Boating Safety News
What Should You Do If You Find a Weather Balloon at Sea?
March 10, 2010
Boaters can help recycle fallen radiosondes.
Weather balloons or "radiosondes" are deployed twice a day from about 800 locations worldwide. The devices can reach altitudes of more than 100,000 feet before they burst and disintegrate.
These burst balloons often land in the ocean. Boaters can spot one by its orange-colored parachute connected to a square plastic foam box.
If you locate one, first cut the string to the burst balloon and remove the battery (wait until it is cool enough to handle) to recycle separately. There should be a plastic prepaid postage mailbag inside the box. Put it in the bag and hand it directly to your postal letter carrier or take it to any post office.
For more information visit www.ua.nws.noaa.gov/factsheet.htm
Coast Guard Warns of Unapproved EPIRB Batteries
December 25, 2009
Stick to manufacturer sanctioned service, or your emergency beacon could stop working.
The Coast Guard reported that one of its districts has received at least three reports regarding unapproved replacements of 406 MHz EPIRB batteries by servicing companies that have no association with the EPIRB manufacturer. These unauthorized battery installations would likely result in a failure of this critical item of lifesaving equipment, and as such are not in compliance with the operational readiness requirements of 46 CFR, the Coast Guard stated.
The Coast Guard reported that every approved (i.e., accepted by the FCC) EPIRB is tested during its approval process using batteries specified by the manufacturer. Approved EPIRB’s come with a user’s manual, which describes battery maintenance and replacement procedures. In order for the EPIRB to remain within the conditions of its approval, the manufacturer’s instructions in the user’s manual must be adhered to.
To ensure that replacement batteries are of the same type with which the EPIRB was approved, and are correctly installed, manufacturers typically specify that battery replacements be done only by the manufacturer or a manufacturer approved shop.
Any modification or changes to an EPIRB must be made in accordance with the manufacturer. The use of alternative replacement parts or batteries is prohibited and may prevent the device from meeting lifesaving requirements, the Coast Guard stated.
Accordmg to the Coast Guard, EPIRB owners and servicing facilities must be aware of the potential for equipment failure stemming from any EPIRB modification or unauthorized battery replacement.
Coast Guard vessel hits boat, killing boy
December 20, 2009
An 8-year-old boy was killed and five people were seriously injured when a Coast Guard vessel responding to an emergency call struck a 26-foot Sea Ray boat with 13 people onboard near Harbor Island during the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Witnesses state that the Coast Guard vessel was traveling fast with its lights on at the time of the collision.
The captain of the Sea Ray stated that his vessel was drifting at 2 to 3 knots about 5:45 p.m., after the fireworks show ended and the parade was about to begin. He recalled hearing the Coast Guard boat, a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft, speed up behind him at an estimated 30 to 40 knots. The Sea Ray captain said he tried to steer out of the way. “I thought he was going to turn at some point,” the Sea Ray captain said. “He came up so fast, I didn’t have time to react.”
No one was thrown into the water and both boats later made it to shore under their own power. Two adults suffered “major traumas” and were taken to UCSD Medical Center. A third adult was taken to Harbor Island, where paramedics performed CPR before he was transferred by ambulance to UCSD Medical Center.
The accident occurred during one of San Diego’s longest-running and highest-profile holiday events. More than 80,000 people had been expected to watch the 38th annual procession of lighted boats from anchored vessels and from the shore. Authorities have not said how the accident occurred, but it came just after sundown in clear weather with light winds. The Coast Guard will conduct an investigation of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team from the East Coast to conduct its own investigation.
Update
December 25,2009
NTSB Seeks San Diego Boat Crash Video
Federal investigators are looking for videos of a collision between a Coast Guard boat and a 26-foot pleasure boat during a Dec. 20 boat parade on San Diego Bay in which an 8-year- old boy was killed. The National Transportation Safety Board said its investigators also want electronic data that indicates speeds and routes of the boats that crashed.
Investigators examined the 33-foot Coast Guard boat Dec.22 and the recreational boat Dec. 23. They also plan to interview Coast Guard personnel and eyewitnesses.
The NTSB agency typically posts evidence on its Web site about six months after an incident.
Commentary
March 09,2010
Where were the Life Jackets?
When two adult victims and a boatload full of disoriented children were helped ashore after the boating accident non were wearing life jackets. Now, that may not have prevented the collision, however personnel flotation devices (PFD's) are required for all children younger than 11 on the water.
According to state law, “If boating on a vessel that is 26-feet or less, every child 11 years of age or younger must wear a PFD, unless in an enclosed cabin OR restrained by a harness tethered to a sailboat. Children's PFD's must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III or V and, must be appropriate for the wearer's size and weight. Inflatable PFD's are not designed for use by children under the age of 16. A violation of the child PFD law can result in a fine up to $250."
Aside from a lack of PFD's on boating spectators who were injured, I cannot help but wonder why 13 people were crowded aboard a 26-foot boat.
