Boating Tips - Boating Safety Tips - Know Before You Go!
Boating Safety Tips - Know Before You Go!
- You must carry one
wearable USCG-approved serviceable PFD of the
proper size and type for each boat occupant. No tears, rips, broken straps or snaps. Use the
Charmin squeeze test on kapok PFDs to check for
punctures in the inner plastic liner. And
remember: All PFDs must be ready at hand and not
enclosed in plastic bags or locked compartments.
- Boats 16 feet and
over must also carry one USCG-approved throwable
PFD (Type IV).
- If your boat has
any enclosed compartments or a false floor you
must carry a USCG-approved fire extinguisher.
Make sure that it is charged and accessible.
- Always test your
boat lights before the boat leaves the dock. If
you use battery operated lights, always carry
extra batteries. Keep in mind that even if you
plan to be back before dark, an equipment
malfunction or bad weather may change your plans.
- Be weather wise.
Sudden wind shifts, lightning flashes and choppy
water all can mean a storm is brewing. Bring a
radio along and keep a close eye on the weather.
- Bring emergency
supplies such as maps, flares, and a first aid
kit. Put them in a floating pouch.
- Tell someone where
you are going and when you will return.
- Check the boat
landing for any local regulations applicable on
the waterway where you will be boating.
- If boating on the
Great Lakes or Mississippi River, review the
federal regulations for additional federal
requirements.
- Always ventilate
after refueling. Open all hatches and run the
blower. Sniff for fumes before starting the
engine and if fumes exist, do not start the
engine.
- Learn the proper
anchoring procedures for your boat. Improper
anchoring is the cause of many fatal accidents.
- Never consume
alcohol or drugs before or during boat operation.
Alcohol's effects are greatly exaggerated while
boating. Research has proven that four hours'
exposure to sun, glare, wind, noise, and
vibration produces boater fatigue which slows
reaction time almost as much as being legally
intoxicated. Adding alcohol to this equation can
be fatal.
- If you loan your
boat to someone, teach them how to operate it.
This is true for all boat owners but rings doubly
true for PWC. In 1996, 36% of all boats involved
in accidents occurred while the boat was being
borrowed. Borrowed boats accounted for 16% of all
fatalities and 43% of injuries. 54% of the
personal watercraft involved in accidents were
borrowed. If you share the boat -- share the
knowledge!
- Never allow
passengers to ride on gunwales or seatbacks or
outside of protective railings, including the
front of a pontoon boat. A sudden turn, stop or
start could cause a fall overboard.
- Make certain your
registration is up to date and that the current
year sticker is displayed. Always carry your
registration card on board with you.
- Practice good boat
launch etiquette.
- Practice loading
and unloading on a day that isn't too busy at the
ramp.
- Remove covers and
straps before you get in line to launch.
- Load equipment
into boat before you reach the ramp. Make sure
all equipment is working and that the plug is in.
- Once in line to
launch, have a person available to hold the bow
line and assist in boat handling at the pier.
- Have one person
drive the boat off the trailer and out of the way
of other boaters while another person is parking
the tow vehicle.
- Upon departure
from boat launch, maintain slow-no-wake speed for
a safe and legal distance from boat launch.
- If bad weather is
approaching, get off the water early to avoid a
long waiting line in inclement weather.
- Drop one person
off at pier to get vehicle and get in line.
- Once loaded, pull
well away from launch area to secure boat for
travelling purposes.