วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 23 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2552

Next ArticleAnchorage Boating Examiner Boat safely by getting a Vessel Safety Check


We are near the beginning of boating season in Alaska and now is a good time to review what required equipment should be onboard and ready for use. One easy way to ensure your boating safety gear is up to speed is to request a Vessel Safety Check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The exam looks at the equipment required by law and makes recommendations for other safety gear that should be onboard.

So what does the examiner look for to ensure your boat is safe and legal to operate?

Required Equipment

Registration - Boats must be currently registered by either the state or federal government. The Federal government usually documents (a form of registration) boats that are larger than five net tons.

Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) or Lifejackets - One USCG approved PFD is required for each person onboard. A throwable or Type IV PFD like a ring buoy or floating cushion is required on boats over 16 feet in length.

Visual Distress Signals - Depending on the time of operation, day and/or night distress signals need to be carried onboard vessels

Fire Extinguishers - Vessels that have mechanical propulsion are required to have a USCG approved fire extinguisher onboard. The number of extinguishers depends on the length of the vessel.

Ventilation – Boats that have gasoline powered engines installed in closed spaces (inboards) within the boat must be equipped with powered ventilation system to prevent to build up of explosive gasoline vapors.
Backfire Flame Arrester - Gasoline engines equipped with a carburetor need a USCG approved backfire flame arrester.

Sound Producing Device - Collision avoidance regulations depend on boaters carrying sound producing equipment.

Navigation Lights - Operating navigation lights are required for operation of your boat at night and in conditions of reduced visibility like fog.
Regulatory Placards - Placards or regulatory notices must be posted on vessels over 28 feet in length. These placards notify the operators of regulations addressing oil pollution and proper disposal of marine related garbage.
Recommended Items

Marine VHF Radio - A marine VHF isn't required by law, but can be a real lifesaver. The Coast Guard communications system is geared to using these radios, and they are often more likely to perform better than cellular phone system.
Alternative Dewatering Pump - Carry a spare, manually operated pump for bailing out your boat. You should have something available to bail out your boat that does not depend on the vessel's power system.

Mounted Fire Extinguishers – It is beneficial to mount your fire extinguishers. A fire extinguisher that is stowed will not be readily available when you need it.
Anchor and Line – An anchor provides options during a mechanical breakdown, it keep you off the beach and prevent you from drifting further ashore while you troubleshoot the problem.

First-Aid Kit - A first-aid kit onboard makes a major difference in your ability to respond and treat an injury that occurs during a trip.
Capacity Plate/Certificate of Compliance - Most boats built under approval standards set by the Coast Guard will carry a placard that states the maximum recommended load and passenger capacity of the boat. Larger boats may carry a manufacturer's statement of compliance with Coast Guard vessel standards.
Once you successfully complete the VSC, a decal is affixed to your boat certifying completion of the inspection. Completion of a VSC may qualify you for discounts on liability insurance at State Farm and boating equipment purchases at West Marine. Go to the Vessel Examiners Database and enter your zip code find a VSC examiner near you.

New third party insurance policy launched


Navigators & General has launched a new third party only boat insurance policy for boaters who may find the cost of comprehensive cover prohibitive. It is designed to meet the requirement for third party cover made by many marinas, harbours, waterways and boatyards.

"There have been increasing instances of fires leading to damage to nearby craft, and boats becoming unmoored and drifting into others", said N&G head James Roberts. "We wanted to provide low cost cover for boat owners who are simply looking to lay their boat up in a yard outside peak sailing season or whilst it's up for sale".

The policy, which can be taken out online, includes liability protection against passenger or third party claims, cover for wreck removal and destruction, and pollution related costs and fines.

วันพุธที่ 22 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2552

SKorean wife collects fortune for 'dead' husband


SEOUL (AFP) — A South Korean woman who held a funeral for her husband after claiming he was lost at sea scammed insurers out of 800,000 dollars before he was found alive and well, police said Tuesday.

The fraud in the southeastern town of Tongyeong is part of an increasing trend of bogus claims, insurers say.

It began in March 2006 when she told police that her husband had failed to return from a fishing trip, a police spokesman in the nearby city of Changwon told AFP.

The husband had left his boat adrift and sneaked back ashore on a different boat as a major sea search was launched.

He went to ground for some three years elsewhere in the country as his wife successfully filed claims totalling 1.1 billion won with six insurance firms.

She even held a funeral for her spouse, receiving the customary condolence cash payments from mourners.

The pair finally came to grief when the husband shared his secret with an acquaintance during a drinking session and the friend reported it to police.

They will face criminal charges, the police spokesman said.

The Seoul Shinmun newspaper said insurance scams were becoming "low-risk, high-return" crimes.

Kim Seong, an official of the General Insurance Association of Korea, told the daily such crimes have risen sharply since the 1997 economic crisis,

The Financial Supervisory Commission said 41,019 people were caught over insurance frauds last year, up 33 percent from a year earlier.

"However, statistics on insurance frauds fail to reflect reality, as many people are believed to get away with these crimes," Kim said.