One of the most critical tasks for any mariner is to make sure that boating charts are updated regularly.

Why should recreational and commercial boaters update boating charts?

• Conditions of coastal waters do not stay the same
• New obstacles – wrecks or natural obstructions – are documented
• Shorelines change
• New marine facilities are built
• Channels might be dredged or routes changed
• Shoaling occurs naturally and can be a navigation hazard

A few trusted agencies strive to provide updated nautical chart information to help ensure safe marine travel. These are:

The US Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) – published weekly and considered a primary source of detailed updates.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Notice to Mariners (NM) – is intended primarily for deep ocean vessels so it rarely includes updates for water shallower than 18 feet. Still advisable to check in case updates shown here are not covered in the LNM.

The Canadian Coast Guard Notice to Mariners (NM) – imperative for any mariners travelling into Canadian waters but still advisable for the overlapping US and Canadian charted territory.

There are different types of charts available, all of which need to be revised so that boaters are navigating with the most up-to-date information. As yacht insurance providers, we have some valuable tips about updating boating charts:

• Paper charts are a traditional choice for many mariners, but obviously it is also crucial to check updates from USCG LNM, NGA NM, and the Canadian Coast Guard NM. Knowledgeable mariners can make updates and corrections by hand, which takes time and mathematical navigational ability. There is a risk of error.
• Print on Demand (POD) charts are printed when you purchase giving you confidence that recent updates have been made. They should show the dates of the most recent LNM and NM changes applied to the chart. From the point of purchase forward, however, the mariner must watch for updates and make them manually.
• Raster charts are electronic images of the paper charts posted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on the Internet for free download. Electronic chart companies offer update services so that files can be downloaded and applied to the raster chart.
• The NOAA offers over 600 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) which they strive to revise weekly. Mariners must register their ENC to obtain updates through online accounts.
• The United States Coast Pilot is a series of books with additional information about the coastal waters and Great Lakes not easily depicted on a nautical chart. Updates are regularly available as downloads.

The main obstacle with updating boating charts is that it requires diligence and effort on the part of each mariner. Coastal waters are ever-changing and current nautical charts are important for safe marine travel. However, even with the best preparations, accidents may still happen.

Under new rules for the 2017 America’s Cup, the defending champion, Oracle Team USA, will be able to race against challengers in early rounds and gain a 1-point lead for the final match.

It is also vital to prevent boating tragedies by ensuring that everyone knows what to do if they fall or get knocked overboard. Here is what to do to survive being man overboard:

*Wear a life jacket onboard – kids and adults – if you want to beat the, as it decreases risk.

*Protect your head and face as you go overboard.

*Tread water – especially important if you aren’t wearing a life jacket – or float to conserve energy, and keep your head above water. Find out how to do the survival float (also called the dead man’s float).

*If the water is cold, the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) will protect the core of your body by retaining as much heat as possible.

It is possible that the victim was knocked overboard. Look for and signs of head injury, cut or other abrasion. If the water is very cold, hypothermia is a consideration and can be identified by a slow pulse, bluish tinge to the lips and extremities, shivering, and impaired speech. Warm the victim immediately by removing wet clothes and wrapping them snugly in anything available – bedding, towels or blankets – while covering the top of the head to prevent heat loss. Reassure the victim, continue to perform first aid, and seek medical help as soon as possible.

Rescue procedures for someone who falls overboard:  Tow the victim back to the boat slowly. Do not jump in to rescue a conscious victim: if the person panics it can be dangerous. The only way to attempt a rescue is if the rescuer wears a life jacket and is firmly connected to the boat by a lifeline. If the victim cannot climb a swim ladder, have two people pull the person up back into the boat.

When someone falls overboard you will want to start the rescue effort. Move slowly toward the person overboard. (Most boaters will cautiously circle back to approach the victim from the rear or the side. Never back up or the engine propeller could be deadly.) When close enough, throw a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifeline, it gives the person who has fallen overboard something to swim toward. In nearly 85% of boat fatalities due to drowning, the victims were not wearing life jackets.

When someone falls overboard it is crucial that you keep an eye on the victim. Someone has to act as spotter and keep a focus on the victim in the water, pointing to the spot. It is extremely easy to lose sight of someone in a lake or ocean waters, especially if the waves are big. Do not switch this role unless the person taking over has clear sight of the person. If the accident happens at night, yell for someone to set off a flare to illuminate the sky and mark the spot.

One first basic tip when someone goes over board is to immediately shout.  Shout out “man overboard” in order to make sure everyone knows that someone has fallen over. Most importantly, do not lose sight of the person in the water while you get others to respond. Yell until others know and cut the engines or drop sail. If your yacht or boat is speeding away and you have a flotation device handy, throw it toward the victim to not only offer assistance, but to help mark the person’s location.

Do you know the proper rescue procedures for someone who falls overboard? It is surprising how many people, even avid recreational boaters, do not have this knowledge. They might have a vague idea, but they have not done safety training.

The best advice is take a boating safety course and run through the procedures; getting certification often reduces the cost of coverage through your yacht insurance company.

Many boat and yacht owners ask, “What’s the point of having yacht insurance coverage if you don’t have enough?”

Rather than gambling with your marine investment, a better approach is to be shrewd about the coverage you choose. When you shop yacht insurance coverage, get quotes on premiums from marine insurance experts.

Don’t rely on just any insurance company to provide your yacht coverage. Only a top yacht insurance company will have the right products and unparalleled expertise.

Marine insurance specialists offer recreational boaters and yacht enthusiasts additional options:

• Agreed Value versus Actual Cash coverage
• Additional coverage for salvage, including pollution fines and crew
• Extra coverage for Waver of Depreciation or Replacement Value
• Personal effects coverage
• Additional coverage for towing or trailering
• Coverage for tenders and life rafts
• Storm protection
• Coverage if you live aboard your boat

In the event of theft, vandalism, accident, or disaster the right insurance coverage will protect your investment and personal financial situation. Liability is a concern for all boat owners; many marinas require minimum personal liability insurance before they will let you moor your vessel.

This past February, the owner of an older marina on the Miami River – now shabby in its older years – proposed an extraordinary facelift for the property. Homero Meruelo wants to redevelop his marina to accommodate up to 16 massive yachts known as “mega-yachts”.

Meruelo brought representatives from his architectural and engineering firms to present his new vision for the river waterfront to the Miami River Commission’s Urban Infill Working Group & Greenways subcommittee.  It seems the sub-committee members were impressed enough by the proposed Miami Mega Yacht Marina to recommend the commission review the proposal.

If approved, the refurbished Brisas del Rio Marina will be unrecognizable upon completion. The site has housed a marina since at least the time of the Second World War. It is a hodgepodge of buildings dating back several decades with a boatyard that has licensing for 45 slips.

A boat carrying 97 people from Indonesia sank off the western coast of Malaysia, and 61 of the passengers were missing, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said Wednesday. The passengers included women and children and were suspected of trying to reach Malaysia illegally, a spokesman for the agency said. The agency had sent one boat to the area to search for survivors and was sending two more, the spokesman said.

A New York sightseeing business plans to refurbish Circle Line X, a former World War II ship that is known for its long service to the city’s tourism industry, into a mini-museum.

The boat spent over 50 years carrying tourists on three-hour cruises around Manhattan before it was retired in 2007. Now, its owner, New York Cruise Lines, wants to moor it at the edge of the city and turn it into a terminal and mini-museum for the customers of the Circle Line sightseeing business.

Tourism in New Zealand has been busy promoting the beautiful land as a destination of choice for mega-yachts. It is working in collaboration with other organizations including New Zealand Marine, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development.

Their combined effort to lure super yachts to New Zealand will let American yacht enthusiasts know the highlights of cruising grounds, services for super yachts, and all the attractions travelers to the country will be able to enjoy.

With the right super yacht insurance coverage, Americans can travel the globe and enjoy their time on the water knowing that they have ample insurance coverage for their vessel, crew and other needs.

Many mega-yacht owners have discovered the beauty and amenities of New Zealand. The stunning scenery and interesting coastline have captured the hearts of adventurous mariners. New Zealand and the Pacific Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere offer endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Last year, roughly 35 mega-yachts visited the country and injected over $80 million into the economy. Travelers now enjoy adventure activities, visiting what is billed as the “real middle earth” where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed, and visiting vineyards, hot pools, and more.

In addition to cultural attractions, New Zealand has become internationally recognized as a country with exceptional boat builders and a variety of marine companies. The skills of New Zealand’s marine trades people are becoming popular among international yacht owners.

Travel to New Zealand has been made even easier thanks to a new Temporary Import Entry that exempts owners from paying duties under certain circumstances. The period has been extended from 12 to 24 months in a bid to be more hospitable hosts for mega-yacht tourism.