No one out enjoying time on a ship wants to believe breaking down and needing a tow, but a touch preparation can make an enormous difference.According to the Boat Owners Association of The us (BoatUS), the number-one reason for a slow or delayed towing company response is that the considerable time it sometimes takes for the towboat captain to hunt and find the disabled recreational boat on the water. Unlike drivers on a road or highway, many boaters are simply unsure of their exact location.However, the proliferation of cell phones and enhancements in cell service over the last decade means most anyone can use a phone to pinpoint their location and also reach a dispatch center.A phone app, like the one developed by BoatUS, allows boat owners to pre-program information about their boat. once they use the app to involve help with a dead battery or a tow home, the decision goes to the dispatch center and immediately provides the boat’s details along side the latitude, longitude, and boater’s emergency contact information to the dispatcher, speeding a response.The free app from BoatUS, available at BoatUS.com/app, also provides information about tides, weather, and wind. Boaters without the app can use their phones to call the BoatUS 24/7 Dispatch Center at 1-800-391-4869.Boat owners also can be proactive and economize by signing up for an on-water towing plan at the beginning of the season.For example, an annual Unlimited Towing Membership plan from BoatUS starts at $72/year for freshwater and $149 for saltwater.In addition to having a towing service, boaters should be prepared to stay themselves and any passengers safe if their boat is disabled.Key tips to stay in mind include:- Be safe. In life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately or use VHF radio channel 16. Know the situation of your boat’s safety gear and care kit.- Be leak-savvy. If you run aground, immediately search for water intrusion and supply a life vest for every passenger not already wearing one.- Be seen. For safety and visibility within the dark, make certain all of your boat’s navigation and anchor lights are working.For more tips and knowledge about what to try to to if you would like on- water assistance, visit BoatUS.com/Towing or call 800-283-2883.