Common Sense Reminders

*Try to plan your boating trip in advance, to allow you to be thoroughly prepared.

*Make a "float plan" to give to a reliable person on shore in case of trouble. The "float plan" should include the name and phone number of the operator, a complete description of the vessel (length, type, color, name, registration number, etc.), the number of people on board, two-way radio (frequencies), fuel capacity and range of travel, the date/time/location, and any planned stops on the way. Don't forget to cancel your "float plan" when you return to shore. -Contact the local boating safety enforcement agency, or the U.S. Coast Guard, to obtain a copy of the regulations that apply to the waters where you plan to boat. Check the local weather conditions and forecasts for the area you plan to use. The U.S. Weather Service has recorded information available on the telephone and the VHF Marine Radio.

*Make a complete inspection of your boat and equipment before putting it into the water (for those stored on land); checking for cracks or damage to the hull, and that all equipment is in good working condition. This is especially important for boats or equipment that have been stored for a long time.

*Make another inspection of your boat after it is in the water before starting away from the dock, and before your passengers board the boat. Again check that the boat and all equipment are in good condition , and that supplies are properly stored.

*Boat operators are required by State and Federal laws to carry safety equipment specified for the size and type of boat; which include life preservers (PFD's), navigational lights, fire extinguishers, backfire flame control, muffler, ventilation system, visual distress signals, and vessel registration (certificate). -Operators should also carry other safety equipment, such as an anchor, oars/paddles, first-aid kit, compass, spare parts, extra spark plugs, flashlight, spare starting battery, and a transistor radio (to check weather conditions). An ample fuel supply should also be assured.

*The boat operator should know the boating and swimming abilities of all his passengers, and should familiarize all of them with the location and use of all the safety equipment on board, before leaving the dock.

*Life preservers are required to be readily accessible and it is recommended for passengers who are non-swimmers to wear theirs. Fire extinguishers should also be readily accessible, and kept in a position away from the engine or fuel tanks. -Use caution in loading passengers and supplies into a boat. The weight should be distributed evenly, and avoid overloading. Have passengers remain seated during operation and not rock the boat.

*Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the size and power of engine to use with the boat. Do not over-power a boat, this may cause capsizing. If your boat does capsize (overturn or flood), stay with it. Most boats will float even when filled with water; an exception to this is when the boat is close to the surf line, and then the boat becomes a hazard.

*During fueling, be sure the engines are all off, as well as any other mechanical (spark-producing) devices. Be sure no one is smoking, that any stoves or heaters on-board are off, and everyone is off the boat while fueling. Follow the instruction of the fuel station attendant, and be sure the fuel nozzle is shut off, and the fuel tank is closed, be sure to run the blower/ventillation system for several minutes before starting the engine. Also check for any leaks of fuel into the bilge or engine compartments.

*Boating is similar to driving a vehicle - you should operate defensively, watch out for other boats, and always exercise courtesy on the water. If you are in doubt as to the speed of an area, or who has the right-of-way, slow down or yield to the other boater it never pays to be careless or offensive on the water. Remember, "SLOW IS PRO" when driving a boat in limited space.