General Safety Precautions
Boating is a great recreation activity. However, emergencies on the water do happen and as the owner/
operator it is your responsibility to be prepared for them.
This safety list is general in nature and not all-inclusive. Common sense is always the best route to
follow when boating.
♦ Mechanical safety.
♦ When working around operating machinery, such as the engines, always wear hearing protec-
tion.
♦ Eye protection is always a good idea.
♦ Understand operating machinery becomes hot. Wear proper protection such as gloves.
♦ Take all proper precautions when working around moving parts. Wear tight fitting clothes as
loose clothing may get caught in moving parts.
♦ Beware of toxic gases. What you don’t see and/or smell can kill you.
♦ Understand all the safety precautions associated with mechanical maintenance.
♦ Know the limits.
♦ Understand your own limits.
♦ Understand the limits of your boat. Don’t overload the vessel. Distribute weight evenly.
♦ Follow your checklists to ensure you don’t miss an important item.
♦ If you don’t know how, learn to swim. Many Red Cross chapters offer swim courses that you can
take advantage of.
♦ Keep the boat free of oil and grease. A fall on a slippery deck or ladder can have very serious
consequences.
♦ When cruising, monitor the weather. Weather at sea can change rapidly. Be prepared.
♦ Be ready for emergencies. This chapter is a good starting point for understanding how to handle
common emergencies.
♦ Carry the proper safety equipment. Carry a set of tools for emergency repairs. Keep extra bat-
teries for flashlights and other battery-operated equipment.
Best Defense – Common Sense.
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Safety And Operations
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