, CA
George Ensley Jr.
Ensley’s Radio Co.
New Bern, NC
Kevin Savord
Long Beach Marine
Long Beach, CA
Kevin Sherburne
HWH Electronics
St. Pete Beach, FL
Dean Silver
Furuno
Wellington, FL
Paula Ross
Seawide Distribution
Riviera Beach, FL
Ralph Sponar
United Radio Service
Baltimore, MD
Gordon West
Gordon West’s Radio School
Costa Mesa, CA
Ben Ellison
Marine Journalist
Camden, ME
Asatechnical dealer,many timesourrole withcustomers islikeateacher.
We guide our customers
about how things work.
We explain why some
things don’t work, and try
to determine how to prevent problems. And very often we find ourselves instructing boaters on safety. Occasionally we talk to customers
who are new to boating. Many do not realize or recognize
the risks that come along with the rewards—going out on
a boat is not the same as going for a ride in a car. Preparation is always a key factor.
We enjoy talking to customers who are open to
understanding. We try to instill the idea and principles
involved in safety on boats. Boating and family boating
are an exciting and wonderful experience, but preparation is essential to make sure the good time does not turn
sour.
Whether you are new to boating or an old salt, there
are some simple things you can do to make your boating
experience safer. You will notice I didn’t say that you can
ensure your safety, which would imply that there is some
guarantee. Like many things in life you need to plan for
the worst and hope for the best.
First of all you need to make sure your vessel is seaworthy. This sounds simple, but a quick inspection before
and after you launch or at the dock will prevent a too-late
discovery. Oh, don’t forget to reinstall the drain plug
before launching your boat off the trailer. And have your
engine serviced regularly.
Now how about the technology (our specialty)? Communications is very important. A good VHF radio is
essential, but plan to put some real money into the
antenna. A poor antenna will make the best radio perform
poorly and vice-versa. A cell phone will help you call
your mom (that is if you are within cell coverage), but real
help on the water is connected via the VHF.
If you are venturing offshore (simply farther from
shore than you can swim), then you should make sure
you carry an EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating
Radio Beacon) or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). These
products have a proven track record of saving lives (more
than 20,000). Prices have come down substantially in the
last five years (less than $300 for a PLB). But then again
what price do you put on your life? A life raft is also nice
to have as a backup safety product. Also, don’t forget to
get an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) and
insert it into your VHF. And connect your VHF to your
GPS so that it will transmit your position in an emergency.
Jules Rutstein
