Information and Resources to help you navigate Covid-19
We here at US Harbors are collecting all the information we can to help you through these strange times.
The situation around the country, and the world, is changing at a rapid rate. We endeavor to keep our information up to date and relevant. Please be aware that regulations do vary from state to state. You can find all our Covid-19 related news under this tag /covid-19
Is Boating a Safe Social Distancing Activity?
In most circumstances, boating is a safe activity in terms of limiting infection. Please be aware of the specific rules at the local marina or town boat ramp – getting into the water can be the most high risk part of the boating trip, depending on how busy the boat launch area is. Please also take into consideration who accompanies you on your boat. It is advised to limit boat passengers to those already in your household. Some states have a limit on the number of people allowed on a boat.
Once out on the water, maintain distance from other boats, and be extra vigilant of those in the water around you. Boaters, as a type, are generally very safety conscious, and that attitude is just as important now as it ever is. Every prevented accident is one less thing that our brave key workers have tackle – keeping the resources available to deal with the covid-19 pandemic.
More rules, tips and advice can be found here: Must-Know Rules for 2020 Summer Boating During COVID 19
Where Can I Go Boating?
What Boat Ramps are Open in My Area?
What events are still going on?
Many events have been cancelled to limit spread of the coronavirus. Some are able to transition to a virtual. online version of the event, and some are postponed till later in the year, or the following year altogether. We are still posting events on our site, however we encourage you to check directly with the organizer before attending. You can see all the events here: usharbors.com/event-listings/
Help for Coastal Businesses
We are posting updates from any and all coastal business, organization or local authority. If you want to get word out to boaters in your area, you can submit news for our weekly update here: usharbors.com/supporting-our-coastal-businesses/
Health & Safety Filter
NOAA Announces National Heat Forecast Tool: HeatRisk
By NOAA. NOAA is expanding the availability of a new experimental heat tool called HeatRisk ahead of the hot summer months. A collaboration with NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HeatRisk provides information and guidance for those who are particularly vulnerable to… SEE MORE
Protect Your Catch, Protect Your Crew: A Guide to Commercial Fishing Safety
By Megan Waldrep. A fisherman’s personality generally equates to a sense of adventure, a love of the outdoors, and the drive to create new opportunities for wealth through strategy and well-gained knowledge. Part of that knowledge is having the tools to survive in an emergency. The safety of commercial fishermen… SEE MORE
Understanding Navigation Aids: Buoys and Markers
By takemefishing.org. Lateral Markers These navigation aids mark the edges of safe water areas: for example, directing traffic within a channel. The markers use a combination of colors and numbers, which may appear on either buoys or permanently placed markers. Red Colors, Red Lights and Even Numbers These mark the… SEE MORE
Massachusetts Shuts Down Many South Coast Shellfish Beds Due to Sewage
By Adam Goldstein. The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is immediately shutting down thousands of acres of shellfish beds surrounding the New Bedford and Fairhaven wastewater treatment plant outfalls to comply with federal health and safety standards. More than 18,000 acres of the Dartmouth, Fairhaven and New Bedford coastline, including… SEE MORE
Why Daylight Saving Time Messes With Your Brain
By Beth Ann Malow. AS PEOPLE IN THE U.S. prepare to set their clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 10, 2024, I find myself bracing for the annual ritual of media stories about the disruptions to daily routines caused by switching from standard time to daylight saving time. About one-third of Americans say they don’t… SEE MORE
Plastics in the Ocean: How They Get There, Their Impacts, and Our Solutions
By blog.marinedebris.noaa.gov. Marine debris is a pervasive problem facing our ocean and Great Lakes. Of all the trash that ends up in these important water bodies, plastics are the most common. This week, we’re exploring the problem of plastics in our ocean and the solutions that are making a difference. Globally, we… SEE MORE
Kayak Versus SUP Board: Which One Should I Buy?
By Tom Gaffey. Paddling is a great hobby to start at any time in life. Not only is paddling on the water an incredible way to connect with nature, but it’s a great workout, and it’s also loads of fun. Once you catch the paddling bug you are bound to… SEE MORE
Preparing for Coastal Flood Events
By Ready.Gov. How to Prepare for Coastal Flood Events Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood… SEE MORE