Safe Voyaging

So you are spending a day on the water with your new boat. Are you confident that you and your passengers will be safe? If something happens do you know what to do. Here are a few boating safety tips that will ensure a fun voyage.

1. Attend a boat safety course. This course will teach you what to have aboard, how to pilot the boat and how to handle emergencies

2. Make sure you have all boat safety equipment in good order and in good supply. This safety equipment includes at least one life jacket for each person, fire suppression devices, audible and visual warning devices, and an anchor.

3. If you have enclosed living spaces aboard, proper warning devices such as fire and carbon monoxide should be installed and working

4. If you have done everything you can think of to make your boat safe you may want to allow the Coast Guard to perform a safety check. If you pass, you will receive a boat safety certification sticker from the performing officer.

In order to make sure that the boat stays safe, the number one boating safety tip would be to develop and print out a boat safety checklist, and keeping a few copies aboard.

A safe trip is a good trip and a captain’s biggest responsibility is his fellow boaters safety.

Boating Safety Checklist

Before a boater takes to the water for fun and relaxation, he or she should always check a boating safety checklist, which should include the following items:

1. Tell someone where you are going. This is necessary in case of an emergency.
2. Check the lights on your boat trailer and on the boat.
3. Check the steering and throttle control functions.
4. Check for oil leaks in the engine.
5. Check for fuel leaks, which could occur in or around the fuel tank, the lines, and the carburetor.
6. Check hose clamps and connections.
7. Drain the engine area of water.
8. Be sure the plug is inserted.
9. Check the fire extinguisher.
10. Check the number and condition of all personal flotation devices.
11. Read and adhere to the posted weight capacity before boarding passengers.

For personal water crafts, the same boating safety checklist items should be applied and in addition the stop button and ignition safety switch/lanyard is in working order.

Boat Safety Equipment

Boating safety should be at the forefront of every boater's thoughts before he or she ever enters the water. Any vessel, whether it be a personal watercraft or ski boat, must have adequate boat safety equipment, including the following:

1. Bailer or bulge pump-While your state may have limitations on the requirements of one of these items, it is to your benefit to have at least one of these on board.
2. VHF Radio-This will allow you to call for assistance and access weather updates.
3. Radar or GPS-This, along with a compass, will help you with navigation.
4. Compass-This should be standard boat equipment for every boat.
5. Auto Radio Transmitter-Every offshore vessel should have one of these.
6. Fire Extinguisher-Preferably rated A,B, & C.
7. Flame Arrestor-An absolute must for in-board motors.
8. Personal Flotation Devices-There should be a flotation device for everyone on board, and these should follow the state boating regulation rules.

Obtaining Boating Safety Certification

The first step in boating safety is passing a boating safety test and receiving a boating safety certification. Potential boaters can obtain a boating safety certification on-line through a boating safety course that is sanctioned by individual states. Official boating education courses offer boaters access to a boating safety manual that is developed according to individual state's specifications. A boating certification card will be issued to anyone that passes the official boating safety exam.

• Manuals can typically be downloaded from the Internet.
• Boaters can choose to take the exam in the comfort of their own home for a fee.
• Some courses offer home study VHS and DVD education videos.
• Potential boaters can also find out information about boating safety courses in their area.

Boating Safety Tips

Boating safety is the most important aspect of operating any water vessel. Boaters should adhere to the following boating safety tips each time they use a boat or personal watercraft.

1. Always use a life jacket.
2. Never use alcohol or allow passengers to use alcohol.
3. Complete a boating safety course and obtain a boat safety certification.
4. Follow your boat's weight recommendations. Do not overload your boat!
5. Become familiar with the navigational rules and guidelines for your area.
6. Continuously search the water for hidden or submerged water hazards, including logs and low water areas.
7. Operate your boat at a safe speed.
8. Be aware of the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Boating Safety Course Descriptions

Even licensed boat owners need to continuously review and study the boating laws and regulations that are enforced by their state. These boating safety regulations can be found in boating safety courses, which can be found on-line or through your local marine police division. Before you begin a boating safety course on-line, you can generally check to see if the course is endorsed by your state marine police department. Most boating safety courses offer the following information:

1. Boating terminology and definitions
2. Legal requirements involving the operation and navigation of a boat.
3. Preparation of the boat and trailer before using either. This includes safety checks as well.
4. Operation instructions including rules of the road and navigation instructions, tips, and rules.
5. Instructions for maneuvering a watercraft.
6. State requirements.

Boater Safety

Boaters safety involves several aspects, including the following:

1. Completing a boating safety course.
2. Obtaining a boating safety certification
3. Becoming knowledgeable in the laws and regulations surrounding the operation and navigation of a boat, and reviewing these regulations on a yearly basis.
4. Reviewing the items on a boating safety checklist before each boating excursion.
5. Becoming a responsible boat owner and user, including ensuring that your passengers abide by and adhere to all of the boating safety regulations issued by your state.