Poseidon Marine Towing and Salvage, LLC.

24 HR DISPATCH & OPERATIONS CENTER 305-852-6451 OR VHF CHANNEL 16

Boating in the Florida Keys

Meaning of International Flags Maritime Signal Flag

When returning from the sea, remember the simple phrase " RED RIGHT RETURN"

What this means is that you must keep the red markers on your right when returning from the sea "Green" will be on your left when returning in from sea. Of course on your way out, this is reversed and red marks will be on your left and green on your right.

Coral reefs & seagrass beds in the Florida Keys grow within inches of the water's surface and can be found close to shore or even several miles from shore. Learning to read water colors in the Keys is important. It will help ensure a safe boating experience and it will help preserve our irreplaceable marine communities.

Reef formations that grow close to the water's surface and shallow seagrass beds will make the water appear brown. Such areas should be avoided to keep from running aground and damaging both your boat and sensitive marine habitats. Remember "BROWN, BROWN YOUR RUNNING AGROUND "

Sand bars and shallow rubble areas appear white. These areas can be deceiving and may be much shallower than they appear. Navigate with caution around these areas. " WHITE, WHITE YOU'LL BE THERE ALL NIGHT "

Green water usually indicates an area free of shallow reefs or seagrass beds. Navigation of small, shallow draft boats in these areas is generally safe. However, larger, deeper draft boats should exercise caution. All boaters should carry & consult the appropriate NOAA marine chart. " GREEN, GREEN NICE AND CLEAN "

Deep water areas, such as the ocean side of a reef may appear blue. Navigation in these areas is free from hazardous contacts with reefs or seagrass beds. Remember, however, that coral reefs rise abruptly from deep water so give yourself plenty of room to maneuver. " BLUE, BLUE CRUISE ON THROUGH "

IF YOU RUN AGROUND

If you run aground, TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT attempt to power off. Powering off could damage your vessel as well as these important habitats. If possible, raise your lower unit or outdrive and allow your vessel to drift free from the shallows area.

If you can not drift free,radio for assistance on VHF 16 for your local TowBoatUS, in the Islamorada area call Poseidon Towing & Salvage/TowBoatUS Islamorada, 305-852-6451. Poseidon Towing & Salvage Monitor both VHF channel 16 & 18.

If your vessel is in distress and Poseidon Towing & Salvage is in route to you. Please leave your VHF radio ON and monitor channel 18, even if your battery is running low. Your VHF pulls very little power from your battery. Leaving your VHF radio on and monitoring it, will insure you a quicker response.

If you have put in a call to Poseidon Towing & Salvage and while we are in route you are able to fix the problem. Just give us a call back, either via phone 305-852-6451 or VHF 16 or 18 to cancel.

Boat groundings can instantly pulverize , leaving areas open for infection by disease and devastate a thriving coral community that may take hundreds of years to rebuild.

Damage to seagrass beds can be equally devastating. Seagrass beds act as a nursery and feeding grounds for numerous organisms. They also filter excess nutrients and trap sediments, thereby providing the clean, clear water essential for coral reefs. By running aground or even motoring in very shallow water, boats can scar seagrass beds. These narrow sand channel can grow even wider, decreasing the seagrass bed's ability to protect the reef and provide a healthy community for marine creatures.

Use extra caution when there is extensive cloud cover, a glassy calm sea state. Extreme sun glare or murky water. These are conditions when colors may not be apparent.

Florida Online Boating Safety Course

Boat Licenses for KIDS

Boaters 101

Sea School

VESSEL DELIVERY CREW TRAINING VESSEL SALVAGE RENT A CAPTAIN

Poseidon Towing & Salvage

towboatus@aol.com

305-852-6451