Boating Safety
Safety tips and seamanship.
Into the Water: The PPE SwimFive Flotilla 11 Boat Crew members completed the annual in-water PPE swim this spring to test their gear and practice self-rescue.
- Personal Minimums: An Idea Worth Borrowing from Aviation
A proposal that boat crews borrow aviation's practice of personal minimums, writing an objective abort checklist in advance to back up GAR and the coxswain's judgment.
- Recreational Boating Safety: 2024 in Review
The Coast Guard's 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report recorded the fewest boating deaths on record, but paddle craft made up 26% of fatalities.
- New Beacons, New Radios
What current PLBs and handheld VHF radios can do that older gear cannot, why MMSI and beacon registration matter to rescuers, and what Vessel Examiners and Program Visitors should ask boaters.
Northwest Maritime ApprenticeshipPam and Peter taught a class on personal protective equipment use to students in the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship, which is entering its fourth year.
September Flotilla MeetingEthan Weller of the Washington State Emergency Management Division presented “Tsunami Hazards and Risks: Bellingham” to the flotilla.
- US Coast Guard Websites
A guide to Coast Guard websites useful to the public, covering boating safety, navigation information, news, local units and recruiting.
Bellingham Yacht Club ClassPam, Peter and Leslie taught boating safety topics to the Bellingham Yacht Club’s youth program at the club’s request.
Sea to SkiManny Eusebio, Jeff Shaw and Moti Krauthamer crewed the flotilla’s safety patrol for the race, which went smoothly with no kayak leg rescues needed.
Annual PPE SwimFlotilla boat crew and coxswains tested their drysuits for leaks at the annual PPE “swim” at Bloedel Donovan swimming beach on April 26.
- Navigation Systems
Aid verifiers completed more PATON and bridge verifications, and boaters are advised of Swinomish Channel shoaling, retired NOAA raster charts, and a new way to access Local Notice to Mariners.
Ski to Sea RaceThe flotilla provided a safety patrol for the kayak leg of the Ski to Sea race in Whatcom County on May 26.
Drayton HarborGary Farrow staffed a boating safety information booth at the Drayton Harbor Days event in Blaine on August 5, 2023.