Welcome to the "Commodore's Corner"

Keep watch here for a collection of boating safety and helpful tips for both on and off shore. 

• MMSI Important Update

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) Entry Required for DSC Radios to Function
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If you are shopping for a new DSC (Digital Selective Calling) radio for your vessel, be forewarned that it will not transmit any DSC call until you obtain and install your nine-digit MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity). The radio's user manual *must* be carefully followed during installation, and great care must be taken when inputting the MMSI, as mistakes are not easily corrected, if at all. Once the MMSI is stored, it should not be possible to alter it without contacting the manufacturer or possibly returning the equipment for a factory reset. Trying to save money by buying a DSC radio at a swap meet or flea market is obviously a bad idea. Purchasing a DSC radio from a reputable and knowledgeable dealer is the only way to be sure that the unit meets current requirements and will function as intended.

DSC radios are programmed to display the vessel's MMSI on start-up, so obtain your MMSI as soon as you purchase your radio. If the equipment is not configured with an MMSI, it will generate distracting auditory and visual alerts indefinitely and will not function properly. The manufacturers of DSC equipment are including these alerts to convince us to obtain and enter an MMSI so that this equipment can perform its intended lifesaving functions. A thorough tutorial on the installation and use of DSC radios is available at this BoatU.S. Foundation website <http://www.boatus.com/foundation/dsc/player.html>, and a free registration process for obtaining an MMSI is available here <http://www.boatus.com/MMSI/>.

• Navigation News

Link below to the latest Light Lists corrected through Coast Guard LNM 01/12 for each Coast Guard District.

Updated Coast Guard Light List Webpage

• Boating Safety

US Coast Guard Vessel Safety Checklist
Click here to download this helpful safety checklist.

Stay With The Boat To Avoid Tragedy
Bob Cusack says tragedies like the recent one in Boston Harbor can be avoided.

Web Link | Read the article here:
http://marblehead.patch.com/articles/stay-with-the-boat-to-avoid-tragedy

Safety First When Fueling Your Boat
Bob Cusack of the Coast Guard explains how to fuel your boat without causing an explosion.

Web Link | Read the article here:
http://marblehead.patch.com/articles/safety-first-when-fueling-your-boat

America’s Waterway Watch and You
Bob Cusack offers tips on protecting local shores.

Web Link | Read the article here:
http://marblehead.patch.com/articles/americas-waterway-watch-and-you

Program Aims To Keep You Safe On The Water
Bob Cusack of the Coast Guard explains how a radio can keep you safe

Web Link | Read the article here:
http://marblehead.patch.com/articles/program-aims-to-keep-you-safe-on-the-water

• Helpful Tips

Metal Cleaning On Board and At Home (PDF)

Please send your tip's or links to Bob for posting on this page. Also check out our LINKS webpage for more websites and informational links. Thanks!

Bob Cusack: (781) 581-1159
rjcusack@verizon.net