SECTION : BOATING SAFETY
|
26
Type I Life Preserver: Most buoyant PFDs are effective on all waters,
especially open, rough water.
Type II Buoyant Vest: Good for calm water
Type III Flotation Aid: Good for most inland water applications where quick
rescue is likely. Comes in various styles and some are designed for water
sport activities.
Type IV Throwable Device: Intended for heavy traffic inland waters where
help is available. Designed to be thrown to a person in the water.
Type V Hybrid PFD: Inflatable design for special use activities and may be
used instead of a Type I, II, or III PFD with non-towed participants if used in
accordance with the approval conditions on the label and if worn when the
boat is underway. Some Type V PFDs provide increased protection against
hypothermia.
• A Type V PFD must be worn to be counted toward the minimum carriage
requirements.
• Special lifejackets are available for skiing and other water sports. These
non-Coast Guard approved lifejackets do not count as PFDs.
Lifejackets (PFDs) are intended to help save lives. The operator should set
an example by wearing one. Wear a life jacket (PFD) whenever boating. It is
especially important that children and non-swimmers wear a life jacket (PFD)
at all times. Make certain all passengers know how to put on and properly
adjust their life jackets (PFDs) and that they are readily accessible. Check
local, state, country agency(ies) as to laws and regulations. Also, selecting
the proper type life jacket (PFD) for your kind of outing helps ensure your
time on the water can be safer. REMEMBER—The best life jacket (PFD) is
the one that is worn–that is, the one that can save your life.
At the beginning of each season, check life jackets (PFDs) for damage
and test for proper flotation. Refer to the lifejacket (PFD) manufacturer’s
information. To meet requirements, each lifesaving device must have a
current, legible USCG approval stamp permanently affixed.
Your dealer can help you select appropriate life jackets (PFDs) and
throwable lifesaving devices for your area.
Navigation Lights
Your boat is equipped with navigational lights. Recreational boats are
required to display navigational lights between sunset and sunrise and other
periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.). Your navigation lights are
provided to keep other boats informed of your presence and course. It is up
to you to make sure they are operational and turned on when required.
Horn or Whistle
All boats over 16 feet (4.8 meters) in length must be equipped with an
operable horn or whistle. The following are standard signals when using a
whistle or a horn:
• One prolonged blast: warning.
• One short blast: Pass on my port side.
• Two short blasts: pass on my starboard side.
• Three short blasts: my engines are in reverse.
• Five or more blasts: danger!
Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is required if your boat has an inboard engine, or when
fuel is stored in closed stowage compartments.
Approved fire extinguishers are classified by a letter symbol, either B-1 or
B-II with the B designating that the material will extinguish flammable liquids
such as gasoline, oil, etc. B-1 extinguishers are required for boats less than
26 feet in length. Check periodically to ensure that the extinguisher is in
To Next Page
Loading...
