Security Zones Eased
on Tampa Bay, Florida

The U.S. Coast Guard has amended existing Tampa Bay security zones, in most cases reducing zone sizes. The move was driven in part by what the USCG acknowledges are its “limited assets.”

The security zone at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is reduced to the main ship channel directly underneath the main span of the bridge and includes a prohibition against contacting or mooring with any bridge structures, columns and bases. Security zones north of Pendola Point in East Bay and south of the Tampa Port Authority’s piers on Hookers Point are canceled. The USCG port captain has proposed a 500-yard security zone around Manbirtee Key, a shoal island just west of Port Manatee. The public is invited to comment. All security zones can be viewed at homeport.uscg.mil/stpetersburg.

Marathon’s Mooring Field

Yes, the state of Florida owns the bottom land at Boot Key Harbor in the Florida Keys, but it has given the authority to administer and manage this site to the city of Marathon. So if you are looking for information about this anchorage, and three others within the city’s jurisdiction, you should consult the city’s Web site, (ci.marathon.fl.us) and click on “boat ramps.” If you are planning a stop here we suggest you print out the map of the mooring field in advance, which is obscurely stored under “downloadable city documents.” Here’s the shortcut: fl-marathon.civicplus.com/DocumentView.asp?DID=3193. The city does not take reservations for mooring balls, contact the City Marina on VHF channel 16 as you approach. Mooring fees are $170 per month with a six-month limit. You must be staying on your boat as these mooring are not for storage. You can still anchor on the west side of Boot Key Harbor near the bridge, but are limited to a 30-day stay. Dinghy landing fees are $70 per month. The harbormaster is Richard Tanner and you can e-mail him with questions at tanner@ci.marathon.fl.us or call 305-289-7788.

Life Raft Recall Notice

At presstime word came of a recall of life rafts manufactured by BFA Marine, a Zodiac International company. The recall involves rafts made for the leisure market between 1997-2006. The recall involves overpressurization valves in Atlantic, Pacific, Baltic, and BFA/MX Offshore models, which could fail and cause the raft to sink. According to BFA, “It is imperative that owners of the identified BFA Leisure Life Rafts IMMEDIATELY return their rafts to the nearest BFA-approved dealer or service center in order for the valves to be inspected and potentially replaced.” The serial numbers of BFA life rafts are found either in the log card or on the valise/canister. The following serial numbered rafts are involved in this recall: rafts with five-digit serial numbers from 10001 to 50180; all rafts with 12-digit serial numbers beginning with “XDC.” Check bfa-marine.com for addresses of authorized service centers. The valve inspection and replacement is free.

The Panic Button Only
Works If You Program It

Everyone who has ever listened to a VHF radio knows that many mariners in distress do not properly identify themselves nor provide precise locations when radioing for help. To alleviate the problem, the communications industry created marine radios equipped with Digital Selective Calling and Automatic Identification Systems equipment as part of their GMDSS system. These radios rely upon a nine-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number to identify themselves and the user of the device. However, Coast Guard statistics reveal that many owners of these devices are not obtaining, registering or properly entering their assigned MMSI into these units. Lack of an MMSI will make some of these devices inoperable or incapable of operating advanced features, including distress alerts. Leaving the MMSI unprogrammed, entering a false identity or not updating a previously programmed device with your own identity may delay a rescue and under certain situations is unlawful.