Because of the large number of oil containment booms and cleanup equipment being deployed around the state in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Boating and Waterways Section is asking boaters to slow down where oil cleanup is under way.

The FWC encourages all boaters to operate at slow speed within 300 feet of all authorized booms. Boaters operating near any oil-containment booms or cleanup equipment should exercise extreme caution and comply with all applicable navigational rules. Oil-skimming equipment is large and cumbersome, and it is restricted in its ability to maneuver. As a result, boaters should be prepared to stay clear of these vessels when operating near them.

Failure to operate at slow speed in these areas could result in injury, damage to vessels and damage to the containment booms. Additionally, the wake that results from a vessel operating above slow speed in areas where a boom has been deployed can reduce the effectiveness of the boom, resulting in further environmental damage.

FWC officers and local marine units will be on the water encouraging boaters to operate at slow speed in those areas where cleanup efforts are under way

With all of the hype around the Deepwater Horizon spill, one question that must be answered is “what happens if my boat comes in contact with the spill or a tar ball?” To answer the question, we contacted Captain Patrick Prainito from Regal Boats in Orlando, Florida. Patrick provided the following documentation from Volvo Penta. The article is a summary and adaptation from their Service Bulletin 17-9, Number 3, Version 1.

Florida By Water has developed a new system to help you discover the best boating locations in the state. The "Florida By Water Seal of Approval” will now be added to websites and listings that are recommended by Florida By Water. If you see this seal on a listing or website you can be assured that the establishment should meet your needs as a boater.

This award is given to Restaurants, Boat Ramps, Hotels , Marinas and Campgrounds that meet the Florida By Water standards. In order to determine if an establishment is eligible, we use the following rating system:

Float Plan Release

Florida By Water has released a FREE iPhone app to aid in safe boating.

As most boaters should know it is a good idea to file a float plan before you leave the dock. The issue has always been that the plans tend to be long and useless to the recreational boater. With today’s technology, this process has now become automated. Float Plan –Essential Tool For Boaters is a simple app that allows you to store and save your vital boat information. Before you leave the dock, you simply open the app and choose “file float plan”. Next enter your leaving location, time of departure and expected return time. Then press file. The application will send your information to your predetermined contact by e-mail. The e-mail includes all of your boating information along with a map link to Google maps that will show the contact the exact location of your departure. Once you return, you simply press “close float plan” and the app will send an email saying you have safely returned. The process takes less that 30 second to file and could save your life.

One additional feature that should be mentioned is that the “plan” has a field for your MMSI number. This number can be provided to the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard will then be able to locate your boat in case of an emergency. For more information on MMSI numbers go to http://boatus.com/mmsi or watch the video on youtube.

Download the App (you must have iTunes)