Every day during the boating season, we receive calls from our TowBoatU.S. members looking for local knowledge to help them navigate the unique estuary system that we call home - The Chesapeake Bay. Over time, existing navigation aids move or are broken, a new shoal appears after a winter storm, approach depths change or, if you are new to the area, you just don’t know where the best anchorage is.

Before leaving the dock, ensure you have the necessary navigation and safety news for a smooth adventure. First, check out updated navigation information at navcen.uscg.gov. Click on LNM (Local Notice to Mariners) and pick district 5 from the interactive map. These listings will provide the latest news on your area waterway such as reports on channel conditions, obstructions, menaces to navigation, danger areas, new chart editions, etc.

Also, you absolutely should have a VHF radio on your boat for safety. USCG airs navigation updates on VHF channel 22 at 8:05AM and 8:05PM EST, called Regular Marine Information Broadcasts (RMIB), which offer a full run down of the current waterway news by district.

However, when you are on the water and have doubts, please call the professionals of TowBoatU.S. for advice. Local TowBoatU.S. Captains have traversed just about every creek and river in their areas. Our jobs take us to the most interesting places, and we are happy to share our professional experiences. Local knowledge is available free to any member and is just another one of the valuable benefits of membership.

With free round the clock, nationwide, on-the-water emergency services, advocacy, education, and the discounts on the water, membership is, as every member will tell you, “A No Brainer!” To enroll or renew your towing membership, please contact us at 410-255-8700 and take advantage of all your membership benefits to make this boating season the best yet. As always, happy to help!