You may be familiar with Boat US stores (owned by West Marine) and TowBoatUS on water rescue services, but not as many are familiar with BoatUS Foundation. BoatUS Foundation is the non-profit arm of the original organization that operates independently from the other divisions. "The BoatU.S. Foundation is a national 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe and environmentally sensitive boating. The Foundation's goal is to be the leader in boating safety and environmental education and outreach, with the purpose of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of our waterways, and keeping boating a safe, accessible, and enjoyable pastime."

They have numerous services of great value to boaters among which are:

• Online Boating Course approved to meet the basic boater education requirements in certain states. Be sure to check the regulations in your state. States such as NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, NH, MD,  AND OTHERS do not accept this course for their education requirements. Call (800) 336-2628 for more information.
• Life jacket loaner program. If you want to bring children onboard to share the boating experience but you don't have enough life jackets for them, contact the BoatUS Foundation. They'll send you a loaner in cooperation with regional businesses. In fact, they supply life jackets for our Sail4Kids Make a Memory Cruise to benefit the children of the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, enabling us to takes scores of children in need for a sail every year.
• EPIRB rental program. If you are going offshore for a few days, it's economical and logical to protect your life at sea.
• "Can you hear me?" online tutorial about DSC and VHF radio use. Very cool tutorial includes simulated DSC and Mayday calls so you can hear the signals and see how the system works.
• Crew Overboard research and symposium findings report
• Boating Safety Grants to local educational organizations and programs
• Clean Waters Programs

Check out their website and especially the DSC/VHF tutorial they developed in conjunction with the USCG. You'll be glad you did.

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