Marine Accidents

There are millions of registered recreational vessels in the United States alone and there are thousands of commercial vessels operating around the globe. Maritime accident statistics indicate there are thousands of boating incidents each year and that 75% to 95 % of the accidents are caused by human error, including operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed and lack of compliance with COLREGS. Many of these accidents could be avoided with the use of the knowledge provided in the Seapoint Marine QRC. Each QRC is manufactured to withstand the many conditions found a sea. From Force 10 gales to flat calm conditions in thick fog, the cards can be easily refered to when kept in the cockpit near the wheel, on a bulkhead or chart table below and in a three-ring binder at the navigation station. Above all, these QRCs do not require electricity, fully charged batteries or reliable cell phone coverage. Use of these cards will help improve the situational awareness necessary to operate any vessel safely. 

Inspirations from Ocean Navigators of the Pacific Ocean

The founders and advisors of Seapoint Marine were greatly inspired by the legendary ocean navigators of Island Nations in the Pacific Ocean. One such nation, The Republic of Kiribati, is in the central Pacific and the wayfinding necessary for transport, social interaction and trade to and from different islands was based on following the path of stars and an intimate knowledge of current and wave patterns. Master Navigators in each island nation would use stick charts to help apprentice navigators visualize the secret knowledge of the Master. The stick charts that were used thousands of years ago to explain the current, wind and wave patterns used to navigate to a specific island or atoll, could be viewed as the very first iteration of a Quick Reference Card. Made of shells, coconut and palm strips, these charts were teaching tools that passed the art of navigation through generations of Pacific Island voyagers and, in doing so, better ensured safe and successful navigation throughout the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. 

This profound influence of the Island Nation's Ancient Ocean Navigators from Island Nations has inspired the Seapoint Team to develop a broader philanthropic mission that is fueled by the sales of our cards. Our goal is not only to promote good, safe global seamanship, but also to create an appreciation of Polynesian Ocean Exploration and a better awareness of present and future impacts of climate change and sea level rise that will directly affect Ocean Island Nations. Over the years, to help fulfill this vision, Seapoint Marine’s invested 50% of all profits from sales into a fund that supported the secondary school education of the Kiribati daughter of Seapoint Marine Founder, Henry Genthe. Today, Seapoint is exploring other similar philanthropic endeavors in support of education.