President Barack Obama earlier this month visited officials in the Gulf states affected by the BP oil spill and heard from locals that boat owners working the cleanup efforts needed two-way radios. The radios are needed to help boaters better communicate with each other and with helicopters and planes flying over the Gulf looking for oil.

A contractor launches his jon boat at Branch Terrebonne Parish, LA July 1. Boat owners like this one say they need two-way radios to better communicate in the Gulf oil spill cleanup efforts. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class John D. Miller.

Boats moored in the Gulf Region are being used to deploy oil-absorbing boom. But Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood says numerous boat owners have said they don’t know where to go because they’re unable to communicate with one another or with BP officials.

“We’re gathering up facts, stories, right now so that we have an absolutely clear understanding about how we can best present to BP the need to make sure that individuals and businesses are dealt with in a fair manner and a prompt manner,” President Obama said.

That got us to thinking: If you are looking for a way to assist in the Gulf oil spill cleanup efforts but are unable to volunteer time, why not donate your unused two way radio system or purchase new two-way radios for a Gulf Region boat owner? Thus far, we haven’t found an organization specifically requesting donations of two-way radios. However, if you know a boat owner who is helping out with the cleanup efforts, chances are he or she may be in need of a reliable communications system that includes handheld VHF two-way radios.  Ask around and we bet you’ll find a boat owner who will be grateful for your donation. If so, be sure to let us know by leaving a comment on our blog.