Smart Harbors Raising the Standard
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Smart Harbors
Raising the Standard
Spring 2021 Coast Guard Announces New Law Requiring Use of
Engine Cut-off Switches
Why become a Virginia WASHINGTON, March 10th, 2021– vessel, leaving
Clean Boater? Operators of recreational vessels
less than 26 feet in length will be
the operator
stranded in the
By adopting pollution prevention required to use an engine cut-off water as the
measures, Virginia Clean Boaters switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS boat continues
can take satisfaction in knowing link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as on course, or
they are doing their part to: the U.S. Coast Guard implements a the boat begins to circle the person
• Keep Virginia waterways clean. law passed by Congress. in the water eventually striking
The ECOS and ECOSL prevent them, often with the propeller. These
• Preserve our
runaway vessels and the threats they dangerous runaway vessel situations
waterways for
pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel put the ejected operator, other users
the future.
operator to a switch that shuts off the of the waterway, and marine law
• Learn and teach engine if the operator is displaced enforcement officers and other first
clean boating from the helm. The ECOSL is usually a responders in serious danger.
habits. lanyard-style cord that attaches to an Section 503 of the Coast Guard
ECOS either in close proximity to the Authorization Act of 2018 required
helm or on the outboard motor itself manufacturers of covered recreational
if the vessel is operated by a tiller. boats (less than 26 feet in length,
Please Send Us Your News! When enough tension is applied, the with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of
Do you have a new and exciting ECOSL disengages from the ECOS and static thrust) to equip the vessel with
method for managing recyclables the motor is automatically shut down. an ECOS installed as of December
at your facility? Are there any regu- Wireless ECOS have recently been 2019. Owners of recreational vessels
latory items that you would like developed and are also approved for produced after December 2019 are
addressed? Has your facility won use. These devices use an electronic required to maintain the ECOS on
an award, hired a new manager or “fob” that is carried by the operator their vessel in a serviceable condition.
purchased a fancy pump-out boat? and senses when it is submerged It is recommended that recreational
If you have any news that you in water, activating the ECOS and vessel owners regularly check their
would like included in the Clean turning the engine off. Wireless existing ECOS system to ensure it
Marina Newsletter, Smart Harbors, devices are available on the after- works, following manufacturer’s
please let us know. This is a quar- market and are beginning to become instructions.
terly newsletter with the next issue available as manufacturer-installed Section 8316 of the National
scheduled for Summer 2021 and options. Defense Authorization Act of 2021
we would like to include informa- Each year the Coast Guard receives requires individuals operating
tion from the marina community. reports of recreational vessel opera- covered recreational vessels (less than
Comments or tors who fall or are suddenly and 26 feet in length, with an engine
questions please unexpectedly thrown out of their capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust;
email VCMP: boat. These events have led to 3 HP or more) to use ECOS “links.”
askVCMP@ injuries and deaths. During these Using the ECOSL is required only
vims.edu or call incidents the boat continues to when the primary helm is not within
804-684-7768. operate with no one in control of the
Continued on page 2
1
Things to Know about the COVID-19 Pandemic
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
your-health/need-to-know.html
Updated Mar. 8, 2021 Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine • If you have symptoms of
• Authorized COVID-19 vaccines COVID-19 and want to get tested,
Important Ways to Slow the call your healthcare provider first.
can help protect you from
Spread
COVID-19. • If you have symptoms of
• Wear a mask that covers your
• You should get a COVID-19 COVID-19 and choose to not
nose and mouth to help protect
vaccine when it is available to you. get tested, it is important to stay
yourself and others.
home. Find out what to do if you
• Stay 6 feet apart from others who • Once you are fully vaccinated,
are sick.
don’t live with you. you may be able to start doing
some things that you had What Symptoms to Watch For
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is stopped doing because of the The most common symptoms of
available to you. pandemic. COVID-19 are:
• Avoid crowds and poorly venti- • Fever
lated indoor spaces. What to Do If You’re Sick
• Stay home except to get medical • Cough
• Wash your hands often with soap care. • Headaches
and water. Use hand sanitizer if • Fatigue
soap and water aren’t available. • Isolate yourself from other
members of your family to • Muscle or body aches
If You are at Risk of Getting prevent spread to them and • Loss of taste or smell
Very Sick the people that they may have • Sore throat
• People of any age, even healthy contact with, like grandparents. • Nausea
young adults and children, can • Even if you don’t feel sick, you • Diarrhea
get COVID-19. can spread COVID-19 to others. Other symptoms are signs of
• People who are older or have • Get care immediately if you are serious illness. If someone has trouble
certain underlying medical condi- having emergency warning signs, breathing, chest pain or pressure, or
tions are at higher risk of getting like trouble breathing, pain or difficulty staying awake, get medical
very sick from COVID-19. pressure in chest. care immediately.
• Other groups may be at higher Content source: National Center
How to Get a Test for Current
risk for getting COVID-19 or for Immunization and Respiratory
having more severe illness. Infection
Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral
• You can visit your state or local
Diseases
health department’s website to
look for the latest local informa-
Oil Absorbent Bilge tion on testing.
Pads Available Coast Guard Announces New Law Requiring Use of Engine Cut-off Switches,
The Virginia Clean Marine continued from page 1
Program has oil absorbent bilge
pads available for distribution. an enclosed cabin, and when the gates recreational vessel operators to
The bilge pads were purchased boat is operating on plane or above use critical safety equipment already
with a grant from the Chesapeake displacement speed. Common situa- present on their boat.
Bay Restoration Fund. Please tions where ECOSL use would not be Seven states currently have ECOS
email askVCMP@vims.edu, if you required include docking/trailering, use laws for traditional recreational
would like bilge pads for your slip trolling and operating in no-wake vessels, and 44 states have ECOS use
holders. zones. laws for personal watercraft (PWC).
The Coast Guard believes that Boaters are encouraged to check
the overwhelming majority of recre- the U.S. Coast Guard website for
ational vessels produced for decades additional information on this new
have had an ECOS installed, so this use requirement and other safety
new use requirement simply obli- regulations and recommendations.
2
The Essential BoatUS Spring Commissioning Checklist
and more ways to ensure a trouble-free boating season
SPRINGFIELD, VA, March 8, 7. Make sure your engine
2021 – Boat Owners Association of intake sea strainer (if
The United States (BoatUS) offers equipped) is not cracked
its updated Spring Commissioning or bent from ice and is
Checklist to help boaters start the free of corrosion, clean
season right. The nation’s largest and properly secured.
advocacy, service and savings group 8. With inboards, check the
also offers BoatUS.com/Spring, a new engine shaft and rudder
one-stop-shop for everything you stuffing boxes for correct
need to know about the yearly ritual adjustment. A stuffing box
of recreational boat commissioning. A should leak no more than Is she ready to go for the season? The BoatUS
PDF copy of the checklist is available two or three drops each Spring Commissioning checklist can help ensure
to download, print, and take to the minute when the prop she will. Photo credit: BoatUS.
boat with you. Be sure to follow all shaft is turning. Check the
manufacturer recommendations for shaft log hose for deterioration
your specific boat, engine and acces- 2. Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps
and rusty hose clamps. and filters for leaks. Ensure
sories.
9. Inspect, lubricate and exercise portable tanks and lines are
Before You Launch seacocks. completely drained of stale fuel
1. Inspect all around the hose 10. Use a garden hose to check for before filling with fresh fuel.
clamps for rust and replace as deck leaks at ports and hatches. Clean or replace fuel filters and/
necessary. Double clamp fuel Renew caulk or gaskets as or fuel-water separators if not
lines and exhaust hoses with necessary. done before winterization.
marine-rated stainless steel hose 3. Every few years, remove and
clamps. While not technically 11. Inspect and test the bilge pump
and float switch to make sure inspect exhaust manifolds and
required, it’s wise to double risers for corrosion (for inboard-
clamp whenever possible on all they’re both working properly.
Also inspect the pump’s hose. powered and inboard/outboard
hoses − especially those below boats).
the waterline. 12. Check stove and remote LPG
tanks for loose fittings, leaking 4. Charge battery.
2. Inspect all hoses for stiffness,
rot, leaks and cracking, and hoses and properly functioning 5. Clean and tighten electrical
replace any that are faulty. shutoff systems. Use the pres- connections, especially both
Make sure they fit snugly. sure gauge to conduct a leak ends of battery cables. Use
down test to check for system a wire brush to clean battery
3. Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting leaks. terminals, and top off cells with
and distortion. Make sure cotter distilled water (if applicable).
pins are secure. 13. Inspect dock and anchor lines
for chafe and wear. 6. Inspect the bilge ventilation
4. Grip the prop (on inboard drive intake and blower ducting
systems) and try moving the 14. If equipped, ensure that the
stern drain plug is installed. for damage or leaks and run
shaft up and down and side the blower to confirm correct
to side. If it’s loose and can be 15. After the boat is launched, be operation.
wiggled, the cutless bearing sure to check all thru-hulls for
may need to be replaced. leaks. 7. Test engine warnings and
alarms.
5. Check the rudderstock to ensure Engines and Fuel Systems
it hasn’t been bent. Operate Engine Outdrives and
1. Inspect fuel lines, including fuel
the wheel or tiller to ensure the tank fill and vent hoses, for Outboards
steering works correctly. Check softness, brittleness or cracking. 1. Inspect rubber outdrive bellows
the rudder bearing for unusual Check all joints for leaks, and for cracked, dried and/or dete-
play or movement. make sure all lines are well riorated spots (look especially in
6. Inspect the hull for blisters, supported with noncombus- the folds) and replace if suspect.
distortions and stress cracks. tible clips or straps with smooth
edges. continued on page 4
3The Essential BoatUS Spring Commis- the lanyard is in serviceable or boat’s shore power inlet or
sioning Checklist, continued from condition. the dock’s receptacle must be
page 3 2. Check expiration dates on flares. replaced.
3. Inspect fire extinguishers. 2. Test ground-fault protection on
2. Check power steering and
Replace if more than 12 years your boat and private dock, and
power trim oil levels.
from the date of manufacture know how to prevent Electric
3. Replace anodes/zincs that are Shock Drowning.
or if age is unknown. More than
more than half wasted.
40 million Kidde extinguishers The Paperwork
4. Inspect the outer jacket of with plastic handles were 1. Make sure your boat registration
control cables. Cracks or recalled on Nov. 2, 2017. is up to date. Don’t forget your
swelling indicate corrosion and
4. Ensure you have properly boat trailer tags.
mean that the cable must be
sized and wearable life jackets 2. Review your boat insurance
replaced.
in good condition for each policy and update coverage if
5. Inspect lower unit oil level and passenger, including kids. Check needed. BoatUS provides free
top off as necessary. inflatable life jacket cylinders quotes at BoatUS.com/Insur-
Sailboat Rigging and dissolvable “pill” bobbins ance. Provide a copy to your
in auto-inflating models. marina or club.
1. Inspect swage fittings for cracks
and heavy rust (some discolor- 5. Test smoke, carbon monoxide, 3. Ensure your BoatUS member-
ation is acceptable). Inspect wire fume and bilge alarms. ship is in good standing, and
halyards and running backstays 6. Check running lights for opera- check your TowBoatUS coverage
for “fishhooks” and rust. tion and spare bulb inventory. by logging into BoatUS.com/
2. Remove tape on turnbuckles 7. Update paper charts and chart- Account, or join at BoatUS.com/
and lubricate threads, prefer- plotter software. Membership.
ably with Teflon. Replace old 4. Download the free BoatUS App
8. Replenish first-aid kit items that
tape with fresh tape, and ensure (BoatUS.com/App) to make it
may have been used last season
that water is able to freely drain easy to summon on-water assis-
or are expired.
from it. tance and speed response times
9. Check the operation of as well to check tide tables,
3. If you suspect the core around a
VHF radio(s) and that the weather, and partner discounts.
chainplate is damp, remove the
MMSI number is correctly
chainplate to inspect and make
programmed in. (BoatUS
repairs.
members can obtain a free About Boat Owners Association of
Trailers MMSI number at BoatUS.com/ The United States (BoatUS):
1. Inspect tire treads and sidewalls MMSI.) Celebrating more than 50 years,
for cracks or lack of tread and 10. Get a free vessel safety check BoatUS is the nation’s largest orga-
replace as necessary. Check air from the U.S. Coast Guard nization of recreational boaters with
pressure; don’t forget the spare. Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squad- more than 700,000 members. We
rons. Find out more at cgaux. are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol
2. Inspect wheel bearings and
org/vsc. Hill and fight for their rights. We are
repack as necessary.
The Boat Owners Auto Club and help
3. Test all lights and replace any 11. With Covid still around, it’s a ensure a roadside trailer breakdown
broken bulbs or lenses. good idea to keep sanitizer and doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip
spare masks aboard. And don’t before it begins. When boats break
4. Inspect winch to make sure it’s
forget to follow social distancing down on the water, TowBoatUS brings
working properly. Inspect hitch
guidelines in the yard or marina them safely back to the launch ramp
chains.
while prepping. or dock, 24/7. BoatUS offers GEICO
5. Inspect trailer frame and axel(s)
For the Dock Marine Insurance policies that give
for rust. Sand and paint to
1. In addition to checking its entire boat owners affordable, specialized
prevent further deterioration.
length for wear or abrasions, coverage and superior service they
6. Inspect brakes and brake fluid need. We help keep boaters safe and
check both ends of the shore
reservoir. our waters clean with assistance from
power cable connections, as
well as the shore power recep- the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for
Safety
tacle on the boat, for burns, Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit
1. Ensure your engine cut-off
which indicate the cable and/ BoatUS.com.
switch is working properly, and
4An Angler’s Winter Chore Could Help Spark an Idea that Increases Fishing Line Recycling
$30,000 in cash prizes on the line for best solutions
SPRINGFIELD, VA, February 2, are encouraged to apply, as are school
2021 - Winter is annual mainte- teams and groups. Contest entries can
nance time for many anglers, and be submitted with as little as a link to
respooling with new line and recy- a video demonstration of the idea or
cling the old is a common task. Ever a one-page graphic summary. Videos
thought about what happens once are limited to 4 minutes.
you dispose of the old line in a Contest rules and conditions,
fishing line recycling tube? details on the current recycling
It’s not pretty. Turning fishing line process and videos on how various
into new products is labor-intensive, plastics and soft baits are recycled
requiring a series of workers to can be found at the Recast & Recycle
manually comb through, sort, clean, website BoatUS.org/Contest.
remove hooks and weights, and sepa-
rate out miles of encrusted debris in About the BoatUS Foundation for
entangled fishing line. So as you pile Boating Safety and Clean Water:
up a few reels of line to be recycled The BoatUS Foundation for
this winter, the BoatUS Foundation Boating Safety and Clean Water is
for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe,
asking for your ideas on how to help clean and responsible boating.
grow the volume of line recycled each Funded primarily by donations from
year. the more than 700,000 members
Teaming up with fishing tackle Do you have any better ideas on how of Boat Owners Association of The
company Berkley, the BoatUS Foun- to recycle soft baits and old fishing line? United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit
dation’s Recast & Recycle Contest There’s $30,000 in cash prizes at stake provides innovative educational
seeks out new ideas and improve- in the Recast and Recycle contest. outreach directly to boaters and
ments to the process, new ideas for anglers with the aim of reducing
recycled products, or technology accidents and fatalities, increasing
breakthroughs for the current process stewardship of America’s waterways
that will increase the volume of line creating a new market to fully sustain and keeping boating safe for all. A
and soft baits that are recycled. Entry recycling efforts.” range of boating safety courses –
is simple – all you have to do is send Judges will add weight to contest including 36 free state courses – can
a short video or one-page summary submissions that actually work, are be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.
explaining your idea. Thirty thousand practical, innovative, and have the
dollars in prize money is at stake potential to have a significant impact. About Pure Fishing:
for the three best ideas submitted The first-place prize is $15,000, Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading
through May 14, 2021. second place receives $10,000, global provider of fishing tackle,
“It’s great that anglers recycle,” and $5,000 will be awarded for lures, rods and reels with a portfolio
said BoatUS Foundation Director of third place. Contest submissions can of brands that includes Abu Garcia,
Outreach Alanna Keating. “Now we address any part of the process (or All Star, Berkley, Fenwick, Fin-Nor,
need to ask for help with scaling up multiple parts) of taking discarded Greys, Hardy, Hodgman, Johnson,
recycling with a greater volume of fishing line and soft plastics from end JRC, Mitchell, Penn, Pflueger, Sebile,
line, whether it’s a time- and labor- of life to a new beginning. Profes- Shakespeare®, SpiderWire, Stren,
saving process improvement or sionals, amateurs and students alike Ugly Stik, and Van Staal.
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