Articles written by Alan Sorum

Recent research shows that water quality compromised by blooms of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can be in part recognized by its musty odor.

Sep 21, 2010 - Alan Sorum

This summer members of Team Coast Guard in Alaska begin a boating safety program aimed at residents of several remote villages found along the Yukon River.

Sep 16, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Apple's iPad offers some interesting options for boaters and they aren't limited to just the boating geeks out there.

Aug 23, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Fuel tank vent lines can overflow during boat refueling operations. There are several ways to prevent this type of a fuel spill.

Aug 5, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Alaska's Bering Sea crab fishery is known for its dangerous work. Research shows that it isn't the only fishery that can put fishermen at risk of injury.

Aug 4, 2010 - Alan Sorum

While the number of boating accidents decreased in 2009, there was an increase in related fatalities. Most accident victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Aug 3, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary is a great way to become a better boater and give something back to the community.

Jul 30, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Boaters have a natural and necessary interest in waves. Gavin Pretor-Pinney takes this interest and turns it in great ways with The Wave Watcher's Companion

Jul 29, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Boaters need to conduct their operations safely under the navigation rules. Many boaters, including kayakers, don't understand the rules apply to kayaks.

Jul 29, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Each year some boaters experience fires aboard caused by sunlight being focused through domed decklights, better known to many as bullseyes.

Jul 8, 2010 - Alan Sorum

While double sleeping bags may not fit the needs of every backpacker or camper, in the right circumstances they can add to the comfort of a camping trip.

Jun 11, 2010 - Alan Sorum

World Oceans Day on June 8th marks the beginning of Rivers to Oceans Week that ends on June 13th, which is Canadian Rivers Day.

Jun 10, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Taking photos of animals is a rewarding outdoor activity that can be part of many recreational pursuits.

Jun 9, 2010 - Alan Sorum

There are parcels of rural land for sale in Alaska that might interest those who enjoy recreation in the great outdoors.

Jun 8, 2010 - Alan Sorum

There are many tips on surviving that can help boaters prepare for survival emergencies. Putting together a survival kit and training can be a good start.

Jun 8, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Having a first aid bag onboard and taking a first aid class are easy first steps that a boater can take to improve the safety of crew and passengers alike.

Jun 8, 2010 - Alan Sorum

PulseTech Products's Xtreme Charge XC Marine 12-Volt Battery Charger uses pulse technology to safely charge and extend the life of boat batteries.

Jun 3, 2010 - Alan Sorum

2010 may be an active year for hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin. Boaters should make preparations now in case a tropical storm approaches their marina.

May 28, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Building a cardboard boat using environmentally friendly materials makes for a great introduction to recreational boating.

May 28, 2010 - Alan Sorum

WaterAlert is a notification service sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey that provides vital water data that can improve boating safety.

May 19, 2010 - Alan Sorum

As part of reforms made under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA 2001), the Canadian government has changed the regulations that apply to small vessels.

May 18, 2010 - Alan Sorum

A paddle, roll of duct tape and 5-gallon plastic bucket are inexpensive boating safety items that can return substantial benefits during an emergency.

May 13, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Field Guide to Common Marine Fishes and Invertebrates of Alaska is a ready resource for anyone interested in identifying marine fish and invertebrates.

May 11, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Casio's Pathfinder PAW2000-1 watch features several modes of interest to boaters, including an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and digital compass.

May 11, 2010 - Alan Sorum

The oil industry and higher education have come together in Valdez, Alaska to offer a unique training program to prepare fishermen to respond to oil spills.

May 2, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Many boating accidents happen on the road to the launch ramp. Forethought and preparedness can help prevent towing headaches.

Apr 26, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Boating industry leaders have joined forces to highlight the importance of keeping both electronic and paper charts up to date.

Apr 18, 2010 - Alan Sorum

The Princess Kathleen shipwreck of 1952, near Lena Point, Juneau, Alaska is leaking fuel to the surface and efforts have begun to remove fuel from the ship.

Apr 18, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Baccus Global has released the Stanley Digital Portable Power Station for sale. This product could benefit boaters, especially during roadside emergencies.

Apr 17, 2010 - Alan Sorum

The Zippo company has released a emergency fire starter kit that would be a good addition to an onboard boat survival kit.

Mar 31, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Filmmakers and researchers have developed an alternative theory to explain the disaster commemorated by Gordon Lightfoot in the song Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Mar 29, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Canada, along with France and the United States, welcomes the adoption of the International Maritime Organization's tighter engine emission requirements for ships.

Mar 29, 2010 - Alan Sorum

The Milepost is excellent way for travelers to Alaska and the north plan their next adventure. The publication provides details on many routes and itineraries.

Mar 25, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Arizona is acting to limit the damage that can be caused by aquatic invasive species like the Quagga mussel that's colonized the waters of the Colorado River.

Mar 25, 2010 - Alan Sorum

The California Coastal Commission trains people to walk marina docks to spread the message of clean boating. These Dockwalkers encourage green boating practices.

Mar 24, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Effective management of local waterways depends on good cooperation between community and federal government agencies.

Mar 22, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Weather forecasters believe the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season will be significantly more active than last year. Boaters should take actions now to be better prepared.

Mar 22, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Having a toolkit onboard, conducting preventive maintenance and knowing a few troubleshooting tips can help keep a powerboat underway.

Mar 18, 2010 - Alan Sorum

The best life jacket is the one being worn on the water. Many niche boaters opt to use jackets not approved by the Coast Guard.

Mar 17, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Boaters often don't think of their craft as being motor vehicles that demand the same care in operation as a car. Boating under the influence is deadly for boaters.

Mar 17, 2010 - Alan Sorum

The fastest link to the Coast Guard or other help on the water during an emergency is a marine VHF radio. Cell phones have limited range and are far less reliable.

Mar 17, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Pyrotechnical signaling devices are easy to see, but present safety and health hazards in use. There are environmentally friendly options on the horizon for boaters.

Mar 15, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Take time now to conduct pre-season boat maintenance that will help prevent greater problems later. BoatU.S. has a commissioning checklist that is a good starting point.

Mar 15, 2010 - Alan Sorum

There are many things that boaters can do to protect the aquatic environment. Marinas and harbors are often viable wildlife refuges and offer good marine habitat.

Mar 12, 2010 - Alan Sorum

A website has been developed to help those interested in flying connect to local flight schools and learn more about the general aviation community.

Mar 12, 2010 - Alan Sorum

A national boat towing service saw an increase in requests for non-emergency assistance last year. Battery related problems greatly increased during 2009 boating season.

Mar 11, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Regular two-stroke outboard engines are still widely used and are a substantial source of marine pollution. Four-stroke and direct fuel injection options are available.

Mar 9, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Boaters can adopt the outdoor ethics promoted through the Leave No Trace Program by practicing no trace camping and protecting the environment.

Mar 8, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Two-cycle outboard motors introduce oil into the environment. West Marine has developed a biodegradable two-stroke oil that is more environmentally friendly.

Mar 7, 2010 - Alan Sorum

Snow melting on parts of a roof indicates heat loss and wasted use of energy. Dealing with these areas of heat loss can save homeowners money.

Mar 1, 2010 - Alan Sorum