OK readers, let’s have a quick quiz to start this week’s column. How many of you have an automobile road service? I am asking about a program like AAA or one of the programs offered by Car manufacturers. I’ll bet the number is fairly high. A second question would be, how often have you used it for a flat tire, dead battery or the worst of all situations: the car dies in the Downtown Tunnel in July on a Friday.

Again, on average I would say most people use this valuable program at least once or twice a year.

Now let me ask a maritime related program: how many of you, who own a boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC) have the same type of program for your vessel?

Hmmmmm… just as I thought, the numbers are a lot less.

Well, this week’s column is provided as a public service to let you know about one nationally recognized group that has a variety of in-demand on the water programs from towing, fuel drops and jump starts, to prop disentanglements and so much more. It is a program that you should give serious consideration to joining.

The company is called &uot;Sea Tow&uot; and I want to spend a few paragraphs talking about the importance of this type of &uot;insurance&uot;.

Think again about the experiences with your car. There is never a &uot;good&uot; time for a flat tire or one of a thousand other problems that require a tow to a mechanic. The same philosophy applies to boating. There is never a good time for a problem, but, with Murphy in mind, problems always occur when it is the absolute worst time. Add to that concern the well-established fact that commercial tow companies charge rates usually in the two hundred dollar per hour range.

The amount you owe when your boat breaks down can add up real quick.

According to the Sea Tow web site (wwwseatow.com), &uot;In addition to non-emergency marine assistance, Sea Tow offers trailer and boat protection on the road with the Sea Tow Trailer Care(tm) program, member discounts at over 1,600 businesses worldwide through its Sea Tow Advantage Network(tm), and numerous benefits through corporate partnerships with companies that include StarMD, SkyMed, Genmar and more. Sea Tow not only provides marine assistance but will go the extra mile to make your boating experience more enjoyable. Should our members be boating in unfamiliar waters and have a question about sand bars, shoaling or weather conditions, or just need a restaurant recommendation, a qualified team of Sea Tow professionals are standing by ready to assist.&uot;

Sea Tow is not a Johnny come lately organization. They have been around since 1983. They have over 650 certified tow captains around the world, including Hampton Roads.

They also have Captains in North Carolina and Maryland. They have conducted thousands of successful responses. In addition to the availability of their service,

Sea Tow is a good corporate member of the maritime community!

I am incredibly impressed with Sea Tow’s commitment to safe boating. Finally, Sea Tow is a big supporter of the Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG(tm) wristband! I am sure many of you have seen the stories on this important show of support for cancer survivors and their families.

There are other companies that conducting marine towing. Should a boater that travels to different locations know how to get in touch with these if they run into problems? Without a doubt. However, for the vast majority of recreational boaters, membership in Sea Tow offers extraordinary value. Something to consider before you get your boat underway to enjoy the crisp fall air!

Until next week…Boat Safe….Boat Smart!!

Joe DiRenzo III is a regular News-Herald columnist.