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“Where Boaters Belong”®
2011 Member Guide
Welcome to better boating! AND TO A WORLD CREATED FOR BOATERS JUST LIKE YOU Look
inside to discover exclusive Savings, Services & Security that will help you get more out of boating. SAVINGS Everybody loves a great deal. That’s why Sea Tow works hard to bring you special offers and
discounts with top-rated companies and organizations worldwide. Save
big with the Sea Tow Advantage Network™ – where thousands of businesses are committed
to providing Sea Tow members with exclusive SAVINGS that can't be beat! From marinas, fuel docks and repair
facilities, to dive and fishing shops, hotels, restaurants, car rental companies and more,
our members save boat loads just by presenting their Sea Tow card at participating businesses nationwide. All offers are valid
for current Sea Tow members only. Find money-saving opportunities online at seatow.com. Be sure
we have your e-mail address on file to get notified of new offers. SERVICES Our members always come first. In addition to providing unparalleled
on-water assistance, Sea Tow maintains a network of maritime professionals
who help members get more out of boating. Contact Sea Tow 24/7 for direct access to these exclusive services, at no additional
cost. Dial a PRO® Get direct access to our U.S. Coast Guard
licensed, professional captains who can lend their expertise, dispatch a vessel to your location, or recommend local experts
who can help with repairs, supplies, food and more! Navigation & Directions Navigational assistance, weather, tide
and sea condition reports, radio checks, and filing float plans are just a call away. Hail Sea Tow via VHF radio or call us
at the number on your membership card. Where
the Fish Are Biting Need to know where the fish are biting? Get current fishing reports from knowledgeable
Sea Tow captains nationwide. Invitations
to Member-Only Events Sea Tow sponsors special events throughout the year in communities nationwide. Be sure
we have your e-mail address on file to get member-only invitations and discounted admission rates to boat shows, seminars,
educational events, parties, tournaments, raft-ups and more. Sea Tow Foundation for Boating Safety and Education We are dedicated
to keeping everyone on the water as safe as possible. Last year we gave away over 5,000 life jackets. For more information visit boatingsafety.com. Did You Know? In addition to the great savings, services & security that a Sea Tow membership affords, members
are also eligible for preferred pricing on services designed to enhance their boating lifestyle. With Trailer Care, your vehicle
and non-commercial trailers are protected by 24/7 roadside assistance. Whether you’re
heading to the lake for a day trip or to the coast for a weekend excursion, you’ll never have to
worry about being stranded while en route. With newly expanded coverage limits ($300 per incident), Trailer
Care Marine is still just $10 for Sea Tow members. It covers boat and personal watercraft trailers. Trailer
Care Universal, which covers all non-commercial trailers – like utility, ATV and snowmobile
trailers – is still just $29.95 for Sea Tow members. The complete Trailer Care Membership Agreement
can be found on page 13. To join call 877-2-TRAILER or visit www.trailercare.nett. Sea Insure is an insurance
program designed exclusively for Sea Tow to provide its members with the right policy for
their specific boating needs. Sea Insure’s comprehensive insurance policies come with competitive rates
and a hassle-free claims promise. In addition to standard liability and personal property
coverage, policies also cover many commonly excluded features you want and need. Call 877-568-1672
for a free quote or visit www.seainsure.com to see
if you qualify. Some limitations apply. Whether you’re buying a new or pre-owned boat,
refinancing or repowering, Sea Loans offers Sea Tow members the most comprehensive financing
available and at superior rates. Pre-approvals are also available. Get a quote today by
calling 800-473-2869 or visiting www.sea-loans.com sea-la SECURITY The core of our membership program With
24/7 on-water assistance, members have Peace of Mind on the Water™ knowing that help is only the click of a VHF radio or phone
call away. As a member, you are
entitled to receive tows, fuel
drops and jump starts, prop disentanglements, covered ungroundings and more. Better yet, as a Sea Tow member you receive priority service with
no out-of-pocket expense for covered benefits. The information that follows constitutes the
Sea Tow Membership Agreement – our service contract – so be sure to read it carefully. If, after reading it, you
have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Sea Tow at the phone number on your membership card or our
24-hour Customer Service Center at 800-473-2869 (4-SEATOW). M E M B E R S H I P A G R E E M E N T Benefits and regulations in this Membership
Agreement supersede all prior versions. D E F I N I T
I O N S The following terms are defined in order to help members understand the privileges that a Sea Tow membership offers. Assistance Towing: Non-emergency assistance provided to a disabled vessel (definition from the Federal Register
1988). Charter/Rent/Lease/Borrow: Use of a chartered,
rented, boat club or borrowed vessel by the member with the permission of the vessel’s registered owner, where the member is the master of the vessel (has care, custody and control) and the registered owner of the vessel is
not on board (i.e. membership privileges do not apply if the member is only a guest on the vessel). Commercial Vessel: Any vessel,
with an engine, that is commercially registered or being used in a commercial manner, including, but not limited to:
charter, rental, boat club, fishing, dive, survey, law enforcement, crew boats, water taxis, professional race boats, or other
working vessels. Covered
Vessel: Any
vessel covered by a Sea Tow membership type: Gold Card, Lake Card, Corporate Card, Commercial Card or Professional
Mariner card. Dangerous Surf: Breaking waves on
shore, on a shoal, or in an inlet (typically due to adverse current) that threaten the safety of either the member’s vessel or the Sea Tow vessel. Disabled Vessel: A vessel which, while being operated, has been rendered incapable of proceeding
under its own power and is in need of assistance. Disentanglement: Removal of a line, rope, or other foreign object from the underwater running gear of
a disabled
vessel. Fuel Transfer: Delivery of gasoline or diesel fuel to disabled vessel. Home Area: The large geographic area of responsibility (AOR) that a Sea Tow franchise covers that
will include your home port. Home Port: A member’s specified marina, yacht club, pier, launching ramp, dock
or mooring. Incident:
Any
event or series of events arising from the same occurrence. Jump Start: Starting a disabled vessel’s engine by attaching an outside power source to the starting circuit by means of cables. Member: The specific person named on the Sea Tow membership card, to whom the primary vessel is registered, or is owned by. Primary Vessel: The named, or otherwise identified, specific vessel to
which select membership privileges apply. Proof of ownership by the member is required. Recreational Vessel: Any vessel, with an engine, that is not commercially registered or being used in
a commercial manner. Safe
Port: One
that can accommodate the safe mooring of your vessel and has available a means of communication (definition
from USCG SAR Policy). Salvage
Operations: Any
act or activity undertaken to assist a vessel or any other property in danger in navigable waters or in any other waters
whatsoever (definition from the IMO International Salvage Conference 1989). Note:
All defined terms are show in italicized print. M E M B E R S H I P P R O G R
A M Sea Tow Gold Card: This card provides
membership benefits for any recreational vessel that has an engine and is registered to or owned by the member (covered vessels). Any person operating a covered vessel is entitled to receive membership benefits for that vessel. The
Gold Card member may
also use his/her privileges on any vessel he/she charters, rents, leases or borrows. One of the member’s vessels must be identified as the primary vessel . Sea Tow Lake Card: This card provides Gold Card membership benefits on the specific inland
body of water where the member’s home port for
their primary
vessel is
located. The Lake Card is designed for those members who boat solely on a single specific inland body of
water 100 percent of the time. For a listing of Sea Tow locations that offer the Lake Card option, as well
as the specific inland body of water each of those participating locations serve, please refer to seatow.com. Sea Tow Corporate Card:
This
card is designed for members who
have their recreational
vessel registered
under a corporate name. The Corporate Card covers the primary vessel only. Any person operating the primary vessel is entitled to receive membership benefits for that vessel. Sea Tow Commercial Card: This card provides service for commercial vessels. The Commercial Card covers the primary vessel only. Any person operating the primary vessel is entitled to receive all membership
benefits for that vessel at $100 per hour. Sea Tow Professional Mariner Card: If you make your living on the water, this card is for you. The Professional
Mariner Card is a service package for individuals who regularly use multiple vessels in the performance
of their maritime duties such as: yacht delivery captains, on-water instructors, etc. Any vessel the member is operating and is the master
of, is entitled to receive membership benefits for hat vessel, except for Dock-to-Dock Tows. O R G A N I Z A T I O N Sea Tow is organized into three tiers wth each having
a different function. Sea Tow Services International Inc.:
The corporate ffice, located in Southold, New York, is responsible for the administration of the Sea Tow worldwide membership prgram
and the development of the network of franchisees ho assist its members. Sea Tow Franchisee: Each Sea Tow
franchisee is the idependent owner of a large geographic area of responsibility(AOR). Depending
upon the membership demands, eachfranchisee may employ multiple captains and vessels andoperate out of multiple
ports within that AOR. When a SeaTow member joins our program, that member is
generallyassigned to a specific franchisee’s AOR. Sea Tow Captains: All Sea Tow captains are highly trainedprofessionals with years of boating
experience. All Sea Towcaptains meet the high standards of the United States CoastGuard and are licensed
Merchant Marine Officers. In theevent that the covered vessel becomes disabled
andneeds
assistance
towing in
an AOR, a Sea Tow captainwill respond to you on the water. A
R E A S O F S E R V I C E Home Area Tows: All members are entitledto
unlimited assistance towing services on thecovered vessel and may be towed by Sea Tow to the dockof their choice within their selected home area at no charge.No time limits, distance limits or dollar
limits apply withinyour home area. Multiple Area Towing: All members out of their home areawill be towed by Sea Tow to the dock or facility that will bestfacilitate the repair or transportation
of their boat, or to theirhome port if it is in the adjacent Sea Tow area. Universal Towing Coverage: In areas where Sea Tow isnot yet operating, Sea Tow will assist in arranging,
and willreimburse for, assistance towing up to $225 per hour, not toexceed $5000 PER INCIDENT, to the dock or facility thatwill best facilitate the boat’s repair or transportation, withnoannual
aggregate limit. You
must use a USCG licensedprofessional tower, pay the bill and submit a copy of theinvoice to Sea Tow Services International for reimbursementat
Post Office Box 1178 Southold, New York 11971.Reimbursement requests must be postmarked within 60 daysof
service received. Tows and hourly rates in excess of $225per hour will not be paid without prior authorization. S E R V I C E C O
N T R A C T P R I V I L E G E S Towing Services: Sea Tow will provide one
vessel for assistancetowing, or other covered service, to your covered vesselif it becomes disabled while away from your home port. Alternatives to Towing: When conditions permit, theSea Tow captain, as an alternative to towing the coveredvessel, may elect to provide a jump start, fuel transfer,disentanglement
(no diver) or
other on scene service at noadditional charge to the member except for fuel, parts ornon-covered services used (e.g. diver, salvage, specialunusual
requests). If the problem can not be resolved onscene, Sea Tow will tow the covered vessel. Ungroundings: Sea Tow will provide free ungroundingassistance to covered vessels when all five of the followingconditions apply, namely that the vessel:
is in a stable, safecondition, is not in dangerous surf or inside a dangerous surfline, is surrounded by water on all sides, has some movement(i.e. rocking), and can be refloated upon initial arrival
or at thenext high tide in 15 minutes or less by one Sea Tow boat.Ungroundings that do not meet the foregoing criteria are
consideredsalvage services and are invoiced to the member as such. Dock-to-Dock Tows: If the primary vessel is disabled at asafe port in
your home
area, Sea Tow
will tow you to yourhome port at
no charge. If the primary vessel is disabled atyour home port,
Sea Tow will arrange a tow within yourhome area,
at no charge. In all cases the tow will bescheduled during off-peak hours and the member must beaboard the vessel. Dock-to-Dock Tows are not normallycovered
within the first 30 days after membership activation.Hauling vessels out for the season and due to impendingbad weather are
not covered. L I M I T A T I O N S & R E S E R V A
T I O N S Mayday Situation: Sea Tow and Sea Tow captains reservethe
right to delay response to members in
order to provideassistance to vessels in grave or imminent danger. Severe Weather: Sea Tow reserves the right to decline ordelay service due to severe or dangerous weather conditions.In
such cases, the Coast Guard may be notified by Sea Towand requested to respond. Jump Start: For safety reasons, Sea Tow will not provide jumpstarts at home ports. On-water jump starts are at the discretionof the captain and only if they can be performed
safely. Non-towing Assistance Items: Items such as fuel,
parts, de-watering pumps, SCUBA
divers, haul-outs, etc., are notcovered by the membership program. Heavy Traffic: Sea Tow members always receive priorityservice. However, on days of heavy boating traffic,
membercalls will be handled in the order they
are received. Salvage Operations: Salvage operations are not covered bythe membership. Vessels
wrecked, beached, on fire, takingon water, in the surf or surf line, sinking or sunk are notcovered by the membership. Disentanglements: Disentanglements are at the discretionof the captain and will be completed to the best of his/herability.
In some cases a tow may be safer. If a diver is used,there will be a charge their time. Pre-existing Problems: A membership applicant guaranteesthat the covered vessel(s) will be reasonably maintained andin reasonable working order when he/she joins. Therefore,pre-existing
problems are not covered under one’s membership.This applies to new memberships and any changes inprimary vessel information. Refunds: Refunds, less a processing fee of $15, will only beprovided within 30 days of membership activation providedno membership
services have been rendered. After 30 daysremaining time on membership is transferable. Insurance: Towing charges as part of an insurance claim suchas a salvage operation, wreck removal or the towing portion ofa damage claim covered by a
hull insurance policy are notcovered member privileges.
Any payment provided by aninsurance company to the member for services rendered bySea Tow is payable to Sea Tow. Activation: All memberships activate 24 hours from receiptof payment. Any expired membership will have a reactivationperiod of
24 hours once payment is received. Membershipbenefits expire with membership expiration. Other Towing Services: Towing invoices from non-Sea Towproviders are not covered when there is a Sea Tow providerin the area. A non-licensed
Good Samaritan, marina, or othermay not charge for services as it is in violation of federal law.Sea Tow will not offer reimbursement
for this type of serviceas it should be given free of charge. Sea Tow is not responsiblefor the actions of providers who have
no pre-existingwritten contractual relationship with Sea Tow. Changes
to Primary Vessel: It is the member’s responsibilityto immediately contact Sea Tow and inform them of anychanges
to primary
vessel information,
including, but notlimited to, home port, ownership, and vessel information.Changes
are effective 24 hours after Sea Tow is notified.With 24/7 on-water limited Second Sea Tow Boat: If the use of a second towboat isrequired,
the member may be charged for the servicesrendered by the second
towboat. Proof of Ownership:
Evidence
of ownership by registration,documentation or bill of sale must be provided at time
ofservice. If such evidence is unavailable, and not provided toSea Tow within 24 hours, you may be charged for servicesrendered. Boats Over 65 Feet: Service is not available in all areas. If asecond towboat is required the member may be charged forservices
rendered by the second towboat. Lake Card Membership: Multiple Area Towing andUniversal Towing Coverage
benefits do not apply. Other:If your vessel is aground in a marine sanctuary or other protectedarea, you may be responsible for additional charges.Members are limited to one
tow (or alternative to tow) perincident. Services provided by Sea Tow are not part of an insurancepolicy
and do not provide for any liability or damages arisingout of injury to persons, boats or property. Sea Tow reserves the right to withdraw any membership forabuse
of privileges without reimbursement. This includesmisrepresentation of vessel condition, excessive
towing, fraud,intoxicated operation, lack of upkeep and care of the vessel,or
abuse of Sea Tow personnel. Sea Tow International Post Office Box 1178 Southold,
New York 11971 info@seatow.com 8 0 0 - 4 -S EATOW To find
the Sea Tow nearest you visit: S EATOW. COM
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Benefits and regulations in this Member
Guide supersede all prior versions. Sea Tow reserves the right to modify
or terminate this policy at any time without notice. Sea Tow Trailer CareTM Upgrade Trailer
CareTM Marine: The program provides roadside assistance services for the boat trailer and towing vehicle when the trailer
or towing vehicle becomes disabled on the road while trailering the boat*. The Trailer Care Marine membership applies to all
marine trailers owned by or registered to the member.
Vehicles and trailers used for commercial purposes are not
covered. Trailer CareTM Universal: The program provides roadside assistance services for the trailer
and towing vehicle when the trailer or towing vehicle becomes disabled on the road while hauling the trailer. The Trailer
Care Universal membership applies to all trailers owned by or registered to the member. Vehicles and trailers used for
commercial purposes as well as mobile homes are not covered. Services for the trailer for both programs
include roadside assistance for flat tires** and the towing of the trailer when the towing vehicle becomes disabled. The program
also includes roadside assistance for wheel bearing, axle and brake problems. Services for the towing vehicle include roadside
assistance for flat tires** jump starts, lockout service and fuel delivery. Services are covered up
to $150 per incident and do not cover the cost of parts (i.e. tires) or fuel that is delivered. Service is sign-and-drive
when available. All other member requests will be reimbursed up to the coverage limits. For reimbursement the invoice should
be mailed to: Sea Tow - Trailer Care, P.O. Box 1178, Southold, N.Y. 11971 and must be postmarked within 60 days of services
received. * Trailering the boat is defined as towing the boat's trailer to and from the boat, as well
as trailering the boat itself.
** Flat Tires: Trailer Care will cover replacement of the defective tire with the vehicle’s
spare or delivery of a new tire (at the owner's expense for the cost of the tire) if necessary, and reasonably possible.
Insurance
The following is offered
for general information purposes, and may not be construed as a legal opinion. Members should be aware of the different types
of marine insurance policies available and understand what they cover. There are three main types of hull insurance for yachts
and boats:
1. Agreed value
2. Actual value
3. Replacement value
Each of these types
of policies can be written with or without a deductible.
Some policies limit payment.
Basic policies cover liability
for accident or injury, called property and indemnity (P&I) coverage. Full vessel coverage includes P&I, plus hull
coverage. You must request this type of policy to ensure that you are covered for damage to or loss of the vessel itself,
in addition to accidents and injuries. You should be sure that the policy contains a “sue and
labor clause” so that the cost of saving your vessel is covered. Most policies require that you
do whatever is necessary to limit damage to the vessel. Policies may be void if you choose to do nothing and let the damage
continue. In order for you to avoid being under-insured, we at Sea Tow strongly suggest that you have sufficient coverage
in amounts appropriate to your vessel. For more information on insurance, please visit the Sea Tow and
Sea Insure Web sites (www.seatow.com and www.seainsure.com). Salvage
The following is
offered for general information purposes, and may not be construed as a legal opinion.
The definition
of salvage is “saving property in peril at sea and reducing environmental damage.” Salvage is also “all
the actions taken aboard and ashore to resolve a marine casualty and to save property in peril at sea.” Most of the
on-water services performed by Sea Tow involve vessels in some degree of peril. Many of these services, for example, covered
ungroundings, jump starts and fuel drops, are covered by your Sea Tow membership and are provided free of charge. Oftentimes
whether a service is covered cannot be determined until the Sea Tow captain is on scene with a disabled vessel because of
the ever changing nature of the marine environment. At that time the Sea Tow captain will evaluate the situation and inform
the owner, if conditions permit, whether the required services are covered under the membership program before providing service.
If the services are not covered, the boat insurer or the owner will be responsible for the cost of services provided outside
the Membership Program. Among other things, the greater the peril, the higher the cost of service is
likely to be. In cases involving high risk, the cost of the service often cannot be determined until after the service is
performed. When conditions permit, and you feel comfortable doing so, you can attempt to negotiate a fee arrangement with
the Sea Tow captain. Sea Tow endorses the MARSALV contract. As with any service, reaching an agreement concerning the terms
of the service can avoid unpleasant surprises later. However, if your vessel is in imminent danger of being damaged or damaging
the environment or other boats (as determined by the Sea Tow captain), you may be legally required to take all steps necessary
to protect the vessel immediately. It is extremely important that you have sufficient and proper insurance
coverage for your vessel. As long as your vessel is properly insured, the cost of services provided outside the Membership
Program may be covered by your hull insurance policy (see Insurance, at left). If the vessel is not properly insured, the
owner is wholly responsible for all charges associated with the performance of services outside of the Membership Program.
Benefits and regulations in this Member Guide supersede all prior versions.
For a complete listing of ALL the Sea Tow Francises in the Network Please read the Sea Tow International Member Guide BOATING SAFETY TIPS: BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE DOCK
•
Always start with a full tank of fuel and an adequate oil level. Check your fuel level by knowing your boat's fuel consumption
per hour and the time you have run. Never trust your fuel gauge!
• Always remember to shut off your engine while
fueling and run the blowers prior to restarting the engine.
• Make sure that all fill caps are clearly and properly
marked. Ensure that fuel dock attendants are using the correct port (no fuel in the rod holder or water tank, please).
• Check your bilge level and bilge pump before leaving the dock.
• Make sure that the drain plug is in place
before launching.
• Maintain your battery (particularly fluid and connections) and buy a new one every three years.
• Always have a working VHF radio onboard and test it before you leave the dock.
• Ensure that your
cell phone battery is fully charged (cell phones are notoriously unreliable on the water).
• Remember to carry
your life jackets, flares, first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
• Always carry an anchor and adequate chain and
anchor rode.
• Always carry a chart of the area you are boating in and review it before each voyage.
•
Remember to check the tides, and weather forecast before your day of boating. • Give your
entire boat a quick look-over before leaving the dock. Check for anything that does not look normal.
• Remember
to stow all fenders and lines while underway.
• WHEN IN DOUBT CALL SEA TOW 1-800-4-SEATOW.
"Sea Tow" words and logos are registered trademarks
of Sea Tow Services International, Inc., and licensed to Sea Tow
Central NJ.
Use is by permission only. All rights are hereby expressly reserved.
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