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  • Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:44 | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    https://hips.hearstapps.com/vidthumb/e623b9f8-063d-46a8-a1a7-5bafe7bc11b1/64e648a1-c50d-41bb-83e9-b8c163e8a4ba.jpg?crop=1xw%3A1.0xh%3Bcenter%2Ctop&resize=810%3A*&quality=70 SEVERE WEATHER ALERT

    September 12, 2023

    To all mooring holders in Portland Harbor mooring fields:

    We have been monitoring official and local weather resources, and from this far out, it appears that Hurricane Lee will directly impact Nova Scotia. Portland and its waters and mooring fields will likely be in the edge of the storm as it broadens, with storm conditions Saturday into Sunday.

    Please act SOON to do what you deem necessary to secure your boats and belongings. We will be pulling the Harbor Master boats before the cities remove docks and floats later this week. If you decide to take your boat off your mooring, please do so soon. Do not delay.

    If you decide to leave your boat on the mooring, here are some steps you can take:

    - remove all objects from on deck, including anchors, extra lines, life rafts, cushions, etc.

    - be sure your pendant has adequate chafing gear where it goes through chocks and has potential to rub on your bowstay

    - check to be sure your pendant is not wrapped around your mooring ball or chain

    - create an extra "safety" pendant secured to a different cleat

    - be sure your batteries are charged and your bilge pump is set to auto

    - remove all canvas and anything that will catch wind, and remove or secure your boom

     

    PLEASE DO NOT GO OUT TO CHECK ON YOUR BOAT AFTER THE STORM HAS BEGUN OR DURING THE STORM.

    Your safety is more important than your boat.

     

    Please continue monitoring weather resources. We will update as we learn more.

  • Friday, September 08, 2023 16:03 | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    lee's potential track

    POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER NEXT WEEK

    Good afternoon, boaters,

    As Hurricane Lee develops, please monitor weather forecasts and begin making plans for how you wish to secure your boats and belongings. We will be monitoring US Coast Guard information and recommendations, and we'll communicate with you as we know more.

    Sincerely,

    Kevin J Battle
    Harbor Master
    Port of Portland

    207-772-8121 - Office





  • Wednesday, March 10, 2021 17:48 | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    From the US Coast Guard:

    Please note the new federal law related to cut off switches effective April 1st.

    Who is effected:

    Owners of boats less than 26 feet in length that generate more than 115lbs of static thrust (~ 2-3hp) and were built beginning in January 2020.  If the boat was built in January 2020 or later, or an ECOS was installed at some point in the boat's life, the Engine Cut-Off Switch systems must be maintained in working condition for the life of the boat.

    The Engine Cut-Off Switch Link doesn’t need to be attached when the vessel is idling, performing docking maneuvers or just going slow. The Engine Cut-Off Switch Link must be attached whenever the boat is operating on plane or greater than displacement speed

    More details here:

    https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/Engine-Cut-Off-Switch-FAQ.php

  • Monday, November 21, 2016 10:15 | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    CYC recently purchased a portable Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and has installed it on the interior west wall of the Clubhouse near the sliding door.

    What is an AED?

    AED’s are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating effectively.  The device automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a person and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of an electrical shock which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm. 

    Does CYC need this . . . why not wait until an emergency responder arrives?

    SCA is a leading cause of death in adults . . .and children!  Time is of the essence!  Treatment delays beyond 4 to 5 minutes decreases survival chances significantly.  For each minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival is reduced approximately 10%.  The average response time for first responders after a 911 call is 8 – 12 minutes. The prompt use of an AED with CPR techniques saves lives . . . nearly 70% of victims of the most common cause of SCA can survive when treated early with CPR and shock from a defibrillator. 

    The device is very simple to operate!

    While training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated defibrillator is desirable, studies have shown that the lack of training should not restrain an attempt in emergencies.  The Club has purchased a device designed for those who have never used an AED.  It guides the responder through every step.  Simply pull a handle to activate the AED and voice instructions guide you through the entire process – from correctly placing each pad on the person to performing CPR.  It even guides you on the frequency and depth of chest compressions, as well as breaths.  Special sensors in the pads provide feedback so the instructions are specific to the situation. 

    The AED assesses the person’s heart rhythm.  If a shock is advised, it directs you to press a flashing button.  If it determines that a shock is not called for, it won’t deliver a shock even if you press the button.



  • Wednesday, December 30, 2015 12:30 | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    From the December issue of Boat US enews

    VHF Radio Protocol

    By Lenny Rudow

    Here's how to use your VHF radio the right way so you can be understood, and get what you need.

    Photo of using a VHF radioPhoto: USCG

    Many boaters never take the time to learn how to properly use one of the most important pieces of safety gear on board your boat: the VHF radio. If you need to call for help, don't you want that call to be heard as clearly as possible? And if you're using the VHF for communications of convenience, you certainly don't want to step on an emergency transmission, do you? So let's dive right into the do's and don'ts of VHF protocol.

    Know Thy Channel

    Rule No. 1: Respect the channel designations, especially those of the "big three." Channel 16 is reserved for distress and safety calls and for contact calls to other vessels or shore stations. Channel 13 is used for vessel bridge-to-bridge communications and is heavily trafficked by commercial ships for intership navigation. And Channel 22A is used for safety broadcasts and U.S. Coast Guard communications; after hailing on 16, you're usually asked to switch to 22A. Because of congestion on 16, Channel 9 has been designated as an alternate contact-calling channel between pleasure vessels and to shore stations but, except in some areas, the Coast Guard doesn't transmit safety messages on 9. You should always monitor 16 in case a nearby boat needs help and to hear Coast Guard safety messages. Ideally, it's good to have two VHFs, one set on 9 and another tuned to 16.

    Do regular radio checks, but do them on a recreational communications channel, not on 16, 9, 22 or any other restricted channel. Something the authorities find quite aggravating is when a recreational boater calls on an emergency channel requesting a "radio check." Hailing "TowBoatUS" on 68 is an easy way to conduct a check.

    What channels should you use for regular conversations? Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A are considered non-commercial channels, and in most areas, 68 and 72 are commonly used by the recreational-boating community. But remember that the VHF is officially for "operational" purposes. This can be as informal as passing on a weather report, but conversations about what the dog chewed up yesterday are inappropriate. Some channels, such as 70, have restricted use, and you can't use them for voice communications.

    Whatever type of conversation you may be having, remember that no one else within a 20-mile range can talk on that channel while you're talking. Considering the limited number of appropriate channels, an extended conversation can inconvenience a large number of other boaters. So keep your VHF communications brief and to the point. If you're communicating with a boat that's close by (within a mile or two), you should switch over to low power. Both fixed-mount and handheld VHFs have low-power settings, which limit the range of your broadcast and thereby limit the number of other boaters you may be blocking out due to your transmission.

    Remember that everyone can hear you. It's very easy to offend a large number of people on the VHF, and there are often small children listening.

    Emergency Signaling

    In an emergency, your broadcast needs to be more structured. With the radio tuned to Channel 16 and the power set to high, begin your broadcast by stating either "Mayday" or "Pan-pan" three times over. Mayday is used when you're in a life-threatening situation. Pan-pan is the appropriate call to make when you're in a bad situation that isn't life threatening at the moment but could become life threatening. Next, state your vessel's name, latitude and longitude, a brief description of your boat, and the nature of your emergency. Speak slowly and clearly, and wait for a response from the Coast Guard. Once the Coast Guard knows the exact situation and location, be ready for some follow-up questions. You're likely to be asked about such things as the size and type of the boat you're on, the number and age of the people on board, and whether anyone has any medical training, if it's applicable to the situation.

     

    Listen to make sure that the channel is clear before transmitting.

    Even if you don't get an answer, continue making the emergency broadcast with those first three vital bits of information. The authorities (or perhaps a nearby pleasure boater) may be listening, even if you can't hear them calling back. Usually the best way to make sure your vital info gets through with no confusion or mistakes is to ensure that you have digital selective calling (DSC) active on your radio. This requires a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and a link to your GPS, unless you've got a newer VHF with a built-in GPS. When you press the DSC "panic button" on the VHF, the radio will automatically transmit your vessel information and exact location. And since it's digitally processed and uses narrow receiver bandwidth, it also boosts range over normal voice communications.

    If you know for a fact that you haven't activated DSC, check out the article "Setting Up A VHF Radio With Digital Selective Calling", which tells you how to integrate your VHF and GPS. Then visit the MMSI Registration page (free for members) to get an MMSI number and register your radio.

    Think of VHF communications like the highways and byways of our nation. They're public, everyone uses them, and everyone benefits from them. But they can become clogged with overuse and unpleasant due to discourtesy. Follow the proper VHF protocol, and everyone will be in for a better boating experience — and a safer one, too. 

    BoatUS electronics editor Lenny Rudow is a fishing expert and the senior editor for www.Boats.com.

  • Sunday, October 25, 2015 11:53 | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    A Classified Ad page is now available on the club website. Go to the members section and choose Classified Ads.  The section allows members to post an ad...

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