Rescue Life Light® for Life Jackets & Life Rafts Life Light® is a state-of-the-art, U.S. Coast Guard approved Life Jacket Light. Life Light® rescue light is a water-activated, LED flashing signal light to aid rescuers in locating a person adrift and in distress at sea. Simply attach Life Light to your safety gear and forget it. Since it is water activated, there are no complicated operating instructions.  Features: Life Light® is lightweight and easy to attach to life jackets. You can also attach Life Light® to a life raft, safety harness, work vest, EPIRB, ditch kit, VHF radio, ring buoy, even a dog’s collar.  Activates when Life Light® becomes immersed in salt or freshwater. Will not activate with just splashes of water during recreational activities. Life Light® flashes for over 300 hours, unlike other common competitor products that only flash for 8-12 hours Rescuers will be able to see Life Light® from 2.5 miles away, ensuring they can find you faster. Unlike other products on the market, Life Light® will never corrode. There are no compartments to open, no switches to fail, and you never need to replace the batteries. Life Light® units have a five-year shelf life.

Life Rafts  

Coastal Life Raft 4 Person Valise *Recommended for commercial use only. For recreational applications please consider VIKING's RescYou series. US Coast Guard Approved IBA and Liferaft Solution for Vessels Operating in US Coastal Waters. USCG Change in Regulations USCG has stipulated that as of 26 February 2016 all commercial vessels sailing in US coastal waters must have an approved survival craft onboard that ensures no part of an individual is immersed in water. This means that basic life floats and similar systems must be phased out and replaced by approved craft in order for the vessel to meet the new requirement. Choosing Liferafts The VIKING IBA and Coastal Liferafts are both approved according to the new regulation. However, there can be certain situations where the Coastal Liferaft would be a better choice, for example if operations involve cold waters with exceptionally bad weather.The insulated floor and a canopy provide additional protection against the elements. The IBA is designed for fair weather where quick rescue is expected. Product Highlights: Ideal for cold water and foul weather conditions Heavy duty, durable natural rubber Compact and portable Water resistant valise Features: 4 ballast bags for stability Award winning, easy access boarding ramp Double canopy Independent buoyancy chambers with an insulated floor Secure canopy closure Extra large opening Specifications: Weight: 67 Lbs Dimensions: 31" x 17" x 15" This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Coastal Life Raft 6 Person Valise *Recommended for commercial use only. For recreational applications please consider VIKING's RescYou series. US Coast Guard Approved IBA and Liferaft Solution for Vessels Operating in US Coastal Waters. USCG Change in Regulations USCG has stipulated that as of 26 February 2016 all commercial vessels sailing in US coastal waters must have an approved survival craft onboard that ensures no part of an individual is immersed in water. This means that basic life floats and similar systems must be phased out and replaced by approved craft in order for the vessel to meet the new requirement. Choosing Liferafts The VIKING IBA and Coastal Liferafts are both approved according to the new regulation. However, there can be certain situations where the Coastal Liferaft would be a better choice, for example if operations involve cold waters with exceptionally bad weather.The insulated floor and a canopy provide additional protection against the elements. The IBA is designed for fair weather where quick rescue is expected. Product Highlights: Ideal for cold water and foul weather conditions Heavy duty, durable natural rubber Compact and portable Water resistant valise Features: 4 ballast bags for stability Award winning, easy access boarding ramp Double canopy Independent buoyancy chambers with an insulated floor Secure canopy closure Extra large opening Specifications: Weight: 69 Lbs Dimensions: 31" x 17" x 15" This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Coastal Life Raft 4 Person Low Profile Container *Recommended for commercial use only. For recreational applications please consider VIKING's RescYou series. US Coast Guard Approved IBA and Liferaft Solution for Vessels Operating in US Coastal Waters. USCG Change in Regulations USCG has stipulated that as of 26 February 2016 all commercial vessels sailing in US coastal waters must have an approved survival craft onboard that ensures no part of an individual is immersed in water. This means that basic life floats and similar systems must be phased out and replaced by approved craft in order for the vessel to meet the new requirement. Choosing Liferafts The VIKING IBA and Coastal Liferafts are both approved according to the new regulation. However, there can be certain situations where the Coastal Liferaft would be a better choice, for example if operations involve cold waters with exceptionally bad weather.The insulated floor and a canopy provide additional protection against the elements. The IBA is designed for fair weather where quick rescue is expected. Product Highlights: Ideal for cold water and foul weather conditions Heavy duty, durable natural rubber Compact and portable Fiberglass container with galvanized cradle Features: 4 ballast bags for stability Award winning, easy access boarding ramp Double canopy Independent buoyancy chambers with an insulated floor Secure canopy closure Extra large opening Specifications: Weight: 79 Lbs Dimensions: 32" x 22" x 13" This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Coastal Life Raft 6 Person Low Profile Container *Recommended for commercial use only. For recreational applications please consider VIKING's RescYou series. US Coast Guard Approved IBA and Liferaft Solution for Vessels Operating in US Coastal Waters. USCG Change in Regulations USCG has stipulated that as of 26 February 2016 all commercial vessels sailing in US coastal waters must have an approved survival craft onboard that ensures no part of an individual is immersed in water. This means that basic life floats and similar systems must be phased out and replaced by approved craft in order for the vessel to meet the new requirement. Choosing Liferafts The VIKING IBA and Coastal Liferafts are both approved according to the new regulation. However, there can be certain situations where the Coastal Liferaft would be a better choice, for example if operations involve cold waters with exceptionally bad weather.The insulated floor and a canopy provide additional protection against the elements. The IBA is designed for fair weather where quick rescue is expected. Product Highlights: Ideal for cold water and foul weather conditions Heavy duty, durable natural rubber Compact and portable Fiberglass container with galvanized cradle Features: 4 ballast bags for stability Award winning, easy access boarding ramp Double canopy Independent buoyancy chambers with an insulated floor Secure canopy closure Extra large opening Specifications: Weight: 82 Lbs Dimensions: 32" x 22" x 13" This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Marine Safety It can be very enjoyable to be out on the water, but you do not want to forget about marine safety. Making sure you protect yourself as much as possible matters, and you also want to keep all of your boat's passengers safe, too. We have the accessories you need to raise your level of safety and increase your peace of mind anytime you take the boat out of the dock. Our options for personal locator beacons and safety lights can help protect you, and our waterproof bags & cases help you make sure you do not damage any of your personal belongings, either.   Make sure you remember to take an emergency weather radio, and we offer EPIRBs, Flotation Coats/Pants, Fume Detectors, Immersion/Dry/Work Suits, Life Rafts, Man Overboard Devices, Personal Flotation Devices, Personal Locator Beacons, Safety Lights, and Waterproof Bags & Cases and Medical Kits to protect yourself and the people you care about . Your passengers will thank you when they feel safe on your boat, and you will have less to worry about. Then you can have more fun out on the waterways, and really appreciate the beauty of nature and all the fun a boat can bring.

The joys of on-the-water paddle sports are many. Paddling your own canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or  surfboard takes individual skill, where you set your own pace and experience a sense of calm and quiet serenity as you glide across the pristine waters. You will encounter fewer & wild parties with large, raft-up boat flotillas crowding the waterways. Stand Up Paddle Boarding Stand-up paddleboarding originated in Hawaii, and while it is a recent addition to the list of paddle sports, some believe that it has been around for longer. Experts say it has existed for decades but came to prominence in the 2000s, evolving into the recognized sport today. Its earliest roots trace it back to the 18th century when native Hawaiians paddled along the Pacific from island to island. The modern applications of stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP as some call it, emerged in the mid-20th century with the extreme popularity of surf culture in the 1960s. The shores of California first welcomed SUP in 2005, where it caught on instantly among the locals. Today, SUP has spread across the country, with more than 22 million Americans participating in stand-up paddleboarding.   Simply put, stand-up paddleboarding involves getting on a surf-like board with a long SUP paddle which you will use to propel the board while standing up straight. This paddle sport is excellent for photographers as they can get a much better view while standing up. There is more than one way on how to paddle a stand-up paddleboard. You can race, tour, and surf. Many marinas have partnered with yoga instructors to offer on-the-water stand-up paddleboard yoga classes. It is refreshing to watch a class of yogis as they attempt perfect balance in a headstand on an unanchored, less than steady paddleboard! You can even turn your SUP into a kayak. More recent is white water paddle boarding for the thrill-seekers. Kayaking may have been the fastest-growing paddle sport, but stand-up paddleboarding has taken over this title. New variations of stand-up paddleboards have hit the market. Some boards are inflatable, some can be folded up into thirds with hinged sections, and newer paddleboards include tall seats and pedals. For SUP equipment information, click this link at CLR Marine. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports.html.   SAFETY FIRST and WEATHER ALERTS WHEN PADDLE BOARDING While enjoying any paddle sport, such as paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking, be aware that weather can change in an instant. A calm stream can suddenly become a raging river if weather conditions suddenly change higher up at the stream's headwaters.    PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD) Wearing or carrying a PFD on-board is essential to paddleboard safety. Stand-up Paddleboards are considered "vessels" under the United States Coast Guard regulations when used out of designated swimming, surfing, or bathing areas. Individuals 13 years of age and older must have a PFD on board, and those 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a PFD at all times on the water. Not only can a PFD save your life, but it can also make it easier for you to climb back aboard after falling or jumping in the water. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/marine-safety/personal-flotation-devices.html   WHISTLE A whistle can be a simple, inexpensive item to carry that can make a huge difference in an emergency. You can use a whistle to alert motorized boats to your presence if needed or to get help from the shore if you have trouble on the water. A whistle can also be heard in the fog when visibility is at a minimum. https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/10020--acr-survival-res-q-whistle-w-18-lanyard.html   PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON Personal locator beacons are handheld devices that signal 406 MHz, the same frequency used for newer emergency locator transmitters. Activate a PLB—in most cases, simply by extending the antenna and pressing the On button—and it transmits a powerful distress signal with a unique digital code. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports/personal-locator-beacons.html   LEASH If you fall off your SUP while in the water, the leash will keep your board easily accessible. Wind, currents, and waves can quickly sweep your SUP away from you. Fasten the cord securely & around your ankle.   WETSUIT If you plan on going out on cold water, you should consider a suit to keep you warm. Hypothermia escalates rapidly. An accidental fall into a cold mountain lake or cold ocean water would ruin your trip. Remember that you won't have a stack of warm blankets or warm, dry clothing with you.   HELMET If you're going to take your SUP down a river, you should consider a helmet for the trip. Kayakers wear them, and their heads are much closer to the water than someone standing on a paddleboard. Falling onto hidden or exposed rocks from a standing position could cause a devastating impact. Protect your brain. Wear a helmet.   WEATHER Always be aware of the current weather conditions for your SUP outing and pay attention to the forecast for the day. Weather conditions can change rapidly in some locations, and getting caught in bad weather can be very dangerous. The wind is always a threat. The wind can quickly unbalance a paddle boarder, make it difficult to paddle, or even carry the board quickly away from a dismounted paddler. Have a weather app on your phone, and hopefully a signal will transmit while you are on the water. PADDLE with a PARTNER The best way to enjoy your SUP is with a friend. It is also one of the best ways to stay safe on the water. Paddling buddies can double-check gear before heading out and watch out for each other while out on the water. Let friends know where you will be. Leave your itinerary with someone on land. If you don't return at your designated time, your land buddy will start the search. Should your itinerary change, get in touch with your person on shore. Cell service may be limited on the water. Don't count on your cell phone to be your lifeline.   SUNSCREEN The sun is known to cause cancer in all states, not just California. Protect any exposed skin.    KNOW YOUR LIMITS Remember that you have that same distance on your return trip for every mile that you have traveled out. While the wind may be at your back on the way out, a headwind at the return will be a challenge as your energy is diminishing. Paddleboarding is an excellent way for you to blend in with your surroundings and slide from one area to another. Be safe. Know the distance to your destination or how much exertion you want to make at each outing. In addition, to stand-up paddleboarding, other paddle sports to enjoy are kayaking, surfing, and canoeing. We will explore these paddle sports in a future blog. Fair winds and smooth sailing.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________    Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.

Raymarine has identified a problem with Sport Drive autopilot drive unit. As a result the mechanical clutch assembly may fail, causing the steering of the vessel to lock in one direction with possible risk to the safety of the vessel and crew. See PDF for more information.

Yes, it's a cliché, and if you are a sailor, you've probably heard this play-on-words before. While none of us want to admit that we are growing older, I can attest that 99.9 percent of my sailing friends are part of the baby boom generation. Generationally, baby boomers are people born between 1946 – 1964. My husband Bob and I, who have been sailing for more than 30 years, are part of this demographic.   The Ancient Mariner   When global mariner Reese Palley, at age 82, wrote Call of the Ancient Mariner: Reese Palley's Guide to a Long Sailing Life he proclaimed that "sailing is the natural sport for the old, the best way to lengthen and improve your life, and the perfect antidote to a society that conspires to narrow senior horizons". His audience? The nearly one million recreational sailors over 60.   Although Palley is no longer with us (died at 93 years old in 2015), he was the perfect guy to speak about sailing and old age. His two circumnavigations around the earth happened in his 60th and 70th years. He was committed to helping sailors of all types successfully and safely sail into their golden years. He said sailing, as a natural sport, can improve the health of people in their later chapters of life.   Making your voyage a little more 'physically and mentally' user-friendly.   Is it a little tougher to 'tote that barge/lift that bail' and be the grinder in trimming the sails? It's a given that as our bodies age, our muscles and joints become less supple.   The flaw in the older mariner's psyche is the belief that we can do anything with Herculean strength. Bite the bullet. Admit that the aging process has produced some limitations. Stop being Captain Purist. Accept help. If you can't be the fastest at the winch anymore, install a powerwinch. Don't risk a back or shoulder injury.   Have navigation equipment that is easy on the eyes. This a nice way of saying to have GPS Plotters, Fish Finders, Weather Fax, and radar equipment with a text enlargement feature. Be sure that your night vision equipment has the ability for text enlargement. You can't call for help from your Marine radio if you can't read the channel numbers beyond 16.   Have several extra pairs of reading glasses and flashlights in every combing box, swag/gear bag, and bedside bunk compartment, both above deck and below. Have readers duck taped near your gauges. Keep those glasses handy for squinting at shore power pedestals.   We were caught up in two situations where the captain left the boat in daylight and returned in the dark. The hatch was locked with a combination lock and couldn't be read and opened without reading glasses and flashlight. Argh!   Have a pair of reading glasses attached to your First Aid Kit and emergency equipment. Include flares and fire extinguishers. You have to be able to read the dosage on your medication bottles, and possibly a crew member's, too. In life rafts that are prepacked, include a pair of your prescription glasses (and pet food if traveling with your pet).   Back to Basics vs. Safety Common Sense   While we focus here on sailors over 60, we think about going back to the ways of ancient mariners who navigated by the wind and the stars. A good friend learned to sail four decades ago by the seat of his pants. Friends sent him out in a small sailboat, at night, with no landmarks visible, and only the wind in the sails as his teacher.   Let's not be stupid. When it comes to safety, communication and navigation equipment are a must. The bulk of our sailing experience has been on the Great Lakes, and charter trips to the BVIs and St. Maarten. On one such adventure on Lake Michigan, a group of boats sailed together from Chicago to a harbor in Indiana - a four to six-hour trip. This was years ago before personal cellphones. When one of our solo skippers started out late and didn't arrive when she should have, we went into search mode. The marine police and Coast Guard were called.   She arrived safely after sailing into the wrong harbor, then correcting the error, and eventually finding us. She also had no working radio and no GPS or Loran. The stupidity award was given, and we pitched in and bought her a radio.   Enjoy the Ride   A successful voyage means getting from point A to point B in the safest possible way, all the while taking your time and enjoying the ride. No stress, no yelling, just you, the wind, and the waves.   Here's to hitting the high seas at any age. Wind in your hair- the hair that you have left – with crew you love. Fair winds. Smooth sailing.   Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3Happycampers.com  

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland last week signed legislation to enhance boating safety on state waterways.   The new law establishes “failure to control” as an enforceable boat operator rule. Many accidents occur as the result of operator inexperience or the forces of nature. These are not the result of a “rules of the road” violation or caused by reckless operation, but may result in minor property damage or injury.   The law also increases the horsepower limit on Pymatuning Lake in northeastern Ohio to 20-hp. About two-thirds of the lake is within the boundaries of Pennsylvania, which passed legislation to allow for the increase several years ago.   Also, the Ohio law creates a “no wake zone,” requiring boat operators to reduce their speed when passing a boat actively engaged in providing public service, including law enforcement, fireboats, search-and-rescue teams, dredges and towing services. This is similar to the law requiring motorists to proceed with caution and change lanes or slow down when approaching a stationary public safety vehicle displaying an emergency light.   Additionally, the law permits boaters to “slow tow” ski tubes and other towables in no-wake zones and areas outside of the designated speed and ski zones, and requires children under 10 years of age who board a watercraft under 18 feet in length to wear a swimsuit-style life jacket. The children's Type V personal flotation device was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard several years ago and is designed to be more comfortable and better suited to the activities of children participating in family boating.   The law also allows for the transfer of electronic titles for outboard motors. This provision reduces the time it takes to transfer titles by preventing the need for a watercraft dealer to first issue a physical title.   Also in the news today;   Maine offers online renewals for watercraft registration   Maine Gov, John E. Baldacci last week signed a bill that allows state residents to renew their watercraft online.   “Since taking office five years ago, I have made it a goal for Maine government to be more open and accessible to her people and this includes making more government services available online,” Baldacci said in a statement. “I'm very pleased that we are helping Maine people access an array of such services, putting everything from volunteerism opportunities to dog licenses and now boat registration renewals, at their fingertips.”   The legislation allows Maine residents to renew watercraft registration through a safe and secure Web site. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will continue to administer the registrations both online and in person.   Officials estimate that 125,000 watercraft are registered in Maine.  

Suzuki Marine was recognized by several boating-related organizations with a “Show It, Don't Stow It” award at the Miami International Boat Show last month.   The award is given to the company that best highlights the importance of life jacket wear in its display at the boat show. It was presented by the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the National Safe Boating Council.   “We're continually working to promote and display examples of life jacket and safety gear usage throughout the industry, and manufacturers can really play an important role in sharing this key message,” said Cathy Rick-Joule, NMMA vice president and Southern shows manager, in a statement.     “At Suzuki, we realize that PFDs are as important as the motor on a boat, so it was natural for us to include them in our advertising campaign,” spokesman Dean Corbisier said in a statement. “We feel that it's our duty to clearly portray the importance of safety gear and to encourage our customers to make life jacket usage a way of life.”

Taking your four legged or feathered family members cruising with you?   Part I (Part II – Long Distance Sailing with Salty Dogs, Cats & Feathered Friends, will be our next blog.)   Consider safety and comfort for all. Make no mistake. People- and pets fall overboard. One slippery deck, one unplanned jibe, or a rogue wave can knock the best of breeds into the drink.   Safety messages are always woven into our blogs. The same plans need to be in place for your pets. There is a certain helplessness factor with pets. We have yet to hear Fido yell "Man overboard!" Your first clue that your pet has fallen into the drink will be The Splash. Like babies, our animal companions also have a difficult time telling us what ails them when they are sick.      Bill Pinkney, the second African American to sail solo around the world, and the first to set a 27,000 mile course that took him around five capes, said about taking along pets. "I didn't take any pets on my voyage, because they couldn't make a choice, whether to be there, or not."   Does you pet want to be on the water, or not? Our first dog, Arthur, was a true salty dog. The minute we picked up our canvas bags, Arthur was raring to go. Our second dog, Abby, was not seafaring at all. She didn't like loud noises (the engine) and she didn't like the wind (on our 34' sailboat).   On Abby's maiden voyage, she became hyper to the point that one of us had to hold onto her by the collar, while the other sailed the boat. Upon our arrival in the harbor there was wailing, tears and gnashing of teeth. Not all produced by Abby! Our cute little 40lb. pup made it clear to us that she would rather be home, lying on the couch with the air-conditioning turned on high.   A life jacket for pets is a must for two reasons. One. It will keep them afloat in the water. Two. Most have a big handle across the back so that it can be grabbed and lifted back on deck by hand, or a boat hook.   Is your pet comfortable in its safety equipment? Try out every piece of equipment on dry land. We took our dog, Arthur, to the local marine store to get the perfect sized life jacket. Once on, the jacket fit well,but the dog wouldn't move. We couldn't get him to walk in the store, unless we removed it. Some time later, other sailing friends sent us a different dog life jacket, and it did the trick.   Have your dog or cat get used to the surroundings before you start the engine. Pets may seek enclosed shelter, such as a wardrobe locker, once the engine starts up. When underway and having to do difficult maneuvering such as navigating locks or narrow channels, pets should be securely below.   Think about where your pet is going to ride on your boat. Don't let any pet (or human) ride on the transom. The fumes from your engine can be deadly!   Your deck is slick, including your cabin tops. Our friends' had their Irish Setter sleeping on the cabin top of their 30' sailboat. The boat heeled, and the dog slipped right into the drink. Second concern. Our swim ladders were never meant to be climbed by four-legged critters with paws. Image trying to get a 60 lb Irish Setter up the ladder or over the transom? Have a plan in place.   Cats need a litter box on board. Once docked they may choose a different plan on shore, and may bring other critters back with them in the form of a mouse, bird, or gopher. For cats that go overboard, fenders and rope ladders are a way out of the water. Like dogs, cats should wear pet lifejackets.   Cruising with dogs, and their needs is a little easier. They are able to wait a little longer than cats before nature calls. There is always an exception.   If you have to row your pet to shore to take care of business, or you are moored at a mooring can or star dock, get the pet used to riding in the dinghy. Knowing we would be in the North Channel in Canada at anchor, Bob blew up our Zodiac at home in our living room, to get our dog used to getting in and out of the dinghy.     As in regular dog or cat owner life, have the required tags on your dog for identification, vaccinations, and a number where you can be reached. A collar and leash that light up in the dark is also a must.   Some cruisers take their birds for boat rides. Most are long range cruisers. Safety strategies for bird owners and boats will be covered in Part II of this blog.   Carry a collapsible kennel with you in the event that your dog or cat is injured, or rough weather, and you need all hands on deck. Best for transporting your pet if you need to go ashore in rough seas. Cat baskets, with a soft blanket inside, are recommended for cats onboard.   Do some investigative exploring on your boat from your pet's point of view. Decide which deck surfaces are the most safe. Deck and railing netting are a deterrent for pets going overboard.   Take the time and spend the money to make your voyages safe for all your passengers, especially your loving pets.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/.    ________________________________________________________________________    Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com   ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com

  When your trip itinerary includes not seeing land for weeks or months, and your family pet is one of your passengers, extra planning and precautions are needed for your furry friends. Additional equipment and documentation should be carried with you at all times to insure your pet's safety, and to adhere to regulations of the country when you go ashore.     A Pet's Health Needs      • Taking pets ashore to get business done.     • Getting to a veterinarian.     • Taking your pet's paperwork including all immunizations, registration for country of origin, and owner's contact information.      • Know about each country's quarantine requirements.  Actors Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton wanted to bring their four small dogs into England. The quarantine rules, at the time, were such that bringing the dogs onto English soil wasn't possible. To resolve the problem, the actors sailed their yacht with crew, over to an English harbor, and kept their dogs on board.     • Carry a collapsible kennel with you. You never know when you may have to make a trip to the vet by taxi, a car ride with a friend, or a shuttle on someone else's boat.        What if you, and your animals, are shipwrecked?       • Pack an inflatable life raft with dog supplies, and an extra pair of eyeglasses for humans who have trouble reading fine print.     • If you have a ditch bag for emergencies, add pet food, pet medications and bandages, and a water bowl that a pet can drink from. Just like humans, land animals can't survive without fresh water.   Do you really want to take you pet on a long voyage?   Pets are family members offering unconditional love, and sometimes more understanding than humans. But, consider that pets don't have a choice about going along. Injuries and medical problems can be more severe and life threatening without quick attention for a pet on a boat.   There are both joys and challenges with having your household pets aboard. Tanya Aebi, the first American woman to circumnavigate the world solo in her 26 foot sailboat— and the youngest person ever to do so, completed her journey in two and a half years, at 21 years old. She was not completely alone. Onboard was her cat, appropriately named Dinghy, and she picked up two more kittens during the voyage, Tarzoon and Mimine. At one one point, one of the cats mistook Tanya's bed pillow as the cat's litter box, and one cat went missing for a worrisome period of time. He was found stowed away on the dinghy. The cat, Dinghy, developed kidney cancer, and Tanya walked miles to get to a veterinarian on the island of Australia. The vet was not able to save Dinghy.    Polly Want a Boat Ride? Long voyages with Feathered Friends Similar to dogs and cats, a pet carrier is a must to have on board when your bird needs to go ashore. In rough seas, the pet carrier with a perch can be a good safe haven. There are good, sturdy poly carbonate bird carriers on the market.   Immigration and customs are less than friendly about checking a pet bird into a country that is not your home country. If the birds have free range of the deck, watch out for predators in the form of larger birds. Your boat may have a lot of teak on deck. Consider which breed of bird will be the best. Some love to chew wood.   Comments from several captains on cruisers' forums boast that their birds live cage free on board with no issues. Be aware, proactive and do your homework before your pet becomes a live-aboard. It's your best friend, it's family.   Fair winds, smooth sailing.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com  ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com  

  ACR Electronics brings aboard emergency beacons that are designed with one purpose in mind: Saving Lives.     For flotation garments that work as hard as you do, whether you work or play on the water, let First Watch be the Flotation That You Can Live In.     GME revolutionised the emergency beacon world with the introduction of the ACCUSAT MT400, MT401, MT401FF and the MT401/G PLBs     Whether sailing in coastal waters or cruising offshore a Kannad Marine EPIRB could be the most important safety equipment you purchase for your boat.     McMurdo manufactures emergency location beacon products including EPIRBs, PLBs, SARTs, AIS Beacons, NAVTEX and VHF Radios for use by professionals.   Mustang is trusted by the best, and better than the rest with over 45 years of experience applying innovative technologies to practical lifesaving solutions.     By maintaining the highest standards in product quality and customer service -- Revere inflatable PFDs and award-winning liferafts have saved lives since 1936.