Boating Secrets

No matter how experienced you are at boating, it’s always a good idea to know and review often the basics of boating safety. Many marinas and boat dealers will offer short courses on boating safety, and these classes can be great – especially for novice boaters. Here, however, we’ll give you a “mini-course” on basic boating safety.

Always check local weather conditions for boating safety before departure- TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.

Proper boating safety means being prepared for any possibility on the water. From compliance with fire safety regulations to tips for fueling up, following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been forgotten.

One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use your common sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times, especially in crowded areas. Be alert at all times, and steer clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there for one reason only- to ensure your own boating safety.

Make sure more than only one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and other boating safety tips. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.

Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure let someone else know your float plan in terms of where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone.

A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader: name and number of all passengers; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; types of communication and signal equipment onboard.

Did you know that the majority of drowning victims as the result of boating accidents were found not to be wearing a Lifejacket? Make sure that your family and friends aren’t part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each member of your onboard team with a Lifejacket-prior to departure.

Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, and studies have also shown that the affect of alcohol is exacerbated by external effects such as sun and wind.

Alcohol use is more often than not associated with boating. It sounds good to have a cold beer on a hot day on the lake. But, there are specific laws that allow marina police to hand out Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) tickets. A charge like this is treated much like a DWI in a car. No one’s saying you can’t have a cold beer, you should just be very cognizant of your condition and leave it at that one beer so everyone’s safe.

If you’re going to be in and around the water, proper boating safety means knowing how to swim. Local organizations such as the American Red Cross and others offer training for all ages and abilities- check to see what classes are offered in your area!

It is essential that you pay close attention to your fuel management. What would happen if you were out on the water and you ran out of gas? Not only would that make you a danger to other boaters, but it sure would be a bit stressful, now wouldn’t it?

Do you know how many gallons your fuel tank holds? Is the fuel gauge accurate? How many gallons per hour (gph) does your engine burn? At what RPM is this rate calculated? What RPM were you traveling at? Did you calculate how many hours and/or miles you intend to travel? Did you then calculate your fuel requirements? Did you use the rule of thirds (one third of your fuel to get to your destination, one third to get you back home, and one third in reserve for emergencies)?

Unfortunately, running out of gas is one of the leading categories requiring a commercial towing service (and sometimes ultimately, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary assets to be dispatched)

Now, many of you are thinking, what if I know there is a gas dock which would take ½ my tank of gas to get to, why not just plan for this?

That’s all well and good, but what if the gas dock is closed? Now you don’t have enough gas to return to your originating point or possibly to the next gas dock, should you encounter any adverse condition outside your assumptions you made in your initial calculations.

Another serious question that boaters need to address is the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. Every year, there are many boaters who are injured and even killed because of carbon monoxide poisoning. The main cause of these problems lies in faulty exhaust pipes emitting the gas into closed areas of a boat. But there’s another cause that’s a bit frightening.

Many boats have swimming docks or platforms off the back end of the boat. These are used for getting in and out of the boat. The problem is that often, people – children especially – will congregate around these areas when swimming because there’s a place to hang on to. This is a HUGE mistake!

Carbon monoxide from exhaust pipes of inboard engines, outboard engines and generators build up inside and outside the boat in areas near exhaust vents. STAY AWAY from these exhaust vent areas and DO NOT swim in these areas when the motor or generator is operating.

On calm days, wait at least 15 minutes after the motor or generator has been shut off before entering these areas. NEVER enter an enclosed area under a swim platform where exhaust is vented, not even for a second. It only takes one or two breaths of the air in this “death chamber” for it to be fatal.

Exhaust from another vessel that is docked, beached, or anchored alongside your boat can emit poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the cabin and cockpit of your boat. Even with properly vented exhaust, your boat should be a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.

Slow speeds or idling in the water can cause carbon monoxide gas to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, even in an open area. A tailwind (force of wind entering from aft section of the motorboat) can also increase accumulation.

Skiers and tubers should never travel behind the boat of distances less than 20 feet. Following so closely behind the boat can cause the carbon monoxide fumes to build up and travel through the air and water greatly increasing the possibility of poisoning from this odorless, colorless gas.

The good news is that regular maintenance and taking care of your boat properly can greatly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper operation of the boat will also reduce this risk.

You should always make sure that your hoses are clamped tight and free of kinks or crimps. If any hose shows signs of wear like cracking or tearing, replace it immediately! Make sure that water flows from the exhaust outlet when the engine and generator are started.

Pay special attention to the way your motor is running. Any odd noise could indicate a possible problem in the exhaust system. Keep a carbon monoxide detector on board if you have enclosed areas like below-deck cabins. Make sure that it is always working properly and that it always has fresh batteries.

When it comes to boating safety, it’s extremely important to be diligent about your knowledge and always stay up-to-date. You can never be too careful on the water. You can find many boating safety courses both in your local area as well as online. You can take a pretty comprehensive course at www.boatingbasicsonline.com. Their test is free and can easily be completely in a day.

You will want to share your love of boating with family and friends as well as your children. First, we’ll address your guests.