Safety
As the owner of the boat, it is your responsibility to be a safe boater, to
follow and enforce safety rules, to know and adhere to the rules of the
water, and to use common sense at all times. It is important that anyone
to whom you entrust your boat also understands these responsibilities.
Make sure you understand each of the safety warnings found on your
boat and commit to following the safe boating recommendations found in
this section.
Then, before you embark on any outing, check that all safety equipment
is on board and in working condition. This includes one wearable
personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board, and all other
USCG-required safety equipment. Confirm that each passenger aboard
the boat is aware of the location of these items. Learn more about these
requirements by reading the USCG publication titled A Boater’s Guide to
the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats and Safety Tips,
available at www.uscgboating.org.
Safe Boating Practices
Boating safety is a serious issue. You are responsible for your own
safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of fellow waterway
users. The following are some basic safe boating recommendations that
must be observed:
< Never operate the boat, or allow others to operate the boat, while
under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is a federal offense and
can carry a significant penalty.
< Keep your boat and its equipment in a safe and usable condition.
Regularly inspect the boat, engine, and safety equipment for any
signs of damage or disrepair.
< Ensure that a throwable flotation device and a fire extinguisher are
on your boat at all times. This equipment must meet regulation
standards, be easily accessed, and be maintained in working
condition.
< Check weather and water conditions before shoving off. Be prepared
for sudden changes in the boating environment, and for cooler or
warmer conditions than originally anticipated.
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