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Location:
1413-B Annapolis Road
Suite 203
Odenton, MD 21113-1216
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Phone:
Baltimore (410) 551-8959
Washington (301) 621-0994
Fax:
(410) 551-8785
Boating Safety
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If you’ve caught any TV news or browsed any online news recently, then you’ve probably viewed the shocking scenes of the Costa Concordia – the cruise ship that wrecked off the Tuscany coast after running aground.
Actually, the news of this incident has found its way to our own back yard. It has been reported that there were 126 Americans aboard that cruise ship – all looking forward to a great vacation. According to local and national news outlets including CBS/Baltimore, Anna Figueredo and her daughter were among those passengers and were two of the last to be evacuated by lifeboat. Anna and her daughter are safely back home in Silver Spring, MD, now; but it is undoubtedly a trip they won’t forget -- one without the good memories they had hoped for.
Here in the MidAtlantic region of the country, maritime commerce and pastimes are a part of our culture. The use of our many waterways and coastline is pivotal for our commercial and recreational survival. So seeing the cruise ship on its side in Italy emphasizes to us the risks of boating accidents, regardless of the size of the vessel – from giant cruise ship to small fishing craft or pleasure boat.
On our local waters, running aground has been known to be caused by the build-up of silt, sand and stone (often called shoaling) and often caused by storms and resultant heavy currents. But the Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that there are also thousands of recreational boating accidents per year with contributing factors including traveling too fast for water or weather conditions, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to follow boating rules and regulations, carelessness and inexperience.
While the recreational boating season might be months away, it will be here before you know it. It might be wise to prepare now to see that your boat is ready and you are prepared to be a responsible boater this year. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free advice and boating safety courses. In fact, upon request, the auxiliary will conduct a comprehensive Courtesy Marine Examination (CME) of your vessel, and they award a CME decal “Seal of Safety” to all boats meeting the standards. Learn more about the CME.
Have you checked your boat insurance coverage recently? If not, perhaps it’s time to sit down with one of our experienced agents who can help you determine whether you have the proper coverage and are receiving the best rates possible. Just contact us at your convenience to discuss your boating insurance.