Problem with gas

One of the most usual reasons boaters call for a tow is related to fuel. According to experts, you must never trust your ship’s fuel gauge. Most boaters think they have enough fuel in the tank, only to realize they don’t. When that happens, it’s usually too late.

Keep also in mind that gas gauges are different. Make sure you know your usage per hour and track the hours in of use in-between refueling. It’s also best to use 1/3 of the tank in going out and another 1/3 in getting back. Make sure that you reserve 1/3 of fuel.

Another important USCG NVDC tip to prevent a tow is to perform a regular maintenance on your boat’s fuel system. You must change its fuel filters and inspect its fuel bulbs and lines. If possible, you must only use 100 percent ethanol-free gasoline.

Not planning

Most boaters get in trouble because they change their plans while sailing. They go from plan A to plan B. Some boaters would even leave the dock without having a plan in mind. That’s quite a mistake. Not planning may cause you to sail with no direction, leading to running out of fuel. When it gets dark, you might find it difficult to go back.

That said, always think in advance about your trip. No matter what kind of trip it is, you must have an online chart to ensure that you have a route to go back home. It can help you determine how much fuel you need throughout your trip.

When you have a plan, make sure to stick to it.  Planning will also help you determine whether or not your boat’s registration or documentation is updated. Before you even go, make sure that your boat is registered or documented. Else, you’ll face some fees and penalties. Or what is worse, you may lose your ship.

Boat documentation and registration are two different things. All boat owners have to register their vessels with the corresponding state government. Although not all boats require documentation, there are many benefits of having a documented boat. It may be very helpful when you’re in the international water.

If you wish to make your documentation process a lot easier, please call us at +1 (800) 600-4258. Get more USCG NVDC tips to prevent a tow or any other useful information. Vessel Documentation Online can help you with everything related to your boat.

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No person may intentionally drain oil or oily waste into the bilge of any vessel. Any discharge of hazardous substance in the water must be immediately notified to the US Coast Guard calling the toll-free number 800-424-8802 or 202-267-2675.

When reporting the incident, the following information is needed: location, size or quantity of released material, description (color, consistency, odor), date and time, source and cause of release (if known), and any other information that may help emergency personnel to respond for the incident.

Garbage discharge

MARPOL ANNEX V is the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, and places limitations on the discharge of garbage from vessels. It is considered illegal to dump plastic trash in any place of the ocean and navigable waters in the USA. That includes inland waters and anywhere in the Great Lakes. The discharge of other types of garbage like food waste, paper, rags, glass and others might be permitted outside specific distances offshore, depending on the nature of the garbage.

Marine Sanitation Devices

All the recreational boats with toilet facilities installed must have a Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) installed and working properly. Vessels 65 feet and under may use Type I, II or III MSD, and those over 65 feet must install a Type II or III MSD. In any case, the equipment must be certified by the US Coast Guard, who will label the devices except for some holding tanks that are certified by definition under the regulations.

The discharge of sewage is permitted within the 3 nautical miles of shore except in designated “No Discharge Zone” areas. When navigating these areas, the operator must secure the device in order to prevent any unwanted discharge.

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