National Safe Boating Week is sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council. ABC-Pamlico participates as a way to further emphasize the importance of safe boating and, in particular, wearing a life jacket. Our Squadron encourages you to practice safe and responsible boating throughout the boating season, always wear your life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water. By practicing these simple steps you can save your life as well as the lives of the people boating with you and those boating around us. National Safe Boating week for 2024 is May 18 through May 24. Watch for our local promotion of this event, visit our waterfront tent and get a free Vessel Safety Check.
Certified Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is an excellent way to make sure your boat is ready for fun-filled, worry-free outings. Ensure your boat has all the necessary safety equipment by getting a VSC before boating season. Best of all, it’s FREE to the public. Visit our Calendar for specific dates or contact Mike Johnson, ABC-Pamlico Vessel Safety Check Chair, at 678-313-4583 or email
Cooperative Charting of the America's Boating Club® is conducted in close coordination with the Marine Chart Division, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. We have been told that the Cooperative Charting Program is recognized as the most effective user-participation program in all of the Federal services. Keeping nautical charts up-to-date and accurate is a difficult job due to the constant changes caused by wind, tide and man. In addition, In addition, NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) provides the framework for all positioning activities in the Nation. The foundational elements of latitude, longitude, elevation, and shoreline information impact a wide range of important activities. ABC-Pamlico volunteers assist with this effort. We invite you to contact our Commander, Walt Morrissey, at 252-833-9060 email him at
Annually, ABC-Pamlico conducts a customized Hurricane Preparedness Seminar for residents of Beaufort County. This is a seminar coordinated by our Education Department and includes knowledgeable speakers such as a forecaster from the National Weather Service in Newport, NC; the Emergency Manager of Beaufort County; an Emergency Manager and Dock Master from local on-the-water communities and marinas. The emphasis is to be prepared by developing a plan; reviewing that plan prior to any serious weather conditions making necessary changes as advised by the authorities; and the cautions that should be taken after the storm at home and around boats.
ABC-Pamlico Port Captains is a group of Squadron Members who stands ready to provide advice and assistance to USPS members and transient boaters traveling into our boating area. Their primary expertise lies in their knowledge of local waters and unmarked hazards to safe navigation of the Pamlico River and surrounding area. The objective is to provide information, reliable advice and comradeship. They can recommend mechanics, sail makers, and repair yards, as well as medical facilities. Their aim is to make fellow transient boaters and fellow America's Boating Club members feel they are welcome. Feel free to contact our Port Captains, Wayne Estabrooks or Bill Ramsden in the Washington area via email at
ABC-Pamlico has been instrumental in the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots collection project for several years. Community response is terrific each year. We continue to support this worthy cause for deserving children in Beaufort County. Our Sqiuadron also joins volunteers across the nation as Salvation Army Bell Ringersduring each holiday season. The Red Kettle Campaign provides food, toys and clothing to over 6 million people during the holiday season and helps more that 34 million Americans recovering from all kinds of personal disasters nationwide.
Interested in volunteer participation in Civic Service organized events, contact our Executive Officer, Mike Johnson, at
