U.S. Power Squadron Presents Oil Spill Information An article in Sail Angle News lists the Boat U.S. guidelines for recreational boaters who have to contend with the Gulf oil spill. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) recommends the following tips for recreational boaters: If your marina or boat club puts oil containment booms in place, do not attempt to cross the booms with your boat. This will only spread the oil and damage the booms or possibly your vessel's running gear. If there is oil in your marina, refrain from running engines or other devices that have seawater intakes such as air conditioners or refrigerators. Hauling out your boat will prevent damage, but as of press time it was not clear if these costs will be reimbursed by British Petroleum (BP). If the spill is sighted coming toward your marina or already there, call the BP Community Information Hotline at 866-448-5816 to make a report. If your boat comes in contact with the oil, call your insurance company to file a claim. Uninsured boaters can call the BP Hotline at 800-440-0858 to file a claim. Damage to a BoatUS insured's vessel that is caused by the oil spill is covered. BoatUS members are directed to call 800-937-1937 to file a claim. Founded in 1948, the Clearwater Sail Power Squadron is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching free-instruction safe boating classes to the public. For information about our classes go online to www.clearwatersquadron.org or call (727) 441-8775.

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