BoatWashington.com

Abandoned boats may litter our waterways for years to come

EVERETT -- Two forlorn, disintegrating boats poke through the surface of Deadwater Slough, looking contorted in their watery graves.

They're the ones you've probably seen below if you've looked to your right while driving U.S. 2 west into Everett.

via www.heraldnet.com

Start the boating season out right—get your boater education card

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Deputy Todd Baker, Clark County Sheriff's Office, 360-397-2106

Vancouver, WA - March 16th, 2011, With the opening of boating season a couple months away, the Clark County Sheriff's Office and the Washington State Parks Boating Programs remind boaters about the importance of taking a boating safety course and the requirement to obtain a Boater Education Card. 

Washington boaters are required by law to take and pass a boater education course and have their education card with them when operating a boat of 15 horsepower or more in Washington waterways. In 2011, boater's ages 12 to 35 years are required to carry the card when operating a boat. Soon the law will also apply to older boaters. The card requirement is phased in through 2014. Boaters born before Jan. 1, 1955, are exempt. Washington and Oregon have a reciprocity agreement in place which allows either card to be valid in their state. 

Spring is a good time for boaters to prepare for a safe and fun boating season. Boaters that have safety training are less likely to end up in accidents on the water. To meet the new education requirements, boaters can take approved courses in a classroom, online or by taking a home study course. Once the course is passed, boaters pay $10 for the card, which is good for life. The majority of in-person classes are offered between the fall and spring months, with fewer classes available during summer months. Course topics include basic boat handling, safety equipment, navigational rules and boating emergencies. 

Thousands of people enjoy boating on Washington's waters each year. Unfortunately, Washington State is among the leaders in boating fatalities. From 2001 through 2010, 259 people died in boating accidents in Washington State. Hundreds more were seriously injured. "Boater safety education is part of the strategy for reducing the number of accidents and fatalities on our waterways" said Deputy Todd Baker of the Clark County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Unit.
"By taking a boating safety course, you help ensure our waterways are the safest they can be. Not to mention, completing a course may reduce your boat insurance by 10 – 15 percent. Be sure to ask your insurance agent" said Baker.

For more information about Washington’s Mandatory Boater Education requirement or when the next course may be offered within Vancouver, please call the Sheriff’s Marine Unit, (360) 397-2106 or go online at http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating.

Puget Sound project gets $1.4 million

US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE

MARCH 15TH, 2011

Contacts: Kim Betton, (703) 358-2081

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Announces Major Boating Grants for Eleven States

Puget Sound project gets $1.4 million

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced Monday the awarding of more than $13.5 million in competitive grants to 11 states for 16 boating infrastructure projects. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awards these grants, which will help fund construction of docks, boat slips and other facilities to support recreational boating, through the Service's Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.

"The Boating Infrastructure Grant program is one of the many ways we support access and provide quality outdoor opportunities for the nation's recreational anglers and boaters," said Secretary Salazar. "These grants also spur major construction projects, creating jobs and providing much-needed economic benefits."

In Washington state, the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office, in cooperation with the Port of Anacortes and partners, will receive $1,476,193 and match that with $1,447,532 to replace 2 docks with state-of-the-art floats and upgraded amenities for an estimated 54 transient slips. The project is located on a sheltered harbor on Fidalgo Bay in Puget Sound.

Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which boaters and manufacturers support through excise and other taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels. The Service will also release approximately $2.7 million to 27 states, commonwealths, and territories willing to match a smaller, non-competitive grant program known as "BIG Tier 1" funding.

Grantees use Boating Infrastructure Grant funds to construct, renovate, and maintain facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation. Grantees may also use funds to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating.

The Service received 20 eligible applications from 13 states for the "BIG Tier 2" competitive grants. In addition to the Washington state project, the 16 winning projects for competitive grants include:

* Alabama: The Alabama Department of Environmental Management, in cooperation with the Alabama Tourism Department and Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, will receive $520,993 and match that amount with $765,411 to add an 1170-foot dock for transient recreation boats that will accommodate 30 vessels at Barber Marina. The new full service marina will also provide safe harbor from tropical storms on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

* California: The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with the HIW Associates and their partners, will receive $882,728 and match that amount with $882,728 to re-construct a new facility to include a transient berthing area for up to 13 vessels, a modernized fueling station to include high-speed fueling, a new pumpout, an oil recycling center, and ADA restrooms. 

* The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with Bellport Anacapa Marina and their partners will receive $1,500,000 million and match that amount with $1,200,000 to demolish an old facility and replace it with a new marina to include a 52 slip addition for transient recreational boats on Channel Islands Harbor.

* The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors will receive $1,314,692 and match that amount with $4,512,895 to convert 35 existing transient slips into 45 transient slips, replace the existing pumpout, and update services.

* Ohio: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the City of Cleveland and partners will receive $1,450,400 and match that with $509,600 to build new floating docks for 53 transient boat slips including 3 ADA accessible slips and ramp, a new shower, restrooms, laundry building, and amenities.

* Illinois: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the City of Rock Island, will receive $1,500,000 and match that amount with $565,000 to add a floating dock system that will accommodate 23 transient slips at the Schwiebert Riverfront Park on the Mississippi River. 

* Maine: The Maine Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Town of Kittery and the Kittery Port Authority will receive $242,766 and match that amount with $90,000 to construct a pier, ramp, and float system that will create new docking space for 12 transient boats. 

* Mississippi: The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, in cooperation with The City of Bay St. Louis and partners will receive $470,139 and match that amount with $470,139 to build a marina in an area devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Seven percent of the new marina will be for transient recreational boaters and provide 475 feet of guest moorage for transient recreational boats, safe harbor, and amenities.

* New York: The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, in cooperation with the City of Rochester, BIDCO Marine Group, and Edgewater Resources, will receive $1,450,000 and match that amount with $2,188,515 to add 64 transient slips with dockside utilities, create a deep-draft safe harbor, create an access point for the City of Rochester, and provide boater services and education on Lake Ontario. 

* The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, in cooperation with The Manhattan River Group, LLC and partners will receive $669,286 and match that amount with $235,154 to renovate an existing marina on the Hudson River to include space for 80 transient vessels, access to NYC, transient recreational boating amenities such as showers, dinghy dock, and pumpout as well as a Chinese junk for transportation between boats and land.

* The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, in cooperation with the Village of Greenport and partners will receive $105,963 and match that amount with $45,413 to add pedestals and improve electrical service to accommodate the needs of large, transient boats. The marina serves Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

* The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, in cooperation with The City of Ogdensburg and partners will receive $501,311 and match that amount with $176,141 to add a new fueling station and berthing for 32 - 45 transient recreational boats on the St. Lawrence River.

* Tennessee: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, in cooperation with Norris Dam Marina (H&B Enterprises of Norris) and partners will receive $357,050 and match it with $357,050 to add 21 tie-up facilities to an existing 218 slip marina on the 73-mile long Norris Lake in Tennessee. The marina is currently full with seasonal customers and the project will include catwalks, utilities, restrooms, and showers to accommodate transient boaters. 

* Texas: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, in cooperation with Blackberry Island, LP will receive $511,210 and match that with an amount of $511,210 to refurbish an old industrial marina to create a marina for transient and other boaters. It will include new dockage for 21 transient boats, restroom/shower facility, and other boater amenities.

* Virginia: The Virginia Department of Health, in cooperation with The Town of West Point and partners will receive $570,043 and will match that with $575,444 to redevelop a vacant marina on the Mattaponi River. The project will create a full-service marina to include 41 transient slips, fuel dock, and restrooms.

* Washington: The State of Washington Recreation and Conservation Office, in cooperation with the Port of Anacortes and partners will receive $1,476,193 and match that with $1,447,532 to replace 2 docks with state-of-the-art floats and upgraded amenities for an estimated 54 transient slips. The project is located on a sheltered harbor on Fidalgo Bay in Puget Sound.

-- FWS--

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

WA State Boater Gets Cash Reward for Busting Crime

NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatUS Press Room at http://www.BoatUS.com/pressroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact:  D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Photo Available at: http://www.BoatUS.com/pressroom/previewImg/hiRes/630.jpg
Photo Caption: Peter Hunt's internet sleuthing cracked a local burglary ring on Washington's Whidbey Island and netted him a $2500 reward from BoatUS.

WA State Boater Gets Cash Reward for Busting Crime: 
Stolen Goods Found Online

$2500 from BoatUS; Winter Crime Prevention Tips

OAK HARBOR, Wash. March 2, 2011 - When one Washington State boater had his boat burglarized at his marina, he didn't take the news sitting down.

Peter Hunt, of Oak Harbor, Washington, went to the internet, where he found the thieves selling the stolen items taken during a rash of boat burglaries - including his own chartplotter - on eBay. Recently, he brought his internet investigation to the attention of authorities that led to the arrest and conviction of an adult and two teenagers and recovery of over $50,000 in stolen electronic equipment. Over 90% of the goods stolen at Hunt's marina were recovered and returned to owners.

For his effort in breaking the crime ring - which had burglarized three marinas on North Whidbey Island, WA, as well as 30 cars - Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) honored Hunt with $2500 from its Theft Reward Program. Created to combat the increase in boat theft nationwide, all BoatUS members are automatically enrolled in the program which simply requires the boat owner to affix highly visible, orange theft reward sticker to their vessel.

Winter Anti-Theft Tips:

As winter goes on, BoatUS says boaters, anglers and sailors must remain vigilant about boat theft and burglary and has these tips:

• Keep your boat locked when you are not aboard. Never leave your keys or valuable items on the boat. BoatUS reports the top three items stolen from boats over the winter are electronics, outboards and outdrives. Remove electronics (if possible) and use a lock on outboards and drives.
• Continue to make periodic visits to your boat when it's in winter storage. Keep liquor out of site of prying eyes.
• If a boat is stored on its trailer, the best way to prevent a theft is to remove one or more wheels.
• Keep copies of ownership documents, serial numbers and photos of your boat and equipment in a safe place - off the boat for easy access should a loss occur.
• For more information on how you can prevent becoming a boat burglar's victim, check out theBoatUS Magazine feature, "Foiling Off-Season Theft," at BoatUS.com/magazine/burglars.

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About BoatUS:
BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services.  For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628