BoatU.S.

BoatU.S. (Boat Owners Association of the United States) is one of the strongest and most supportive partners of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association. As their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Boating Safety states, their partnership serves "to engage more boaters in the pastime of boating, to enroll more students in safety education courses, inform boaters about the importance of getting a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) and to encourage active participation in the Auxiliary, the Association, and in BoatU.S. organizations."

The web site for BoatU.S. (http://www.boatus.com/) is geared primarily towards members, and among the service and benefits available to them are government representation, boat insurance, towing, loans, and lettering, classified ads, travel services, and roadside assistance for trailerboaters. Of especial interest to all Auxiliarists and boaters, however, is the BoatU.S. Foundation, 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."

The BoatU.S. Foundation's online site (http://www.boatus.com/foundation/) contains a wealth of resources and information. For example, the Education Programs section includes links to the Boater's Toolbox, the BoatU.S. VHF/DSC radio tutorial, and free brochures, and the Clean Water Programs section includes information about invasive species, clean marinas, and marine debris. Information about Grassroot Grants, life jacket loaners, Foundation findings, and EPIRB rentals is available at the Boating Safety Programs area.