As a boat operator, you should be familiar with basic first aid procedures that may
be needed while you are far from help. Fish hook accidents or minor cuts and
abrasions may be the most serious mishaps on board a boat, but you should also
learn the proper procedures and be ready to deal with the truly serious problems
like excessive bleeding, hypothermia, and burns. First aid literature and courses are
available through most Red Cross chapters.
Minors should always be supervised by an adult whenever operating a boat. Some
regions also have laws regarding the minimum age and licensing requirements of
minors. Be sure to contact the local boating authorities for information.
As a responsible boater, you will comply with the “Rules of the Road,” the marine
traffic laws. Navigating a boat is much the same as driving an automobile. Operating
either one responsibly means complying with a set of rules intended to prevent
accidents. Just as you assume other car drivers know what they are doing, other
boaters assume you know what you are doing. Chapter 3 has more information about
navigational rules and the Rules of the Road.
Boating officials in many regions or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries offer courtesy
inspections to check out your craft. They will check for compliance with safety
standards and required safety equipment. You may voluntarily consent to one of
these inspections, and you are allowed time to make corrections without prosecu-
tion. Check with the appropriate state agency or the Coast Guard Auxiliary for
details.
The local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons offer
comprehensive safe boating classes several times a year. You may contact the
Boat/U.S. Foundation at 1-800-336-BOAT (2628) or, in Canada contact the
Canadian Power Squadron at 1-800-268-3579, for a course schedule in your area.
Also contact the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron Flotilla for
the time and place of their next scheduled class.
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