BOATING SAFETY TIPS

These statistics are compiled from the United States Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety.  They are the latest figures available.

This accident took place in the 1960s. One person was killed and a number injured. Excessive speed and careless operation were major contributing factors to the accident. Photo: Navy Safety Center	The skipper of the "Temporary Insanity III" claimed that he was "blinded by the lights of a sailboat" when he impaled his vessel on this day-marker. He was charged with negligence, traveling at an unsafe speed and failure to maintain a proper lookout. Photo: Navy Safety Center

General Boating Tips:

There is ignorance, and then there is our friend here. "Bobby Ballast", the human tie-down, is about all that is keeping his canoe in the bed of this pickup...well... except for his dog. This unbelievable photo was taken by a Florida police officer. Photo: Navy Safety Center

These are some simple tips from the U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety that will help you enjoy your time out on the water.  For more information, please visit the Office of Boating Safety website.    

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 location 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.

YOU are the key to water safety!

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Additional Recommended Equipment:
Besides meeting the legal requirements, prudent boaters should carry additional safety equipment. The following additional items of equipment are suggested depending on the size, location, and use of your boat.

Fueling Precautions:

Most fires and explosions happen during or after fueling. To prevent an accident follow these rules: Portable tanks should be refueled ashore. Close all hatches and other openings before fueling. Extinguish all smoking materials. Turn off engines, all electrical equipment, radios, stoves and other appliances. Remove all passengers. Keep the fill nozzle in contact with the tank and wipe up any spilled fuel. Open all ports, hatches and doors to ventilate. Run the blower for at least four minutes. Check the bilges for fuel vapors before starting the engine. Do the "sniff test". Sniff around to make sure there is no odor of gasoline anywhere in the boat. Once all passengers are safely back on board, quickly and carefully depart from the fuel dock.  Never assume that the other boaters at the at the fuel dock are following these same safety precautions as you have done.

This boater's technique for boarding his vessel is unique, to say the least. Which is more dangerous - straddling the dock and his boat, the combination of the gas can and the cigarette hanging from his mouth or those plaid shorts?. Photo: Navy Safety Center

WARNING!! Gasoline vapors can EXPLODE!  Before starting your engine, operate the exhaust blower for at least 4 minutes and check the engine compartment bilge for gasoline vapors.  One fluid ounce of gasoline allowed to vaporize has the explosive force of TWO STICKS OF DYNAMITE!!

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Anchoring Safety:
Do not anchor by the Stern. Anchoring a small boat by the stern has caused many to capsize and sink. The transom is usually squared off and has less freeboard than the bow. In a current, the force of the water can pull the stern under. The boat is also vulnerable to swamping by wave action. The weight of a motor, fuel tank, or other gear in the stern increases the risk.

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Boating around Scuba Divers:
These flags mean that there are scuba divers in the water.  Other vessels need to remain a minimum 150' (50 yards) away from any vessel flying this flag. The "Diver Down" flag is the most common, although the "Alpha" flag is also used.

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Float Plan:  Before you go on the water, complete a float plan.  It doesn't have to be complex; but, at a minimum, it should give your name and address, a description of your vessel, a list of who is going to be on your vessel, details of your trip (destination, route, departure & return times), and emergency contact information.  Leave your float plan with a reliable person and make sure you cancel your plan as soon as you return. The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a ready-made float plan at their Float Plan Central website.  

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Launching your Boat:
These are a few simple tips will help you avoid potential damages, injuries and/or embarrassment.  For information on trailering and launching your vessel, the Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety has a webpage dedicated to the topic.  

• Make sure you replace the boat's drain plug before you launch your vessel. 
• Make sure the outdrive is in the up or "trailering" position.
• Leave at least ONE tie-down, preferably the bow/winch line, attached.  If you remove ALL the tie-downs prior to launching, one of two things can happen.  (1) Your boat can slide off your trailer as soon as it gets into the water, before you are ready, leaving you alone at the dock, or, (2) Your boat can slide off your trailer while you are still on the ramp, leaving you high and dry and with the possibility of severe hull and outdrive damage.
• Don't launch the vessel by yourself.  Have someone person keep his/her foot on the brake while the other one puts the vessel in the water.  The weight of a boat, trailer and car/truck combined with a wet, algae-covered boat ramp can easily overpower a car/truck's parking brake or an automatic transmission's park gear.  More than one waterlogged car has been pulled out after a boat launching mishap.
• Watch your step.  Launching ramps can be algae-covered and extremely slippery.  Wear rubber-soled shoes.  Avoid slick or leather-soled shoes.
  

These photos illustrate just how quickly a good day can go bad when safe boating practices are not followed. Photo: Navy Safety Center

"Well...uh...you see officer...uhm...it's kinda like...uh...there was this...uh" Remember to securely tie or strap your vessel down to the trailer before leaving the lake. Double check before you get onto the highway. It's always a good idea to carry an extra set of tie-down straps. They cost a whole lot less than a new mini-van. Photo: Navy Safety Center

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Marine Courtesy:
 Water means freedom to many boaters.  Abusing that freedom prevents people on shore or other boaters from enjoying the peacefulness of open waters and beaches.  It also creates pressure to regulate boating activity.

• Boaters must respect the property rights of shoreline property owners.  These rights vary depending on movement of the water level.  Generally, property rights extend to the water's edge.  The freedom to use water does not include the right to use private lands.  You must have permission from the owner to launch or moor a boat on private property. 
• Noise carries farther on water, particularly when it is otherwise quiet.  Remember that early morning or late afternoon are times when people particularly value quiet.  Stay away from shoreline areas with home, campgrounds or other places where people go for peace and quiet.
• Water pollution laws prohibit throwing or discharging refuse into the water.  Pick up after yourself on shore.
• High speed boating is dangerous in restricted or congested areas.  Keep speed down in these areas.  The skipper is responsible for spotting and avoiding swimmers and slow moving vessels.  This is also important when picking up or dropping off water skiers.
• Boaters are responsible for damage caused by their wakes.  Slow down and watch your wake when approaching congested areas or small boats with low transoms.
• The boat operator is responsible for the safety of any passenger.  Whenever you carry a passenger, make sure they are properly seated and wearing a life vest.
• Good skippers know the rules of the water and make sure they are followed.  They use caution and consideration when mixing noise, speed, and exhaust with the relaxing life on the water.

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SOURCE: From the USCG Office of Boating Safety. Marine courtesy tips from the US Army Corps of Engineers' pamphlet "Boating Basics for Personal Watercraft".

This page was last updated on February 7, 2007
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