USPS News

America’s Boating Course saves boaters money!

2009-06-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

United States Power Squadrons has made it easy to earn a boating certificate, which is necessary to boat in many states.

America’s Boating Course 3rd Edition, certified by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, is being offered nationwide.

Completing America’s Boating Course 3rd Edition qualifies most boaters for substantial discounts on their boating insurance—which more than pays for the course!

“The course has been extensively revised and rewritten to address new technological developments and meet updated state licensing requirements,” said Bob Sweet, national educational officer of the United States Power Squadrons.

The revised course also includes a completely new Introduction to Navigation chapter as well as Basic Piloting Skills, How GPS (Global Positioning System) Works, and Basic Concepts in Coastal and Inland Navigation.

Intended for boaters who want to take educational courses at their own pace and time, America’s Boating Course can be completed on the Internet, as a CD-based course or in a classroom setting. All course takers will receive an extensive full-color book as well as an animated and narrated self-study CD. The book and CD serve as easy-to-use references after the course has been completed.

A boating certificate for successfully completing America’s Boating Course may reduce your boat insurance premium by as much as 10 percent, said Sweet. He added that some insurers offer even greater discounts for those who also complete USPS advanced courses.

Sweet urged everyone interested in saving money and being safe on the water to contact United States Power Squadrons at 866-262-8222. Online course registration for Internet courses can be found at www.americasboatingcourse.com and registration for classroom courses can be found at www.usps.org.

Marine fuel tax rebates—are you eligible?

2009-03-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

According to the American Boating Association, recreational boaters who purchase taxed fuel for use in their boats may be entitled to a refund of all or part of that ‘highway use tax’ depending on the state in which the fuel was purchased.
The following states offer rebates:
• Alaska
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• North Carolina
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wyoming
See the ABA for more information and links to individual state information.

Photo contest winners announced

2009-03-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

Final judging for the 2008 USPS Photo Contest took place during the 2009 Annual Meeting. A slideshow of winning photos can be seen here.

The first place winner was Thomas Reichard in the “Squadron Scenes” category. The subject was a D/5 raising the “Small Storm Flag” at Fort McHenry. Photo at left.

Second place went to Rita Sparacino for her “On the Water” photo of Sunset on Missisquoi Bay, Vermont.

Third place went to Brenda Abrams for her “Safety is Fun” photo of three children having fun titled “Woo-hoo.”

Fourth place went to Kathy Kempson for her “My Pride and Joy” photo of winter kayakers, she says is more fun than a barrel of frozen monkeys.

FEMA's Citizen Corps Partners With United States Power Squadrons

2009-03-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a newly-formed affiliation with the United States Power Squadrons (U.S. Power Squadrons) to support Citizen Corps, FEMA's grassroots effort to strengthen community preparedness through civic participation February 21. This partnership expands the Citizen Corps network of national organizations working in partnership for community preparedness; the U.S. Power Squadrons is the twenty-seventh Citizen Corps Affiliate.

"The alliance between Citizen Corps and U.S. Power Squadrons makes for a natural homeland security team as the U.S. Power Squadrons are playing an increasingly critical role in maritime safety and security via the America's Waterway Watch and Waterway Awareness Programs," said Corey Gruber, Acting Deputy Administrator of FEMA's National Preparedness Directorate.

With over 2,300 local Citizen Corps Councils nationwide, Citizen Corps brings together and involves community and government leaders, community members and organizations in all-hazards emergency preparedness, planning, mitigation, response, and recovery. Citizen Corps and the U.S. Power Squadrons each view community safety and emergency preparedness as a top priority for their respective organizations and the general public.

"Encouraging United States Power Squadron members to take on a larger role in disaster preparedness and civic engagement speaks to the core principals of our organization," said Commander Creighton Maynard. Jr., "and, now, through this affiliation with Citizen Corps, we are delighted to expand the U.S. Power Squadron's role in community preparedness through support for emergency planning, education and outreach, and training for the general public."

The U.S. Power Squadrons, organized in 1914, is America's largest non-profit boating organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable through public education in seamanship, navigation and related marine safety topics. They have 45,000 members organized into 450 squadrons nationwide and U.S. territories.

For more information about FEMA and Citizen Corps, visit www.fema.gov and www.citizencorps.gov. To learn more about the United States Power Squadrons, visit www.usps.org.

Staten Island Squadron Helping Children

2008-12-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

The Staten Island Power Squadron had its annual Frank Corrado Memorial Brunch at the Great Kills Yacht Club. Proceeds were donated to benefit the children of the Staten Island Chapter of the New York Foundling Hospital. From left are Commander Jim DiMeo and his wife, Christine, Pat Rossmy of the New York Foundling Hospital, Margaret and Don Heap and Anne and Larry Morgan of Staten Island Power Squadron.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS SUGGESTIONS FROM USPS ®

2008-12-18T15:00:00.000-08:00

I’m an experienced boater, why make resolutions you ask?
Just remembering all of those rules is really quite a task.
And so to set the record straight and clear up the confusion,
Let me explain the reason for my New Years resolutions.

I will turn on my blower, when I’m running rather slow
'Cause CO is odorless and deadly, as you know.
I’ll check flares and extinguishers, especially the date.
Because in an emergency, there’s little time to wait.

I wear a lightweight life jacket when voyaging around,
Because in most fatalities, you’ll find the victim drowned.
I’ll Vow to take a first aid class: learn CPR and more
When the emergency’s on board, help’s always on the shore

When pumping fuel into my boat I promise to take care
Flying may be fun, but not when blown into the air.
When setting my boat’s anchor, the rode’ll be 7 to 1
‘Cause drifting on some muddy shoal is really not much fun.

I’ll monitor my fuel, remembering the rule of thirds
Endangering on empty, is much more than absurd.
I’ll check the weather forecast and always watch the sky
With rain you’re wet and soggy, but with lightning you can die.

I’ll go into new waters with GPS ‘n chart in hand
What looks like tawny water, Mate, could actually be land.
There’s navigational hazards, pilings and shoals you know.
And using local charts could save you an expensive Tow.

When a person is in the water, my engines I will stop
I wouldn't want to injure them with my razor sharp prop.
And I will never use alcohol when I am the skipper
For a Captain under the influence is as dangerous as Jack the Ripper

I truly love cruising my boat and don’t want one mistake.
But there are times when I forget about my vessel’s wake.
In the spirit of the New Year I will take time to pause.
Remembering the injuries and harm my wake could cause

These are my resolutions with appropriate explanations
To be a safer boater is high in my expectations.
I’ll do things right and I’ll forget past misdeeds and remorses.
Every boater needs United States Power Squadron courses.

Happy and Safe New Year

Lt. Bill Hempel, P
Peace River Sail and Power Squadron

William Hempel is a featured writer for the Sun Newspapers in Southern Florida. He was the first recipient of the United States Power Squadron’s Ship’s Bell Award for significant public relations and is a member of the National Marketing and Public Relations Committee.

Governing Board Surprise

2008-09-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

Governing Board Meetings can be pretty predictable. Meetings, seminars, tours and lots of socializing in the halls of the hotel. The Detroit Governing Board started out that way. Many of our members got to visit the tall ship "Highlander Sea" and some were privileged to do some sailing.

On Thursday, that changed. All of a sudden, the hotel is filled with security personnel and at times the elevators are locked in place. Steve Erickson the D/16 photographer has a curious streak and decided to find out what was happening. Lo and behold, the Republican ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin were entering the building and Steve captured the moment.

Be sure to join us in Anaheim for the 2009 Annual Meeting. We'll have a new president and vice president by then and who knows, they might pay us a visit.

Stormy Weather - Be Prepared

2008-09-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

USPS member Phil Arcuni has been a long time resident of Key West and is accustomed to the annual storms which pass thru. The following is his latest message to family and friends.

Dear Family and Friends,

The storm is now about 150 miles SW of Key West at near CPA. We have Tropical Storm conditions since last evening, and expect them for another 24 hours. Rain not as heavy as the last two storms, but wind 30+ knots with gusts to over 50 kts.

We are doing fine, though house-bound. Damage in the yard is minimal so far. Boat is on a six-point moor in the center of the canal, and doing just fine. The little Boston Whaler is tied down upright and collecting rainwater for bathing if needed. If we have any storm surge, it is not noticeable. Perhaps there is some on the south side of the island. TV shows some pretty high waves over there. Power and other services are still working.

Mandatory evacuation to the mainland started early Sunday, and no one has been allowed back yet. Maybe tomorrow. I suspect that there is concern for any traffic in this cross wind on the 37 bridges.

Our plan to stay for the storms has worked out well. The house is strong, and we can get by without services for a week or more. We have a small generator for starters. The boat has a larger generator with lots of fuel, and we can backfeed power to the house.

Photos of boat and part of its mooring scheme are attached for those of you who might be interested. Note the chains around the davit base are for more than one boat. We have been through this drill many times in the last 20 years.

Best to all, Phil

Important Message from TechSoup

2008-08-17T19:06:00.001-07:00

Dear TechSoup Visitor,

As many of you may be aware, the TechSoup websites experienced unusual downtime last week. Our websites are now live and available to serve you; however we wanted to follow up with an update on what caused this outage and what we are doing about it.

We temporarily took our websites down after experiencing instability within our web pages. We soon learned that this instability was due to a SQL Injection attack. These types of attacks are known to exploit website vulnerabilities with the intent of distributing viruses and malware.

While we do not have any specific evidence that malware or viruses were actually distributed, we have strongly recommended via our website and phone messages a series of security measures listed below for those who visited our site between 8:00PM PDT, Tuesday August 5, 2008 and 7:45AM PDT, Wednesday August 6, 2008. We have no reason to believe that this issue has compromised any personal data.

Recommended steps:

Make sure your anti-virus software definitions are up-to-date.
Run a scan of your hard drive to ensure no viruses or malware show up and follow the instructions to quarantine them.
Review the information at http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ about managing viruses.
Update your operating system and other software with the latest security patches. While most software will alert you of any updates automatically, you should run Windows Update on Windows, Software Update on Mac OS X, and for any other applications that you frequently use. For many applications, look in the "Help" menu for information on updates. Check the software documentation if you cannot find that information.

We also want to take this opportunity to remind all of our customers and visitors to practice "best practices" with regard to protecting your online identity and data. Take the time necessary to secure your information by changing the passwords on your online accounts. "Best practices" recommend that you change your passwords regularly (at least once a month) to keep your system information secure. This time investment will pay big dividends in risk prevention. For additional security tips, see http://blog.techsoup.org.

What We've Done to Manage Our Websites and This Issue

Our team worked diligently to promptly identify and communicate this issue (for more information, please see our status updates.) We have now implemented a solution to examine all incoming traffic and reinforce our current defenses. We also instituted increased system monitoring and are pleased to report that our solution has remained effective. Going forward, we are engaging outside experts for a security assessment to ensure we can be as proactive as possible in fending off these types of attacks and others.

We take this issue, and your security, very seriously. If we can answer any questions, please write to us at customerservice@techsoup.org or call us at 1-800-659-3579, extension 700. Our customer service team is available to serve you Monday-Friday, from 8:00AM to 5:00PM PDT.

We apologize for this inconvenience and are working diligently to answer your questions and process any donation requests in progress.

Best wishes,

Rebecca Masisak and Marnie Webb
Co-CEOs, TechSoup

Google Alert - "power squadron"

2008-08-17T19:02:00.001-07:00

Google News Alert for: "power squadron"

Life stories: Retiree who helped others dies at 78
StarNewsOnline.com - Wilmington,NC,USA
While living in Kinston, he served as a commander of the US Power Squadron and the Cape Fear Squadron, where he taught safe boating classes. ...
See all stories on this topic

Boating group stresses safety
ENC Today - Jacksonville,NC,USA
Watson was one of several dozen people who received vessel inspections from members of the Cape Lookout Sail and Power Squadron, a New Bern-based boating ...
See all stories on this topic

When out on the water, know your knots
The News-Press - Fort Myers,FL,USA
For training on tying knots, take a boating course at the Cape Coral Power Squadron, 917 SE 47th Terrace. The squadron is open from 9 am to noon Monday ...
See all stories on this topic

Seven-race card Sunday at "Doc" James Racetrack
Virgin Islands Daily News - U.S. Virgin Islands
THOMAS - The St. Thomas Sail and Power Squadron will offer a free 7-week Basic Boating Course at the UVI Small Business Development Center at Nisky Center ...
See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: "power squadron"

Lock Etiquette on the Upper Mississippi by Richard Baker My wife ...
By Richard Baker(Richard Baker)
Be courteous to the other users also—you will probably see them at the next lock. See you on the water. This article originally appeared in the August 2007 edition of Harbor Lights, a publication of the Madison Sail and Power Squadron. ...
Mississippi River Journal - http://mississippiriverjournal.blogspot.com/

President Bush Signs Clean Boating Act into Law

2008-07-30T11:56:00.001-07:00

NMMA applauds important relief measure for recreational boating

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 30, 2008—In a significant victory for the recreational marine industry and the American boating and angling public, President Bush late yesterday signed into law S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, protecting the more than 17 million recreational boats throughout the U.S. from unprecedented and unnecessary federal regulations. Congress passed the Clean Boating Act on July 22, 2008.

“The recreational marine industry and boaters throughout the U.S. can now rest easy and go boating without a federal or state permit, heavy penalties and absurd legal jeopardy,” said Scott Gudes, NMMA vice president of Government Relations. “We applaud President Bush and Congress for their bipartisan efforts to reverse the unintended and potentially devastating consequences of an overbroad federal court decision.”

Introduced by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Representatives Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio) and Candice Miller (R-Mich.), the Clean Boating Act permanently and fully restores a commonsense regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the Clean Water Act federal and state permitting system designed for land-based industrial facilities, like sewage treatment plants. Without legislative relief, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was set to implement new permitting regulations for boaters by October 1, 2008.

“This is welcome news for all recreational marine manufacturers across the country,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “NMMA raised the alarm on this misguided court decision nearly two years ago, and we are thrilled that Congress and the President have prevented the bureaucratic nightmare that was set to become law.”

“NMMA thanks all of its partners in the Boat Blue Coalition, including BoatU.S.,” added Gudes. “Passage of this legislation is a testament to what is possible when our community joins forces and speaks with one voice before key decision-makers.”

Editor Note: An image of the bill signing can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/images/20080729-7_p072908cg-0457-515h.html

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.

###

Richard Peoples is Volunteer of the Year

2008-07-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

Jr. Achievement of East Central Florida has named Richard Peoples Volunteer of the Year for “presenting an outstanding number of Junior Achievement Programs, Inspiring and educating 178 students at Indialantic, Gemini, and Roosevelt Elementary so that they may value free enterprise, business, and economics in their everyday lives.”

In addition, Dick received the Jefferson Awards Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Community Service from Gemini Elementary. These honors came as a result of Dick teaching first, second, fourth, and sixth graders at three elementary schools. This is an effort worthy of kudos and acclimation which would make anyone proud. But, that’s only half the story. Dick is the Assistant National Treasurer and Budget Director for the United States Power Squadrons. He has been volunteering his time and energy for thirty one years and still finds time to pitch in and help educate our youth.

Well done Richard! USPS is proud of you.

Junior Achievement Inc. is a not-for-profit organization financed by businesses, foundations, and individuals. The purpose of Junior Achievement is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives. Since its founding in 1919, Junior Achievement has contributed to the business and economics education of young people in the United States and throughout the world.

Google Alert - "power squadron"

2008-07-24T15:55:00.001-07:00

Google News Alert for: "power squadron"

Despite gas prices, boat enthusiasts still fill up on fun
Dallas Morning News - Dallas,TX,USA
Find boating safety information at booths manned by the US Power Squadron, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Texas Parks and Wildlife.
See all stories on this topic

Safe Kids Of Greater Toledo takes excellence award
Sail World - Mandalong,NSW,Australia
Connecticut: New London Power Squadron of Colchester, to promote life jacket use at the 'Safety Awareness Day' and through the 'Take the Pledge' campaign. ...
See all stories on this topic

Strategic Guru to Develop Marketing Strategy For United States ...
Carolina Newswire (press release) - NC,USA
US Power Squadron’s goal is to make boating more enjoyable and safer. US Power Squadrons is known for its informative courses, the widespread availability ...
See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: "power squadron"

Summer Series: Boating/Water Safety - Jul 27,2008
We'll talk to Brooks Riley, former commander of the Dundalk Sail and Power Squadron in Dundalk, MD, about safety issues concerning boating and other water-based activities. Call in with your questions and comments (646) 716-8609.
Behind The Mike - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/BehindTheMike

Congress Restores 35-Year Exemption For Recreational Boats

2008-07-23T15:44:00.001-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen –

GREAT NEWS!!! Congress yesterday passed S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, which exempts recreational boats from proposed EPA permitting requirements. Please read below for more details.

We're not completely out of the woods - or "out of the water" might be more appropriate. The legislation still requires the President's signature

We thank Boat/U.S. NMMA and many other recreational boating organizations who joined forces in support of this bill. We also thank the USPS members who wrote to their congressmen to voice their concerns.

On to the next challenge, Bill

R/C William E. Husted, SN
Chairman
Govt./Partner Relations Committee
United States Power Squadrons

"Boating is fun...we'll show you how!"

CONGRESS RESTORES 35-YEAR EXEMPTION FOR RECREATIONAL BOATS
FROM PROPOSED EPA PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS

NO NEW PERMIT FOR BOATS REQUIRED

ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 22, 2008 - In a remarkable display of bipartisan support for recreational boating, both the House and Senate today passed S. 2766, "The Clean Boating Act of 2008" which will permanently restore a long-standing exemption for recreational boats from permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act. The legislation now goes to the White House for the President's signature.

Congressional action was spawned by a U.S. District Court decision in September 2006 under which an estimated 17 million recreational boats would have fallen under Clean Water Act permit requirements effective September 30, 2008. The permit would have dictated maintenance and operation procedures and potentially subjected boaters to citizen lawsuits as well as a penalty system designed for industrial polluters.

"This is a fabulous victory for common sense and it just goes to show what can be done when the boating public, the marine industry and its representatives in Congress row together in a bipartisan way," said BoatU.S. President Nancy Michelman.

BoatU.S. Government Affairs Director Margaret Podlich was quick to shower praise on a boatload of legislators who did much of the heavy lifting including Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representatives Jim Oberstar (D-MN), Steve LaTourette (R-OH), Candice Miller (R-MI) and Gene Taylor (D-MS). A complete listing of all legislators involved will be available at http://www.BoatUS.com/gov soon.

BoatU.S. has worked for more than a year with the National Marine Manufacturers Association and a broad coalition of stakeholders to resolve the problem before the permitting deadline.

"One of the real keys to success here was our collective ability to activate the grassroots," said Podlich, noting that tens of thousands of letters and e-mails were generated by boaters and anglers over the course of the past 12 months.

BoatU.S. is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boat owners with over 650,000 members.

###
NEWS From BoatU.S.
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatU.S. News Room at http://www.BoatUS.com/news/releases.asp

Recreational Boating Industry Hails Congressional Passage of Clean Boating Act

2008-07-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

Bill prevents imminent, unprecedented EPA regulations on boaters and protects water resources

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 2008—Yesterday, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) hailed the passage of H.R. 5949/S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Passage of this legislation, which has been the top legislative priority for NMMA during the 110th Congress, will permanently and fully restore a longstanding, commonsense regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the federal and state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act designed for land-based industrial facilities and ocean-going commercial ships.

Introduced by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) in the Senate and by Representatives Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio) and Candice Miller (R-Mich.) in the House, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 will prevent federal and state permitting of water-based, non-polluting incidental discharges that occur in the normal operation of a recreational boat, such as weather deck run-off and engine coolant water.

“The Senate and House have acted swiftly, and we appreciate the bipartisan nature of their action to protect the recreational marine industry, the American boating public and our natural resources. This is an historic victory for our 1,700 members and for boaters across the nation who just love being out on the water unencumbered by unnecessary government red tape and significant legal jeopardy,” said Scott Gudes, NMMA vice president of government relations. “Congress has acted decisively to keep boating fun, safe and simple.”

This new regulation, set to become law on October 1, 2008 if Congress had not acted, was the result of an overbroad federal court decision in a case focused on commercial ship ballast water. The unintended consequence of the decision would have meant that recreational boaters and other vessel operators would be required to follow a multitude of new rules and regulations and been exposed to fines (up to $32,500 per day, per violation) and citizen lawsuits.

“Both the House and Senate have sent a positive message to the nation’s 73 million boaters through the passage of these critical pieces of legislation” noted NMMA president, Thom Dammrich. “After a long road on Capitol Hill, the bill is now ready for the President’s signature into law. We encourage the President to act fast in signing this bill to stave off unprecedented and unnecessary new regulations on America’s boaters and anglers.”

Passage of the Clean Boating Act, a genuine bipartisan, good-government bill, was made possible by a large number of committed legislators on both sides of the political aisle. NMMA extends its special thanks to Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and all of the 39 cosponsors of the bill in the Senate. In the House, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member John Mica (R-Fla.), Representatives Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio), Candice Miller (R-Mich.), Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) and all the many cosponsors of the bill are to be thanked and congratulated for their hard work and skillful leadership.

At the same time it passed the Clean Boating Act, Congress also passed H.R. 6556/S. 3278, legislation to provide a moratorium on permitting for commercial vessel discharges until the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completes a review of certain incidental discharges. This legislation was the product of extensive negotiations between Senators Murkowski, Boxer, Nelson and Murray as well as Representatives Oberstar, Taylor and others. NMMA congratulates these Members of Congress on achieving this consensus measure to provide relief for commercial craft.

NMMA and BoatU.S., along with more than 60 partners in the Boat Blue Coalition, led the charge to attain passage of the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.

###

Christine Pomorski

Public Relations Manager

National Marine Manufacturers Association

202-737-9774 office

202-841-3038 cell

cpomorski@nmma.org

Get clicking!

2008-07-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

We’ve extended the deadline for the 2008 USPS photo contest, and we need YOUR submissions! Have an eye for photography and a creative flair? E-mail your original digital photographs for judging in any of our four categories—My Pride and Joy, On the Water, Safety is Fun, and Squadron Scenes—at usps.smugmug.com.

The future of this contest is dependent on your participation! Scour your computers, photo albums and squadron newsletters (be sure to get permission from the photographer) and submit today!

Check out usps.smugmug.com for official rules.

Google Alert - "power squadron"

2008-07-17T16:48:00.001-07:00

Google News Alert for: "power squadron"

Guardians of our water
Clinton News Record - Ontario, Canada
The Goderich Power Squadron: The Goderich Power and Sail Squadron is aware of the privilege and responsibility we, as recreational users of the Great Lakes ...
See all stories on this topic

Local Happenings
Dailyrecord.com - Parsippany,NJ,USA
The Lackawanna Sail and Power Squadron will teach Boat Smart, a safe boating course approved by the State of New Jersey, at the Montville Township Public ...
See all stories on this topic

Coast Calendar
The Mississippi Press - gulflive.com - Pascagoula,MS,USA
Today-- Singing River Sail & Power Squadron will meet at 6 pm at the VFW Post in Gautier. Meteorologist Carrie Duncan from WLOX-TV will be the guest speaker ...
See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: "power squadron"

America?s Boating Course will be offered in Gig Harbor
By NewsBot
[TheNewsTribune.com] The Bremerton Sail and Power Squadron is scheduled to teach an America’s Boating Course July 26 and 27 in Gig Harbor. More...
Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures... - http://www.pnwadventures.com/forum

MadLab Fundraiser Saturday
By 10 0 1 1
8:00 - Sinister Jim 9:00 - The Handshake 10:00 - TBD 11:00 - Black Owls 12:00 - Paper Airplane; OUTSIDE STAGE 4:15 - The Judas Cow 5:15 - Billy Peake 6:15 - John Turck Trio 7:15 - Columbus Power Squadron 8:15 - Poophouse Reilly ...
Cringe.com - http://www.cringe.com/current/index.php

Google Alert - "power squadron"

2008-07-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Google News Alert for: "power squadron"

Boat Smart program begins Aug. 4
Tampa Bay Newspapers - Seminole,FL,USA
Classes will be at the Clearwater Sail and Power Squadron building at 1000 Cleveland St. Instruction is free. Students pay $40 for the course manual and ...
See all stories on this topic

Boat parade planned for Friday
Benton County Daily Record - Bentonville,AR,USA
Boat owners are invited to decorate their boats and parade with the Beaver Lake Sail and Power Squadron at 11 am Friday. Boats will form up just east of ...
See all stories on this topic

Sports Shorts 7-4-08
Barnstable Patriot - Barnstable,MA,USA
The United States Power Squadron’s Boat Handling Under Power Course, presented by the Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron and sponsored by the Freedom Boat ...
See all stories on this topic

Google Alert - "power squadron"

2008-07-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

Google News Alert for: "power squadron"

Fourth will feature boats on parade
Weekly Vista - Bella Vista,AR,USA
... are invited to celebrate the Fourth of July by decorating their boats, tooting their horns and parading with the Beaver Lake Sail and Power Squadron. ...
See all stories on this topic

Metro Briefing
Press-Register - al.com - Mobile,AL,USA
The Mobile Sail and Power Squadron of the US Power Squadron will teach an eight-hour basic boating course July 8, 10 and 12 at the homeport, 2070 Faye St. ...
See all stories on this topic

Safe boating course to be offered
Charleston Post Courier - Charleston,SC,USA
Addressing this issue, the Charleston United States Power Squadron offers a boating course 6:30-8:30 pm each Tuesday for all boaters at 1376 Orange Grove ...
See all stories on this topic

Life jackets, safety classes made convenient for boaters
The Tennessean - Nashville,TN,USA
Boat-education classes are offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the US Power Squadron and the TWRA. State law requires every operator born after Jan. ...
See all stories on this topic

DRAFT EPA PERMIT OPENS PANDORA'S BOX

2008-07-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

NEWS From BoatU.S.
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatU.S. News Room at http://www.BoatUS.com/news/releases.asp

Citizen Lawsuits and Uncertain State Requirements Loom

ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 1, 2008 - In response to a federal court order, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a draft permit for millions of recreational vessels for "normal operational discharges" that could open a Pandora's box of compliance problems and unfairly subject recreational boaters - including those who own canoes and kayaks - to potential nuisance lawsuits.

The EPA draft puts boaters and anglers squarely under new Clean Water Act regulations that go into effect September 30, 2008. The permit requires boaters to comply with a set of worrisome national requirements as well as additional state requirements "to be determined." Penalties carry up to a $32,500 daily fine for each violation.

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) is urging all boaters and anglers to contact their federal lawmakers to bring corrective legislation to the Senate and House floor for a full vote as soon as possible. The Clean Boating Act of 2008 - S. 2766 in the Senate and H.R. 5949 in the House of Representatives - would restore the federal exemption for recreational vessels for "normal operational discharges" that has been in existence for the past 35 years until the federal courts recently determined otherwise.

"Boaters want clean waters and want to do their fair share, but the draft EPA permit unfairly burdens them with needless regulation," said BoatUS. Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. "The federal courts required EPA to draft a permitting regime that puts individual boaters under the same penalty system as corporate industries even though discharges from a rowing dinghy or motor boat are quite different than those from a large commercial ship with ballast water," said Podlich.

The draft permit would allow the EPA, the U.S. Coast Guard, a state authority or some private contractor to inspect a boat and take discharge samples. If requested, a boater would be required to provide such government officials with information to determine permit compliance.

"What may appear quite simple on the surface will be anything but in reality," said Podlich. "What happens if a neighbor - who perhaps may not appreciate boats - decides that you use too much biodegradable soap to wash your boat, witnesses an accidentally spilled orange juice draining out of the scuppers, or sees you wipe algae off the scum line? Under the present draft permit guidelines, all of these instances may be deemed a violation of the Clean Water Act," added Podlich. "Even topping off a fuel tank, which is recommended for winter storage of today's ethanol-laden gasoline, could be considered a violation," she added.

Also included in the draft EPA permit is the onerous requirement that every state must approve the federal permit before this September 30. Each state may add on its own regulations, potentially creating multiple requirements for boaters cruising between states. After the initial permit this fall, the EPA will then outline for the states how they can implement their own permit systems, which could result in additional state modifications of the permit requirements as well as fees for boaters.

To contact your federal legislators, learn more about the Clean Boating Act of 2008, or to make comments on the draft EPA permit by August 1 go to http://www.BoatBlue.org or http://www.BoatUS.com/gov

BoatU.S. is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters with over 650,000 members. The Association has been working with the National Marine Manufacturers Association and other groups to seek a viable solution to the proposed EPA draft permitting system.

Fine Art in Ship's Store

2008-07-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can purchase fine art at the USPS Ship’s Store? Renowned marine artist Don Demers was commissioned to produce commemorative paintings for the 85th and 90th Anniversary of USPS. Limited edition prints were made from these paintings and are now available in the USPS Ship’s Store.

Drills & Maneuvers with vessels of the U.S. Navy depicts a scene in 1915 when Power Squadron members’ vessels participated in drills and maneuvers with units of the U.S. Navy.

The Great Rescue of 1912 depicts a scene during a Boston Yacht Club cruise. A terrible storm developed, and Roger Upton’s 20 powerboat division boats rescued 40 windjammers. The story appeared in the magazines of the period and led to the formation of power squadrons in additional yacht clubs.

All prints include a certificate of authenticity and a story of the event; both are suitable for framing and available in USPS Ship's Store.

Google Alert - "power squadron"

2008-06-26T21:58:00.001-07:00

Google News Alert for: "power squadron"

Dave Henderson: Flow of Delaware River sparking plenty of debate
Ithaca Journal - Ithaca,NY,USA
The Ithaca Sail and Power Squadron will conduct a basic boating class 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday, June 28 at the Ithaca Yacht Club. The class affords personal ...
See all stories on this topic

Boating Calendar
Annapolis Capital - Annapolis,MD,USA
ANNAPOLIS SAFETY COURSE: Annapolis Sail and Power Squadron will offer the Maryland Basic Boating Course in three sessions on Aug. ...
See all stories on this topic

USA. New port TowBoatU.S. opens on East Lake Pontchartrain
BYM News (press release) - Gibraltar,Spain
... and a former oil and gas industry engineer, Tupper is past chairman of the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited and a member of the local US Power Squadron. ...
See all stories on this topic

Young Mariners program turns 10
The Stamford Times - Norwalk,CT,USA
... and its presented with the help of organizations like the American Red Cross, Landfall Navigation, the Stamford Power Squadron, the Norwalk Aquarium, ...
See all stories on this topic

Foundation Awards Grants To 9 Groups
Tampa Tribune - Tampa,FL,USA
This round included nine organizations: the Apollo Beach Sail & Power Squadron; Youth Environmental Services, aka YES; the International Independent ...
See all stories on this topic

Treasure Coast Outdoors Calendar for June 27, 2008
TCPalm - West Palm Beach,FL,USA
Friday: Port St. Lucie Power Squadron July 4 raft-up to view the fireworks in downtown Stuart. All local boaters welcome. Gather at 6 pm Friday in St. Lucie ...
See all stories on this topic

Four Vancouver teens rescued from plywood boat
Seattle Times - United States
In this area, boat- safety classes are offered by groups including the United States Power Squadron, which has classes beginning July 8 in the Washougal and ...
See all stories on this topic

Cardboard boat races promise serious competition
Anderson Independent Mail (subscription) - Anderson,SC,USA
"We just got word from the Hartwell Power Squadron, a group of power boaters on Lake Hartwell, who said they would be coming to participate in the ...
See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: "power squadron"

[Madlabnewsletter] What's A Sweetheart Like You
By madlabnews(madlabnews)
7:15 Columbus Power Squadron 8:15 Poophouse Reilly 9:15 Woosley Band Inside Stage 6:00 The Doggers 7:00 Alpha Racetrack 8:00 Sinister Jim 9:00 The Handshake 10:00 Bookmobile 11:00 Black Owls 12:00 Paper Airplane ...
MadLabNews - http://madlabnews.livejournal.com/

Block Women for Change?
By Rose
Update: The Patapsco River Power Squadron thought of this idea first. They are having a "Politics, Women and Tea: The Perfect Blend" fundraising summit in Riviera Beach, Maryland. If I knew where that was I might crash.
A Baltimore Block - http://abaltimoreblock.wordpress.com

Smugmug
By nwaoyhjrc589(nwaoyhjrc589)
Smugmug Video usps Youngsters enjoy the waters of Palomino Island, PR at the San Juan Power Squadron Change of Flag 2008. Youngsters enjoy the waters of Palomino Island, PR at the San Juan Power Squadron Change. usps Palomino Island ...
Smugmug - http://smugmug2.blogspot.com/

Youngsters enjoy the waters of Palomino Island, PR at the San Juan ...
By nobody@smugmug.com (usps)
Youngsters enjoy the waters of Palomino Island, PR at the San Juan Power Squadron Change of Flag 2008. Youngsters enjoy the waters of Palomino Island, PR at the San Juan Power Squadron Change.
usps' recent photos - http://usps.smugmug.com/

Catch-22
By officerincivvies
The basic plot is about a USAF bombardier and a number of airmen from the Fighting 256th (two to the fighting eighth power) Squadron during the last part of World War 2 in Italy. Events are often told from different perspectives which ...
Officer in Civvies - http://officerincivvies.wordpress.com

This once a week Google Alert is brought to you by Google.

Remove this alert.
Create another alert.
Manage your alerts.

NMMA press release:EPA Releases Permit Proposal, Threatening Freedom of Nation's Recreational Boaters

2008-06-17T11:44:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON, DC, June 17, 2008 – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Clean Water Act proposal in the Federal Register that will impose new requirements on recreational boaters to learn about and follow specific practices mandated by the federal government to operate their boats and manage their everyday, overboard water discharges. Mandated by a court order in 2006 that focused exclusively on commercial vessel ballast water, the proposal includes two draft permits that are an unprecedented, new regulation on American recreational boaters, demonstrating the urgent need to pass the Clean Boating Act of 2008 (S. 2766 and H. R. 5949) as these new regulations will take effect on October 1, 2008.

Along with the Federal Register notice, EPA also released two draft permits, fact sheets and multiple additional supplementary documents, all of which add up to a confusing mess for boaters.

EPA’s Clean Water Act proposal unnecessarily creates a cumbersome, complex and confusing permitting scheme for recreational boaters, throwing them into a regulatory regime designed for land-based industrial facilities like sewer treatment plants. As a result, America’s 18 million recreational boat owners will be required to observe a multitude of new rules and practices, yet they won’t be provided clear information as to how to comply with these new federal requirements by EPA, exposing them to a high degree of regulatory uncertainty, compliance issues and legal jeopardy involving citizen lawsuits and $32,500 per violation per day penalties.

The EPA proposal also allows individual states to implement their own boating permits, creating the potential for mass confusion with a patchwork of differing state-by-state laws for boaters.

Equally problematic is that recreational boats above a certain length will be categorized as commercial ships and will be required to follow a different and more complex set of permit rules applicable to commercial vessels. There are two proposed general EPA permits: One for boats under 79 feet, and another for recreational boats 80 feet and above. This second permit, which also encompasses commercial ships, is even more complicated and makes an arbitrary and unreasonable distinction among recreational boats based on footage in order to classify them as commercial boats.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that we unite—as an industry and as boating enthusiasts—and compel Congress to pass the Clean Boating Act of 2008,” said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “Boaters everywhere must reach out to their state and local representatives and ask that they support this key piece of legislation.”

NMMA and BoatU.S., along with a broad coalition of partners, are leading the charge to prevent this unnecessary new regulation on America’s boaters.

“Congress must pass the Clean Boating Act before it’s too late and the federal government steps in to regulate how average Americans enjoy a day on the water,” said Scott Gudes, vice president of NMMA Government Relations. “These new regulations are the poster child for excessive regulation, and we’re calling on the boating industry and America’s boaters who cherish their time on the water to act today and get commonsense legislative relief passed in the form of the Clean Boating Act.”

“We only have until September 30, 2008 to accomplish this goal; time is running out for Congress to do the right thing,” Gudes continued.

For the new regulations affecting 18 million boat owners nationwide, EPA will hold a total of four public meetings during the workday—in Washington, D.C., Chicago and Portland—to hear from boaters and the boating industry on this new regulation. NMMA strongly encourages people who care about boating to attend these meetings and share their views on why they should not be exposed to the requirements and legal jeopardy this new permit program will entail. For specific dates and locations of these meetings, please visit BoatBlue.org.

The boating industry and recreational boaters who want to take action to prevent this new regulatory proposal from becoming law should visit BoatBlue.org and take just a few minutes to send a message to their Representatives and Senators, urging them to support recreational boating and pass the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

For more information about the Clean Boating Act of 2008, visit BoatBlue.org or contact Mathew Dunn at (202) 737-9760; mdunn@nmma.org.

About the Clean Boating Act of 2008: The Clean Boating Act of 2008 would fully and permanently restore a long-standing regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the federal and state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act designed for land-based industrial facilities and ocean-going commercial ships. The exemption was overturned by a federal court in 2006 in a case focused exclusively on ballast water from commercial vessels. The Clean Boating Act of 2008 has the support of the $36 billion recreational marine industry, the nation’s 59 million adult recreational boaters and more than 50 organizations involved in outdoor recreation, sportfishing, hunting and conservation.

###

CONTACT: Lindsey Johnson (ljohnson@nmma.org; 312-946-6204)

EPA DISCHARGE PERMIT FOR RECREATIONAL VESSELS

2008-06-17T07:43:00.001-07:00

On March 30, 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (in Northwest Environmental Advocates et al. v. EPA) ruled that the EPA regulation excluding discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel from NPDES permitting exceeded the Agency’s authority under the CWA. On September 18, 2006, the Court issued an order revoking this regulation (40 C.F.R. 122.3(a)) as of September 30, 2008. (The federal government has appealed this decision.) In response to this Court order, EPA has developed two proposed permits to regulate discharges from vessels. These proposed permits are now available for public comment.

While the original focus of the court case (noted above) was on invasive species that can travel in the ballast water of large ships, the Court’s decision is not limited to vessels with ballast water tanks. EPA estimates that 91,000 domestically flagged commercial vessels approximately 13 million recreational boats that operate in U.S. waters could be affected by these permits. Additionally, approximately 8,000 foreign flagged vessels may be affected by this permit.

EPA has posted public meetings and additional information about the upcoming discharge permit for vessels. The below listed website address is the link to the permitting procedures, etc.

http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=350

USPS News SPAM'ed

2008-06-11T06:55:00.001-07:00

This morning, USPS News was the recipient of a series of objectionable SPAM. It has been removed.