Safe Boating Is No Accident!
With summer in full swing water sports is on
many families minds. Perhaps you will spend some time at your favorite lake this
year. Maybe you’ll rent a boat or canoe. Fishing, skiing, or just cruising are
popular activities for millions. Every year however we invariably read in the
local newspaper of a joyous occasion turn tragic because the operator of a
watercraft didn’t follow the basic rules. People who would never take
unnecessary risks on the road with their car will push fate on the water. Too
often these chances end in tragedy. Realizing that many of you will occupy your
leisure time on or near water, SafetyCops
wants to remind boaters to follow the Rules of the Road.
Operator's Responsibilities
As the skipper of a boat, you are responsible
for the vessel, for the safety of those aboard and for others in boats nearby.
You are also responsible for swimmers, water-skiers and anyone else who may be
affected by your boat’s course or its wake. It doesn’t matter whether your
boat is big or small, powered or sail, safety begins with you!
Your water fun depends on you, your equipment
and other people who, like yourself, enjoy spending leisure time on, in or near
the water. Let's take a look at your responsibilities:
Make sure the boat is in top operating
condition and that there are no tripping hazards.
The boat should be free of fire hazards
and have clean bilges.
Safety equipment, required by law, is on
board, maintained in good condition, and you know how to properly use these
devices.
File a float plan with a relative or
friend.
Have a complete knowledge of the operation
and handling characteristics of your boat.
Know your position and know where you are
going.
Maintain a safe speed at all times to
avoid collision.
Keep an eye out for changing weather
conditions, and act accordingly.
Know and practice the Rules of the Road
(Navigational Rules).
Know and obey Federal and state
regulations and waterway markers.
Maintain a clear, unobstructed view
forward at all times. "Scan" the water back and forth; avoid
"tunnel" vision. Most boating collisions are caused by
inattention.
Never overload your boat with passengers
and cargo beyond its safe carrying capacity. Too many people and/or gear
will cause the boat to become unstable. Always balance the load so that the
boat maintains proper trim.
Keep passengers seated (Do not stand up in
a small boat!).
Do not exceed the "U.S. Coast Guard
Maximum Capacities" information label (commonly called the Capacity
Plate).
Personal Flotation Devices
(PFDs) 
All recreational boats must carry one
wearable PFD (Type I, II, III or V) for each person aboard. Any boat 16ft and
longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable PFD (Type IV). PFDs
must be
Coast Guard approved,
in good and serviceable condition, and
the appropriate size for the intended
user.
Accessibility
Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible.
You must be able to put them on in a
reasonable amount of time in an emergency (vessel sinking, on fire, etc.).
They should not be stowed in plastic bags,
in locked or closed compartments or have other gear stowed on top of them.
The best PFD is the one you will wear.
Though not required, a PFD should be worn
at all times when the vessel is underway. A wearable PFD may save your life,
but only if you wear it.
Throwable devices must be immediately
available for use.
Some states require that children wear PFDs: Check
with your state boating safety officials.
Take a Boater’s Safety Course
This article is not intended to make you a
competent skipper. It takes a combination education and experience to become
proficient in the safe operation of any conveyance, be it on land, water, or
air. You wouldn’t think of piloting an airplane or driving a car without
proper training. Yet thousands of people go out on the water in a boat, canoe,
or jet ski with only the most basic knowledge of how to operate the craft. Don’t
learn boating through the school of hard knocks! Boating courses are offered
through many organizations for no or very little cost. Take advantage of these
and find out where in your area they are offered. You will be surprised how
interacting with others sharing your interest in boating will make the sport
more enjoyable. The information and tips just might save your life! At the end
of this article are some links to boating organizations devoted to educating
boaters and keeping you safe. Check them out.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is Illegal
Nationwide
It is unlawful in every State to operate a
boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition to State BUI
laws, there is also a Federal law, enforced by the Coast Guard, prohibiting BUI.
This law applies to all boats, including foreign vessels, in U.S. waters and
U.S. vessels on the high seas.
Penalties for BUI are Severe
The Coast Guard and every State have stringent
penalties for violation of BUI laws, including the possibility of not only a
large fine, suspension or revocation of operator privileges, but perhaps a jail
term. The Coast Guard and the States, in a mutual effort to remove impaired boat
operators from the water, cooperate fully. In sole State waters, States have
authority to enforce their own BUI statutes. Within State waters that are also
subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S., there is concurrent jurisdiction. If,
in these waters, a boater is apprehended under Federal law, the Coast Guard
will, unless precluded by State law, request that State enforcement officers
assume custody of an intoxicated boater.
Suggested Ways to Avoid the Hazards of
Alcohol
Boating doesn't need any stimulus to make it
fun. Fishing doesn't need any liquid bait to improve the catch. Consider these
alternatives to alcohol and boating:
Take along a variety of sodas, a jug of
water, ice tea, or lemonade, or take along non-alcoholic beer
Take along plenty of food
Wear clothes that will keep you cool
Plan to limit your trip to the number of
hours you can spend on the water without becoming tired
Enjoy your outing more by having the party
ashore after you dock - in the picnic area, in the Yacht Club, in your
backyard - where you'll have time between the fun and getting back into a
boat or your car
If you dock somewhere for lunch or dinner
and drink alcohol, wait a reasonable time before heading back home
If necessary, be sure to have a sober
designated driver as the boat operator. Or better yet, in case of emergency,
have two designated non-drinking operators.
No alcohol aboard is the safe way to go -
remember, intoxicated passengers can fall overboard too
Remember that you, as the
operator of a watercraft, are liable for injury or damage caused through your
negligence or recklessness. Every year we hear of a personal tragedy in the
media involving a boat and alcohol. Don’t become a statistic. SafetyCops
says "Booze and Boats Don’t
Mix!!"
To find out more about Safe Boating, check
out one of these fine organizations:
SafetyCops.com
