BOATING SAFETY
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their countries’ agency when their boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A
boating accident must be reported if there is a loss or probable loss of life or per-
sonal injury requiring medical attention. In these situations a formal report must
generally be filed within 48 hours of the accident, and for accidents when damage
exceeding $500 is incurred, or there is a complete loss of the boat as well. A
formal report must generally be filed within 10 days. If any of these events occur,
seek further assistance from local law enforcement personnel.
Rendering Assistance
If you see a distress signal or suspect a boat is in trouble, you must assume it is
a real emergency and render assistance immediately. By law, the operator
in charge of the craft is obligated to provide assistance to any individual in
danger if such assistance can be provided safely. Failure to render assistance
can result in a fine and/or imprisonment.
The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to a “Good Samaritan” boater pro-
viding good faith assistance, and absolves a boater from any civil liability arising
from such assistance.
Factory Provided Safety Equipment
The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 (FBSA/71) and the National Recreation Boat-
ing Safety Program have established minimum safety standards for boats and
associated equipment, specified by the USCG. In addition, the ABYC and the
NMMA work with boat builders to develop voluntary standards that exceed base
requirements. The included safety equipment on your boat meets or exceeds
the standards of the USCG, ABYC and the NMMA. Some required safety equip-
ment such as life jackets (PFDs) are not included with your boat. Your dealer can
help you choose the appropriate equipment.
NOTICE
Many states’ equipment requirements go beyond USCG requirements. Con-
tact your state boating office for further information.
Equipment requirements for coastal and inland waters differ. Check with
local authorities and/or the USCG for further information about coastal water
requirements. The following equipment may or may not be required by
federal/local regulations.
Owner Provided Safety Equipment
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain accessory equipment on each
boat. For a detailed description, obtain “Federal Requirements for Recreation-
al Boats” published by the Coast Guard. 1) Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):
PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, in good and serviceable condition and
the appropriate size for the user. It is recommended that you wear PFDs while
your boat is underway. Boats more than 16 feet 9 (4.8 meters) in length must be
equipped with one type I, II, III or V and one type IV. PFDs are intended to save
lives; you and your passengers should wear them while in the boat. Learn how
to use them and adjust as necessary to make comfortable to wear. The type II
PFD is recommended for near shore or inland water use. Some PFDs are specially
made for use while waterskiing or wakeboarding and are not U.S.C.G. approved.
Please check local law with respect to their use.
Life Saving Equipment
Federal law requires at least one Type I, II, III,or V Personal Flotation Device (PFD),
of the proper size, for each person on board or being towed, and at least one
Type IV throwable PFD in the boat. There are four types of PFDs to wear and one
type used for throwing in emergency situations.
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