Here is What's New at NBF

NBF Developed Safety Brochures Now Available Online...

The U.S. Coast Guard disseminated a Marine Safety Bulletin on 9-1-11 regarding recreational boaters and commercial mariners obtaining a MMSI number to go along with their Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radios. In response to their urgent safety warning the National Boating Federation in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard developed a new brochure, "DSC – Digital Selective Calling – Today’s SOS”. This brochure provides simple instructions on the requirements to enable boaters and mariners to be compliant with the new Rescue 21 program. Most importantly, it enhances the Coast Guard’s capability to more effectively respond to a DSC distress call.

9-1-2011 Marine Safety Bulletin:
'As the Coast Guard’s new marine radio network Rescue 21 becomes operational throughout the U.S., rescue centers can now receive instant distress alerts from commonly used DSC-capable VHF marine radios. However, approximately 90% of VHF DSC distress alerts received by the Coast Guard do not contain position information, and approximately 60% do not contain a registered identity. The Coast Guard cannot effectively respond to a DSC distress alert sent from such a radio.'

NBF has also authored another brochure which points out the advantages of having a VHF radio on your vessel, however, if a cell phone is your only means of communication, there are specific instructions that should be followed.

The National Boating Federation is requesting that you download our "DSC - Digital Selective Calling - Today's SOS" brochure and our "Cell Phone Brochure - Only You Can Take the Search out of Search and Rescue!' and invites your use and dissemination of the information in our brochures for purposes of promoting marine safety in classes, public affairs and group presentations.

Click to Download the Brochures:

"DSC - Digital Selective Calling - Today's SOS" Brochure

"Cell Phone Brochure - Only You Can Take the Search out of Search and Rescue"

Orion Issues Recall Notice for Hand-Launched Aerial Signals

Orion Safety Products has issued a recall for two models of its hand-launched aerial signals, citing problems with the devices failing to launch and/or ignite.

The recall applies to older Orion XLT and 12-gauge signals made with orange ABS plastic. XLTs are self-contained, hand-launched signals, while 12-gauge signals have a pistol-style launch and a plastic shell.


In 2008, Orion switched from orange ABS to red-colored, glass-filled polyethylene for its better strength, durability and resistance to moisture. The last XLTs that used orange ABS in the launch tube body expire this month, while the last 12-inch gauge shells using the orange ABS plastic expire in March 2012.

If you have an XLT signal with an orange launch tube that has an expiration date between November 2011 and December 2011, or an orange 12-gauge shell that has an expiration date between November 2011 and March 2012, you are eligible to receive a free, four-pack replacement at no cost.

Click here to obtain a replacement pack or to learn more about the recall...

 

MUSTANG SURVIVAL PFD RECALL NOTICE
RECALL NOTICE ON MD2010 & MD2012 model 22LB Inflatable Personal Flotation Devices

The United States Coast Guard strongly urges mariners and boaters alike to check their Mustang Survival PFDs. Mustang Survival is voluntarily recalling all model number MD2010 and MD2012 inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) sold in the United States during 2011. Please click on the link to review the attachment for important information.  Mustang Survival PFD Recall Notice...

Mariner's Safety Endangered When VHF Radio Distress Alerts by Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Lack Location and Identification Information...

As the Coast Guard's new marine radio network Rescue 21 becomes operational throughout the U.S., rescue centers can now receive instant distress alerts from commonly used DSC-capable VHF marine radios. However, approximately 90% of VHF DSC distress alerts received by the Coast Guard do not contain position information, and approximately 60% do not contain a registered identity. The Coast Guard cannot effectively respond to a DSC distress alert sent from such a radio.

This means that search and rescue efforts may normally be suspended when:

• no communications with the distressed vessel can be established,
• no further information or means of contacting the vessel can be obtained from other sources, and
• no position information is known.

Read our feature story: Dangers of Accidental Distress Calls

HELP US HELP YOU

FIRST Obtain a Maritime Mobile Installation Identity (MMSI) and enter it into your radio. MMSI numbers are issued by the Federal Communications Commission if your vessel otherwise requires a station license, or BOATUS, (http://www.boatus.com/mmsi), Sea Tow (http://www.seatow.com/mmsi), or the U.S. Power Squadrons (http://www.usps.org/php/mmsi). Ensure any information originally provided is updated as changes occur. FCC regulations require that DSC-equipped radios "use
MMSIs assigned by the Commission or its designees" (47 CFR 80.103(b)).

THEN Interconnect your radio to a GPS receiver using a two-wire NMEA 0183 interface on all DSCequipped marine radios and on most GPS receivers. Instructions should be provided in the radio and GPS operators manual. Further information is provided and will be routinely updated in http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtDsc.

Developed by the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Policy Division (CG-652), United States Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC. Questions should be directed to Mr. Russell Levin at (202) 475 3555 or Russell.S.Levin@uscg.mil.