WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2012 Recreational Boating Statistics Monday, revealing that boating fatalities that year totaled 651, the lowest number of boating fatalities on record.

From 2011 to 2012, deaths in boating-related accidents decreased from 758 to 651, a 14.1 percent decrease; injuries decreased from 3,081 to 3,000, a 2.6 percent reduction; and the total reported recreational boating accidents decreased from 4,588 to 4,515, a 1.6 percent decrease.

The fatality rate for 2012 of 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels reflected a 12.9 percent decrease from the previous year’s rate of 6.2 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. Property damage totaled approximately $38 million.

"We’re very pleased that casualties are lower, and thank our partners for their hard work over the past year," said Capt. Paul Thomas, director of Inspections and Compliance at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. "We will continue to stress the importance of life jacket wear, boating education courses and sober boating."

The report states alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 1;7 percent of the deaths. Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure and excessive speed ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.

Almost 71 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, with 84 percent of those victims not reported as wearing a life jacket. Approximately 14 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received boating safety instruction. The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats, personal watercraft and cabin motorboats.

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to boat responsibly while on the water: wear a life jacket, take a boating safety course, get a free vessel safety check and avoid alcohol consumption.

To view the 2012 Recreational Boating Statistics, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_statistics.aspx.

For more information on boating responsibly, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/.

I don’t really know much about ODEO Laser Flares, but I’m intrigued. My understanding is that they do not satisfy USCG requirements for visual signaling devices. Any experience from my talented Navagear readers?

I’ve stayed out of this debate, because I didn’t feel confident I had an opinion worth repeating. Yeah, it’s called “restraint”, and it will be unfamiliar to those of you who follow political discussions in the United States.

But if this summary by Peter Schrappen over at the Clean Boating Foundation is accurate, I think I may be developing an opinion!

I was especially surprised by this statement: “By the time the entire ethanol production process is finished, it may take more than a gallon of fossil fuel to produce a gallon of ethanol.”

I’m interested in feedback from my well-informed Navagear readers; have at it in the comments!

Ethanol in Our Fuel: good idea or bad?

Have you been following the desire by the Federal government to increase the amount of ethanol that comprises gasoline? Currently, the blend with the abbreviation “E10″ is what is allowed. That means that at most 10% of your gasoline may contain ethanol, generally made from corn.

We haven’t discussed this topic much on this blog, but that doesn’t mean that the movement to mandate 15% (or “E15″) of gasoline to contain ethanol isn’t moving along pretty quickly. I’ll let the boating industry speak for itself here and here as to why this could spell disaster for boating engines. As for this blog, and as the first foray into why ethanol is bad public policy from an environmental perspective, you don’t have to look any further than Michael Pollan’s entry here.

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OK, so it’s only of interest to a REGIONAL, rather than a national or global audience, but…this is still pretty cool. Salish Sea Pilot provides free (ad-supported) cruising guides for your laptop, tablet, or smartphone device. Awesome!

Or…you know…maybe not. Honestly, I haven’t made up my mind. But then, I have a hard time being fully objective about this.

Those who know about my effort a couple years ago to get into the cruising guide business will appreciate that my interest in this sort of thing is more than casual. When I see this, my questions are:

• How good is the quality (both breadth and depth) of the content? Is it usable? Where does it fall short? Can it be sustained? Do the owners plan to expand it?
• Who are the owners? Are they authoritative and credible?
• Is the business model sustainable? Will the product be around in five years?
• How does it compare with competing products? Even if it’s free, does it represent a good investment of my time and attention?

So I am eager to hear how Navagear readers who cruise the Salish Sea feel about this product. Have at it in the comments, or send me an email privately.

From the Salish Sea Pilot website…

Salish Sea Pilot

Salish Sea Pilot guides are in PDF format, and display in phones, tablets and PC, Mac or Linux computers. They also look great on paper! Use any device or medium that suits you.

Gulf Islands cruising guide

This free guide covers anchorages, moorings and marinas throughout the Gulf Islands and southeastern Vancouver Island. The single fiile contains 82 pages and more than 100 illustrations to assist you on your voyage.

San Juan Islands cruising guide

This free guide covers anchorages, moorings and marinas throughout the San Juan Islands and the ports of Bellingham, Anacortes and Boundary Bay. It contains 60 pages and almost 80 illustrations.

Regular readers know that I am enchanted with thermal imaging. I even dream in thermal!

But I don’t own a thermal imaging camera. Why not? They are incredibly expensive! The FLIR M-series “R2-D2” units I lust after (shown at right) run about $10,000 and up.

So my little heart went pitter-patter when I saw this press release about FLIR’s new MD-series thermal imagers…

AFFORDABLE NEW FLIR MD-SERIES THERMAL NIGHT VISION SYSTEM — Easy to Mount and Use on Any Vessel

Portland, OR –FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLIR), introduced a new member of its maritime thermal night vision product family: the MD-Series. A fixed-mounted thermal camera that is easy to install and use, MD-Series helps boaters detect obstructions, other vessels, and people in the water at night.

Starting at $3,499, the MD-Series uses FLIR’s state-of-the-art technology to create clear thermal imagery night and day. MD-324 features 320 × 240 standard-resolution, 24° field of view, and 2× e-zoom, while MD-625 features 640 × 480 high-resolution, 25° field of view, and 2× and 4× e-zoom. Both models are built to withstand harsh maritime environments, include automatic defrost, and come with a two-year standard warranty.

Weighing in at only three pounds and standing a mere seven inches tall, MD-Series is easy to install on any boat or any size boat. It’s Ethernet-enabled for simple integration in your current electronics and consumes as little as 4.8 W.

“We developed FLIR MD-Series to provide boaters with an affordable thermal night vision system to mount on their vessel. We’re using the same thermal imaging technology that has made the handheld First Mate and the premium M-Series product families so invaluable to boaters,” said Lou Rota, FLIR Maritime VP of Business Development. “Being on the water at night should be as pleasurable and safe as it is during the day, and MD-Series makes that possible.”

FLIR MD-Series will be on display at the Miami International Boat Show, February 14-18. More information is available at FLIR.com/MD-Series.

Longtime readers know that I love AIS. I’ve had AIS up and running on my little boat since 2008. I’ve had stand-alone receive-only units, multiple Class B transceivers, and AIS-receive units built into VHF radios.

My recommendation for most recreational boaters is for the last. Purchasing a new VHF radio with AIS reception built-in offers what I feel is the best combination of features, simplicity, and value. Here’s why:

• Features: You receive AIS transmissions, a rich datastream you can send to your chartplotter. All of a sudden, those big radar blips on the screen have names, headings, and velocities attached to them!
• Simplicity: No new antenna to install; the built-in AIS receiver uses the same antenna you already have for the VHF. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise: for AIS reception, a plain old VHF antenna (properly installed in an appropriate location, of course) works just fine. Also, you don’t need to find space to install yet another component in your boat, and data connectivity wiring is usually simpler than it would be with a stand-alone unit.
• Price: Even though an AIS-VHF combo is more expensive than a VHF alone, it’s about the same as a VHF and a stand-alone AIS receiver, but when you consider the money you save not buying a new antenna to go with a stand-alone AIS receiver, you’re way ahead.

So it’s great news for consumers that Simrad is about to throw their hat in the ring. The new RS35 VHF/AIS radio competes with the Standard Horizon Matrix GX2150 unit I have installed on my boat, while also offering NMEA 2000 networking.

Pair it with Simrad’s new HS35 wireless handset and you’ve got full AIS/VHF functionality in the palm of your hand, anywhere on the boat.

I’ll let the press release tell the story:

Tulsa, Okla. – Simrad Yachting — a world leader in the design and manufacture of professional-performance marine navigation, autopilots, communications and fish-finding systems — announced today its new RS35 fixed-mount, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radio and HS35 Wireless Handset. Combining a built-in dual-channel Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver with the latest in VHF functionality, the 25-watt RS35 supports up to two optional wireless handsets. The new HS35 handset is suitable for long-range use — up to 100 meters from the RS35 radio — and features convenient, inductive charging. Designed for navigating in congested areas such as busy shipping lanes or marinas, the RS35 and HS35 provide the ability to see, hear and be heard for increased on-the-water safety.

“The Simrad RS35 and wireless HS35 handset are the ultimate radio solution for efficient and intuitive communication while at sea," said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer, Navico Americas. “The RS35 delivers unrivalled functionality and flexibility. From AIS integration to the convenience of wireless mobility, our new Simrad radio system is perfect for boaters who put safety first.”

The Simrad RS35 combines reliable performance and a best-in-class LCD display with an unparalleled feature set. Class D compliant for global use, the new Simrad Yachting VHF has an NMEA 2000^® interface and includes a built-in, dual-channel AIS receiver that allows AIS reception and VHF use via a single antenna. Capable of displaying critical collision avoidance data from AIS-equipped vessels in range, accessible information includes vessel name, type, call sign, MMSI number, IMO number, and draft and size, as well as vessel position, speed over ground (SOG), course over ground (COG), rate of turn, heading, status, destination and ETA.

The RS35 provides plug-and-play integration that allows viewing of another boat’s DSC distress call from a Simrad NSS chartplotter screen while receiving vital GPS data for accurate DSC call information. When connected to a compatible multifunction display, the device enables an exclusive “Track Your Buddy” feature that connects DSC position polling via the NMEA 2000 network for GPS location display of up to three boating friends. Additional advanced capabilities include GPS navigation and Man Over Board (MOB) functionality.

The RS35 VHF radio has a large, easy-to-view, 128 x 256-pixel LCD measuring 1.3 x 2.6 inches (3.3 x 6.6 cm) with adjustable backlighting, plus a large 57 mm built-in speaker with 4 Watt output that allows for the connection of additional speakers. Its ergonomic, best-in-class fist microphone offers six quick keys, an easy-grip rubber molding cover for secure holding, and an additional speaker for noisy environments. Equipped with an extra large rotary knob, dedicated menu, weather and channel keys, separate volume and squelch knobs and a Distress button, the RS35 delivers all USA, Canadian and International marine channels, and features selectable Dual and TriWatch modes, 20 user-programmable names with MMSI, and a PA and hailer horn output for an automatic fog signal and a listen back function.

Designed as the perfect companion to the RS35, the compact Class D DSC Simrad HS35 Wireless Handset features a high-resolution, 180 x 128 pixel LCD display, a built-in speaker and microphone, and dedicated AIS function. Both energy efficient and easy to use, the device operates for up to eight hours on a single battery charge and has an innovative induction plate for easy and convenient charging. Equipped for long-range use, the handset has a ‘push to talk’ key and can act as an intercom between another HS35 or the RS35 base station. In addition, the hands-free unit has a non-slip rubber mold for secure gripping, can be programmed via USB connection and, for hands-free convenience, includes a headphone jack and a belt clip.

NMEA 2000 and 0183 compatible, the RS35 fixed-mount VHF/AIS offers selectable 25/1-watt transmit power and comes complete with a flush-mount kit and a sun cover. The Simrad RS35 and HS35 feature ultra-rugged chassis, are waterproof to the IPx7 standard (submersible), are protected by a two-year limited warranty, and are supported for an additional three years by the Simrad 5-Year Advantage Program.

Available February 2013, the Simrad RS35 fixed-mount VHF/AIS and HS35 Wireless Handset can be purchased from authorized dealers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada for US $399 and $169, respectively. For more information on the Simrad RS35 or HS35, Simrad Yachting — or the entire line of Simrad branded professional-grade marine electronics — please visit www.simrad-yachting.com.

I wish I’d learned about this BEFORE Christmas; I would’a had a great gift for my dad. He and I have been exploring our local cruising paradise—the San Juan Islands—since the early 1970s.

Robbie and Kara Johnson, the husband and wife duo behind Below the Boat, fell in love with these framed bathymetric laser-cut wood charts when they first discovered them. They loved them so much that they contacted the manufacturer to see about creating an internet outlet for them. Et Voila! Below the Boat launched on December 9. No wonder I hadn’t heard of it before.

Rather than reinvent the wheel here, let me quote from the site itself to explain what the product is:

Starting with a bathymetric chart (the underwater equivalent of a topographic map), the contours are laser-cut into sheets of Baltic birch and glued together to create a powerful visual depth. Select layers are hand-colored blue so it’s easy to discern land from water, major byways are etched into the land, the whole thing’s framed in a custom, solid-wood frame and protected seamlessly with a sheet of durable, ultra-transparent Plexiglas.

The result is stunning. It lifts the surface of the water back like a veil, exposing the often-overlooked, under-explored, awe-inspiring world that lies below. To those familiar with the floor of the ocean or the bed of a lake, it’s a beautiful reminder of the deep channels, sharp drop-offs, and mountainous landscapes that are hidden from normal view. To the uninitiated, it’s wonderfully eye-opening; as though the world suddenly has taken on a fourth dimension.

With pieces based on the scenic Pacific Northwest’s volcanic coastline, the warm sandy shores of the Southwest and Southeast, the history-rich coastline of the Atlantic, and lakes from all around the continent, we’re betting that you’ll find one that hits home with you. If you don’t, please let us know. We’re working diligently to add more charts and we’d love to know what else you’d like to see.

Can do! I, for one, would love a super-detailed version covering Sucia Island—my favorite destination as a child, and as a parent.

Ben Lee has this item over at Three Sheets Northwest:

We’re often asked by boaters about products they can use to reduce their environmental impact while enjoying their boat and the beautiful waters of Puget Sound. The three major responses are: cleaning supplies, non-copper bottom paint and aluminum/magnesium anodes. Let’s talk today about anodes.

What are anodes? They’re sacrificial lumps of metal attached to the bottom of your boat to prevent the wasting of the good metals of your boat (hull, shaft, propeller, etc) through galvanic corrosion. Basically, the anode corrodes before the boat does, saving you costly repairs and headaches. Anodes are a good thing. Heard of zincs? Zincs are anodes. But anodes don’t necessarily have to be zinc.

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The dangers of too much data “cluttering” navigation displays have been discussed at great length all over the maritime blogosphere for several years. Is it really a problem? In crowded commercial ports, it could be.

I operate in Seattle, and yes, the display can be quite well-populated with stationary vessels at any of the commercial Port of Seattle facilities. My solution? I zoom in enough to see the channel, and ignore the rest. Once I get out onto Puget Sound, I zoom out to see the faster traffic a bit further away.

It seems pretty straightforward to me, and it seems to work just fine.

So I was a bit perplexed when I read this announcement from the Port of Seattle. It’s not about “clutter”, though; it’s about “clogging”:

Automatic Identification System Transponder Interference

Attention Vessel Owners

If you have an Automatic Identification System Transponder on your vessel and your vessel is currently at the dock, Puget Sound boaters need your help.  It appears that a large number of vessels at the dock have their transmitters on the underway setting. This is causing interference within the system and affecting the boater’s ability to accurately navigate and detect approaching targets.

According to the Coast Guard,  “Vessels moored (or out of service) are not required to operate their AIS; see our AIS FAQ#6. If they are, they should ensure that their AIS navigation status is accurate. AIS reports once every 3 minutes when its navigation status is set to moored or anchored, vice reporting 5-89 times more if set to underway. This obviously impacts network loading and computer processing…”

As winter weather takes hold with its occasional low visibility, accuracy of your boat’s electronic information becomes critical.  Targets of interest may not show up on the AIS system if it is cluttered with too many contacts reporting that they are underway.

For the safety of all boaters, please double-check the status of your AIS transponder and make sure that you are on the correct setting.  Thanks for your help in keeping the waters of Puget Sound as safe as possible.

If I understand this, the interference discussed here affects the AIS bandwidth-sharing system. Stationary vessels set to underway occupy just as much bandwidth as actual underway vessels, essentially “using up” all the available broadcast pipe so that some vessels’ AIS data can’t be broadcast. Sometimes, the “losers” are vessels that are genuinely underway.

Really? I thought the system’s capacity was large enough to handle even the most crowded commercial ports? Is the problem older AIS gear that doesn’t automatically decrease the number of broadcasts when speed drops below 0.1 knots? Is the problem inexpensive Class-B gear proliferating on smaller vessels not required to carry AIS? Is it something else?

I admit I’m at a loss here. Any ideas?

I’ve got a 9-year-old daughter who loves origami. I wonder what she would think of an origami boat!

Oru Kayak is introducing its first product, and I’m interested! I’m going to cut and paste from the website a bit here:

ORIGAMI INSPIRED

SKIN

This is what makes it all work! The origami skin has creases permanently molded in, so it folds easily between boat and case. There is only one seam—above the water line, on top of the boat. It closes tight with a watertight rubber gasket.

STRUCTURE

Solid plastic ribs keep the cross-sectional shape. A rigid floorboard (which also becomes the lid of the case) reinforces the cockpit. Simple straps and buckles hold everything together, making assembly quick and intuitive.

USE AND COMFORT

You’ll be able to paddle for hours, thanks to our comfortable foam seat and backrest. A fully adjustable footrest will keep you comfortable and in control. The Oru Kayak fits standard spray skirts, float bags, and four-piece paddles.

I’ll keep my eye on this product.