The Importance of Filing a Sail (Float) Plan

A Reminder from Lt/Cdr Robert L. Corzine, Birmingham Power Squadron

No one among us was not deeply saddened by the tragic death of the mother and daughter due to hypothermia (in May). As everyone knows, after their boat sank in Lake St. Clair, they were floating - with life jackets - in the cold lake until the early morning hours. They had been missing 10 - 12 hours, but no one knew.

All accidents leave us with a prevention lesson. In this case, we can focus on two: one, when immersed in cold water, cuddle with each other; and two, never leave shore without filing a sail plan. It would definitely have saved their lives.  

CPS, USPS and the Coast Guard strongly encourage you to leave a SAIL PLAN every (yes, every) time you head out on your boat. It's easy and insures that someone knows where you should be and will miss you in time to do some good.

NOTE: THIS SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE WITH US COAST GUARD. LEAVE PLAN WITH A RESPONSIBLE PERSON

Procedure:
1. Download and print out the SAIL PLAN @ http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/debs/obs/preparation/trip/menu.htm or your own form from USPS including your vessel & personal information

2. Complete all sections except the "Trip details" at the bottom. If you are leaving your SAIL PLANS with your marina (if they are willing) or a "Responsible Person", give them this copy to have on file permanently.

3. With each trip, call or radio your marina or "Responsible Person" and give them details of your trip.

4. When you arrive - CLOSE YOUR SAIL PLAN!  Let the person who took your plan know that you've arrived safely.  Be advised that if you fail to do this and a search is initiated, you may be liable for the cost of the Search and Rescue Operation. 

Mariner's Boat Club Invites 
Belle Maer Boaters to Open Houses

Cathy Dandrea of Mariner's Boat Club on North River Road tells us that there are two more open houses scheduled at the Club - and that Belle Maer boaters are all invited to attend:

Saturday August 2, 2008, 5:00:  The Parade of Lights.  Come and see what Mariner's Boat Club is all about and see the boat parade too.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 10:00 – 1:00: Mariner's Boat Club Breakfast Open House. $5.00.  Eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits, juice & coffee. 

Mariner's Boat Club is located on North River Road at Conger Bay Drive.

Some Mid Season Reminders
From the Harbormaster…

New! We have had many problems with glass-top furniture breaking in high winds. We will no longer permit tables with glass tops to be brought into the marina from now on (if you currently have such a table, it is permissible, but please use caution and replace it when possible). This policy is being implemented for the safety of all Belle Maer customers; glass table tops often break into dangerous flying shards or tiny glass pieces that present serious hazards and risk of injury.

In the interest of odor control for the entire marine, it is highly recommended that all boaters use a chemical odor deterrent in their holding tanks. One popular choice is "Odorless," a 68-ounce container priced at about $20.00. Each use only requires 4-5 ounces. Of course, there are many other choices—but please sure to select one, as a great way of keeping friends and making new ones around the marina!

If you are experiencing electrical problems at your boat, two breakers can be checked before reporting the issue to the guard or Harbormaster. The first is on the pedestal at your dock. The second is located in the electrical meter box located on your row. Your well number appears above the meter and the breaker is positioned beneath it. If these are both turned on and the problem still persists, please contact the harbor office or security. We will fill out a "Service Request" to get the problem resolved quickly if necessary.

Please do your part to protect our waterways. Remember that the Marina office has BioSoks for sale and vacuum sanders available for rent for your convenience. The marina also provides a disposal service by the hoist for used engine oil and oil filters.

No boat or other object (such as a jet ski or an inflatable) may extend more than eight feet beyond the end piling. This is a provision of the condominium by-laws and must be observed by all co-owners.

Please help management out by reporting any problems that you encounter. Suggestion/Service Requests are available 24 hours a day in the marina office foyer. If there is a problem or you have a suggestion, please let us know by completing one of these forms. Don't assume we are already aware of the problem. If the problem needs immediate attention and the Marina office is closed, contact the guard either at the gate or by telephone at (586) 465-4536.

Reminder That Free Shuttle Service Offered

Don't forget that Harrison Township is offering a free Shuttle Service that will take passengers in and around Boat Town on weekends. Hours are Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The free service will shuttle you to dinner, shopping, church, brunch—even Metro Beach. Make arrangements by calling (586) 612-4454.

Another benefit of riding the shuttle is that you don't have to worry about driving your car back to the marina after you've had a few cocktails at dinner or afterward: why not let Harrison Township be your "designated driver?"