The United States Coast Guard has introduced the new Rescue 21 System to aide boaters in danger.

Rescue 21 is an advanced search and rescue (SAR) communications system that helps the U.S. Coast Guard more effectively locate and assist boaters in distress. Rescue 21 improves the Coast Guard's response time and reliability by recording communications for instant playback, provides better geographical coverage, locates the source of the call more accurately and establishes better coordination with other emergency services.

Boaters can help Rescue 21 take the "Search" out of "Search and Rescue" by using a marine radio equipped with digital selective calling (DSC). If properly registered with a Mobile Maritime Service Identity (MMSI) number and interfaced with GPS, the DSC radio signal transmits vital vessel information, position, and the nature of distress (if entered) at the push of a button.

To obtain and register for your MMSI number, the Coast Guard recommends logging onto www.boatus.com/mmsi/ and follow the instructions.

To learn more about Rescue 21 visit www.uscg.mil/rescue21.

Boaters also need to be aware that they have to be certified with an operator's certificate to operate a personal watercraft, (boat, jet ski and other craft). By the year 2004 all personal watercraft (for example, jet ski) operators must have these certificates. This year all personal watercraft operators born on or after January 1, 1972 must have a certificate.

To obtain an Operator's Certificate, a person must complete an eight (8) hour Boating Safety Course, and pass a proctored exam. Upcoming area Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety courses include September 13, September 20, October 4, October 18, November 1 and November 8.

Contact Roger Howlet at 964-2551 for registration for classes in the Western Monroe County, Eastern Orleans County area. Classes will be held at Bryce Marine on Manitou Road in Parma and are open to ages 10 and up. Successful completion of the course will result in certification for PWC operation and powerboat operation.