News & Views for Southern Sailors - Southwinds Magazine

services and taking center stage on national boating safetyissues,” said Schwartz.“As we move toward 50 years of service and our goldenanniversary 10 years from now, there is no shortage ofissues that BoatU.S. will have to tackle including increasinglimits on waterway access, post 9/11 security concerns,licensing of boaters and environmental threats to our waterways,”noted Schwartz.Go to www.BoatUS.com or call (800) 395-2628 for moreinformation and to join.Airlines CO2 Cylinder Policies VaryAlthough the Transportation Security Administration hasrevised its rules for carrying CO2 cartridges onboard airlines,it has left it up to the individual carriers to make thefinal decisions. US Sailing has checked with 10 of the majorairlines to see current policies and the airlines that allow thecartridges, commonly used in life jackets, are American,Southwest, United, Delta, Continental, and American Eagle.Northwest had banned them, and US Airways/ AmericaWest has not set clear policies.The TSA rules state that (final decision up to carrier)one life jacket that has two cylinders installed and twospares is allowable.It is still advised that all passengers check with the airlinesto confirm as policies and rules change.Customs Inspections on BoatsReturning from the BahamasAfter numerous complaints from boaters, the U.S. Customsand Border Patrol has expanded its hours and offices tohandle the greater time taken for reentering the UnitedStates because of security measures. For a complete list ofthe hours and locations that boaters can report to, go to theBoatU.S. Web site, www.boatus.com/gov.2005 Crew Overboard SymposiumReport OnlineLast year, on Aug. 9-12, 2005, a crew overboard symposiumwas held on San Francisco Bay. There were 400 tests conductedby 115 volunteers, using 40 different types of rescuegear, of different rescue techniques. Tests were practiced onboth sail and powerboats in both calm seas and in 35-knotconditions. Techniques were used in how best to contactand reach victims, how to bring them aboard and on bothconscious and unconscious victims. The rescue symposiumwas sponsored by West Marine, BoatU.S., and the ModernSailing Academy of Sausalito, CA with funds from variousother sources. The final report on the findings is now availableonline at www.boatus.com/foundation.BUSINESS BRIEFSWatersports West in Largo, FL,Becomes Dealer for the O’pen BicSailboatWatersports West in Largo, FL, recently became the exclusiveTampa Bay area dealer for the new O’pen Bic sailboat.The fast, planing hull of the O’pen Bic gives a dynamic sailingexperience of a true dinghy that heels. Being at the helmof this powerful machine gives you the same excitement24 October 2006 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com