ShipStore.com Beacon Newsletter | ShipStore.com Beacon #105 : Do Not Operate 121.5/243 MHZ EPIRBs | BEACON105 from the ShipStore.com ™ on-line catalog.

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ShipStore.com Beacon #105 : Do Not Operate 121.5/243 MHZ EPIRBs

ShipStore.com Beacon: Do Not Operate 121.5/243 MHZ EPIRBs
Issue 105, January 25, 2007
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM

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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: Mystical Mist and "Lake effect" snow
~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: No 121.5/243 MHZ EPIRBs After 12/31/2006
~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up Specials
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Mystical Mist and "Lake effect" snow
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It's been a squirrelly winter in the North Country. Of course, they're saying the same thing everywhere. One interesting side effect of unusual weather is that it provokes unusual reflections and conversations. More than the proverbial ice breaker, recent bizarre weather conditions have become a collective mystery and concern. After about a dozen exchanges about the super-local snowfall we're experiencing right now, I jotted a note in my log. I'm going to share my thoughts, along with a related log entry from last week. Both are brief, and both describe a situation that is NOT unusual for those of us who live along the shores of Lake Champlain: meteorological effects of lake water temperature dropping.

Wednesday, January 17 - I'm on the ferry between Essex and Charlotte, Vermont. The view beyond my windshield is almost mystical. The air temperature has plummeted in the last two days. This afternoon, with wind chill, it's below zero, and the lake water temperature is considerably warmer than the air. The water is giving off its heat in wispy mist which clings to the water's surface despite a steady wind that pulls licks of mist upward like stalagmites. Above the sky is pale blue streaked with feathery clouds, and the glorious sun shines icily across the entire scene. The ferry is pushing through the dreamy atmosphere, almost as if we are on the set for a film. No boats in sight, except for the one which carries me across Lake Champlain.

Thursday, January 25 - Blue, sunny skies to the west, but Westport is buried in foggy clouds and falling snow. "Lake effect" snow from the warm, moist air rising off the lake. And extreme cold. Temperatures supposed to go even lower this evening and tomorrow. Well below zero, and with wind chill, the local radio channels are airing warnings. Almost a shame we don't have more than a thin blanket of snow on the ground to help insulate. Frost will drive deep, and many people's pipes will freeze. A good time to be a plumber... A bad time to be a homeowner. Though better than a tent owner, I suppose.

So there you have it, a couple of snapshots to let you know what winter 2007 looks and feels like in our neck of the woods!

Try to keep warm,
George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: No 121.5/243 MHZ EPIRBs After 12/31/2006
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[The following press release was released by the United States Coast Guard on December 8, 2006.]

WASHINGTON - The Coast Guard reminds all boaters that beginning January 1, 2007, both 121.5 and 243 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are prohibited from use in both commercial and recreational watercraft. Boaters wishing to have an emergency rescue beacon aboard their vessel must have a digital 406 MHz model.

The January 1, 2007, date to stop using 121.5 MHz EPIRBs is in preparation for February 1, 2009, when satellite processing of distress signals from all 121.5/243 MHz beacons will terminate. Following this termination date, only the 406 MHz beacons will be detected by the International Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System which provides distress alert and location data for search and rescue operations around the world.

The regulation applies to all Class A, B, and S 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs. It does not affect 121.5/243 MHz man overboard devices which are designed to work directly with a base alerting unit only and not with the satellite system.

This change, in large part, was brought about by the unreliability of the 121.5/243 MHz beacons in an emergency situation. Data reveals that with a 121.5 MHz beacon, only one alert out of every 50 is a genuine distress situation. This has a significant effect on expending the limited resources of search and rescue personnel and platforms. With 406 MHz beacons, false alerts have been reduced significantly, and, when properly registered, can usually be resolved with a telephone call to the beacon owner. Consequently, real alerts can receive the attention they deserve.

When a 406 MHz beacon signal is received, search and rescue personnel can retrieve information from a registration database. This includes the beacon owner's contact information, emergency contact information, and vessel/aircraft identifying characteristics. Having this information allows the Coast Guard, or other rescue personnel, to respond appropriately.

In the U.S., users are required by law to directly register their beacon in the U.S. 406 MHz Beacon Registration Database at: http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/ or by calling 1-888-212-SAVE. Other users can register their beacon in their country's national beacon registration database or, if no national database is available, in the International Beacon Registration Database at https://www.406registration.com/.

The United States Coast Guard is the lead agency for coordinating national maritime search and rescue policy and is responsible for providing search and rescue services on, under and over assigned international waters and waters subject to United States jurisdiction.

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up
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By my estimation, we're about half way through the non-boating season in the North Country. That's right, my glass is half full and I'm counting the days until we can start splashing boats again. Premature? Too optimistic? I've been called worse, I suppose.

But let's not put the cart before the horse. All things in due course. (If I could come up with a third cliche, that would make a hat trick!) As we trudge through the snow and ice, nurturing fantasies of a spring launch not too far around the corner, there's a much more prudent way to wile away the hours than daydreaming. It's time for a mid-winter boat checkup.

Remember tucking your boat(s) away last fall, tears streaming from your eyes as you anticipated the long, cold months apart? Well, cheer up! It's time for a visit. Since you want your launch to be smooth, quick and effortless, you need to invest in a "little insurance policy". Take fifteen or twenty minutes now to ensure that you're happy come spring. Here's a quick set of guidelines for what to do during a visit to your stored boat.

1. First off, how's gravity treating your liquid asset? You should inspect your trailer and/or blocking for settling, shifting, etc. Temperature change, humidity fluctuations and activity in and around your boat can destabilize boat stands, blocks and even your trailer. Make sure that the vessel is secure (no significant movement side-to-side or front-to-back) and that it isn't leaning. If in doubt, ask someone to assist you in restabilizing it.

2. Is your boat dry inside? Open hatches and check for water leaks, mildew, mold, etc. If not (and maybe even if so, just to be safe,) grab a Starbrite mildew control bag and throw it in your bilge. Repeat for any other suspect areas.

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3. Are your lines tidy and snug? Remember that exposure to the elements (especially extremes in temperature combined with moisture) shortens the life of your lines. When possible, remove your lines, halyards and other ropes and store them in a dry spot. This will extend the functional life of your lines, and it will result is more flexible and supple lines come boating season.

4. Are loose lines, halyards or tarp straps chafing of causing abrasion? Loose lines and cables can unfortunately damage your bright work, gel coat and other surfaces when permitted to repeatedly flap against them. If you've used a tarp to cover your boat, the ropes you used to secure it may have loosened from exposure or simply come untied. Find and secure all loose lines, halyards, etc.

5. Are your stanchions bent or loose? Whether from the weight of a snow laden boat cover or as a casualty of hauling and storing your vessel, stanchions bend and stanchion bases come loose from the deck. This is the perfect time to catch the problem. Replacing or rebedding a stanchion now will save you time in May or June when you're itching to get out on the water, and after a couple months of dry storage there's little or no danger that moisture in the hull, gunwale, base/mounting or backing plates will compromise the connection.

6. Are your hull and deck in good repair? Examine both for chips, cracks and blisters. If moisture is permeating your boat's "skin" then winter's dramatic temperature fluctuations can result in blistering, or even pitting of your gel coat that will help you identify problem areas that should be repaired or watched closely. Chipping and cracking can also indicate stress along seams (i.e. between hull and transom or hull and keel) that should be carefully inspected to determine if additional maintenance is required. Much better to tackle these problems now (or get a work order on file with your boatyard) than getting stuck with your boat in dry dock in the middle of July!

7. Is your vessel adequately protected? Inspect your custom boat cover, shrink-wrap cover or tarp. Look for rips or sections that may have come loose. Repair and secure your cover to prevent rain, snow and ice damage. Although it's vital to prevent the weather from finding its way into and onto you boat, it's important to make certain the covering is breathable to prevent moisture buildup inside and mildew or mold. If your boat is uncovered because it is stored indoors, I suggest you close and lock your hatches if there's any risk of vandalism or theft.

8. Did you remember to check in on your baby boat? If you have a dinghy, you should inspect it as well. Winter's a perfect time to tackle the dinghy maintenance issues which are often overlooked during the boating months. Inspect the hull and repair as needed. Sand and varnish the bright work. Examine and replace worn hardware. Check for leaks. Anti-foul the bottom. And generally spruce up the unsung hero of your boating activities, the loyal tender so often overshadowed by your "big boat".

Simple enough, right? Consider it preventative maintenance. A check-up to simplify and expedite your launch. Or, maybe just a chance to go visit your love and reminisce over some great boating experiences from last season.

Sincerely,
George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up Specials
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STARBRITE MILDU BAGS
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HORN COMPACT TWIN 12V
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COMPACT MINI HORN 12V
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GIT ROT KIT 4 OZ.
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DOCK BOX MAXI (CAN SHIP UPS)
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DOCK BOX LARGE
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DOCK BOX EXTRA LARGE
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TIDEMATE CLOCK AND TIDE, BLUE, 6 INCHES
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GOGGLES
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EPIRB PRECISION 406/GPS CAT II
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ULTRA6 PORTABLE FUEL TANK, 6 GALLON
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JERRY JUG, 6.6 GALLON,#81062
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BOARDING HANDLE
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SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 12"
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SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 15"
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SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 18"
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SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 24"
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DOCKLINE 1/2 X 15, NYLON TWIST
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DOCKLINE 1/2 X 20, NYLON TWIST
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DOCKLINE 1/2 X 25, NYLON TWIST
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DOCKLINE 1/2 X 30, NYLON TWIST
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DOCKLINE 3/8 X 10, NYLON TWIST
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DOCKLINE 3/8 X 15, NYLON TWIST
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DOCKLINE 3/8 X 20, NYLON TWIST
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DOCKLINE 3/8 X 25, NYLON TWIST
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DOCKLINE 5/8 X 25, NYLON TWIST
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DOCKLINE 5/8 X 30, NYLON TWIST
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DOCKLINE 5/8 X 35, NYLON TWIST
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~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree!" Drawing
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Win a $100.00 credit at ShipStore.com. To be eligible for future "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawings all you have to do is subscribe to the Beacon. All current subscribers are eligible for the random drawing. If you're not already subscribed, then visit http://www.shipstore.com and click the "Win a Shopping Spree!" link along the top of your screen.

Once you subscrive you'll be sent a confirmation email which you must respond to in order to activate your subscription and be added to our mailing list. This double opt-in procedure enables us to prevent accidental subscriptions and spam. As soon as your confirmation is confirmed, you will be entered into the "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawing for a $100.00 free merchandise from ShipStore.com. Good luck.

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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
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CONTACT INFORMATION
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ShipStore.com
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