New Online Course for Boaters: All About Marine Radio

ANNAPOLIS, MD, July 6, 2015 – If you put 10 boaters in a room with a working marine VHF radio, how many could call for help, call a friend, or share a navigational hazard with nearby boaters? Chances are the most important piece of safety gear aboard a boat is the least understood. A partnership with the US Power Squadrons and BoatUS Foundation aims to improve boaters’ knowledge with the new online course, All About Marine Radio, offered at BoatUS.org/courses. The course shows how to use standard VHF radios as well as newer Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radios and is great for novices and experienced boaters. Taken from the comfort of home, the course is $24.95.

“From calling a mayday to requesting a marina slip, it’s the boater’s VHF radio that is the most reliable way to communicate and it is the only piece of equipment that can get those closest to a boat in distress to respond quickly,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Education Amanda Suttles Pérez.

All About Marine Radio teaches how to choose the best radio for your boating lifestyle and how to get the most use out of it. The online course will show some simple rules to follow when you’re using a marine VHF radio plus how to:

Determine which features you want in a marine radio for your type of boating

Make and receive radio calls, including what channels to use

Obtain and use an Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number for your boat

Call for help in all kinds of emergencies

Ensure that your transmissions are understandable

Simple rules to follow when using your radio

Joining BoatUS for $24 annually lowers the course’s price to $19.96 – the same price offered to US Power Squadrons, Canadian Power Squadrons, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Great Lakes Cruising Club members. More information on BoatUS membership benefits can be found at BoatUS.com/membership.

About BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the over half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the non-profit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 34 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.

About United States Power Squadrons:

Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron's activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.