04-12-2008, 11:59 AM
Its getting to be that time of year when you pull out the boat and get back onto the water here are a few boating tips to remember. Safe fishing and Boating to all.
Safe Boating Checklist
When you're preparing for a day on the water, always cover the basics:
* Arm yourself with swimming and boating skills: enroll in swim and boating courses in your area.
* Buckle up with a comfortable and properly fitted life jacket.
* Install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector in accommodation areas. Remember that you can be exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide both inside and outside the boat.
* Watch the weather to prepare for local conditions and electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, it is time to stop boating if you can see or hear a storm.
* Communicate your trip details in case of emergency. Tell a friend on the mainland: who is on the boat, where you will be, and how long you will be gone.
* Never operate a boat while or after drinking alcohol.
* Remember to keep all boat maintenance chemicals in their original containers. Keep these, as well as medications, lighter fluid, bug killers, lamp oil and alcohol out of the sight and reach of children.
* Post the Poison Control Center number, 1-800-222-1222, on the boat and call its 24-hour hotline for any suspected problems or questions concerning carbon monoxide or other poison emergencies.
* List CPR instructions and a local emergency number on the boat. Keep updated on CPR procedures.
* Maintain constant supervision of children, regardless of their swimming abilities or use of life jackets.
* Do not swim or wade near a boat's exhaust pipe, sit on the swim platform when the engine is running, or hold onto the deck while the boat is moving.
* Keep your boat a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest running generator or engine. Never, ever enter the enclosed exhaust vent area under a swim platform! Exhaust from boat engines can be deadly sources of carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Do not overload a boat with too many passengers or too much equipment.
* Use navigation lights at night.
* Use an outboard motor that is the right size for the boat.
Boaters also must follow the Rules of the Road, which include knowing which boat has the right-of-way. The U.S. Navigation Rules include:
* Boats approaching each other must stay to the right at all times and pass each other port (left) side to port side.
* You can overtake another boat on either side, but you must use caution so that your boat's wake does not endanger the boat being passed.
* When boats approach at an angle, the boat on the starboard (right) side has the right of way and must hold its course and speed. The other boat must keep clear and pass behind the boat with the right of way.
* Sailboats have the right-of-way over powerboats.
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Safe Boating Checklist
When you're preparing for a day on the water, always cover the basics:
* Arm yourself with swimming and boating skills: enroll in swim and boating courses in your area.
* Buckle up with a comfortable and properly fitted life jacket.
* Install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector in accommodation areas. Remember that you can be exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide both inside and outside the boat.
* Watch the weather to prepare for local conditions and electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, it is time to stop boating if you can see or hear a storm.
* Communicate your trip details in case of emergency. Tell a friend on the mainland: who is on the boat, where you will be, and how long you will be gone.
* Never operate a boat while or after drinking alcohol.
* Remember to keep all boat maintenance chemicals in their original containers. Keep these, as well as medications, lighter fluid, bug killers, lamp oil and alcohol out of the sight and reach of children.
* Post the Poison Control Center number, 1-800-222-1222, on the boat and call its 24-hour hotline for any suspected problems or questions concerning carbon monoxide or other poison emergencies.
* List CPR instructions and a local emergency number on the boat. Keep updated on CPR procedures.
* Maintain constant supervision of children, regardless of their swimming abilities or use of life jackets.
* Do not swim or wade near a boat's exhaust pipe, sit on the swim platform when the engine is running, or hold onto the deck while the boat is moving.
* Keep your boat a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest running generator or engine. Never, ever enter the enclosed exhaust vent area under a swim platform! Exhaust from boat engines can be deadly sources of carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Do not overload a boat with too many passengers or too much equipment.
* Use navigation lights at night.
* Use an outboard motor that is the right size for the boat.
Boaters also must follow the Rules of the Road, which include knowing which boat has the right-of-way. The U.S. Navigation Rules include:
* Boats approaching each other must stay to the right at all times and pass each other port (left) side to port side.
* You can overtake another boat on either side, but you must use caution so that your boat's wake does not endanger the boat being passed.
* When boats approach at an angle, the boat on the starboard (right) side has the right of way and must hold its course and speed. The other boat must keep clear and pass behind the boat with the right of way.
* Sailboats have the right-of-way over powerboats.
[signature]