Safety
Aids to Navigation BoatsUS Safety Boat Safety
Fill in Float Plan Help on the water National Safe Boating Council
Required safety items USCG Boating Safety USCG Safety & Environmental Protection
Below are a few simple steps to a better boating experience:
- Take a boating course prior to piloting a boat. The US Power Squadron and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in conjunction with the USCG Auxiliary offer courses that instruct you on basic boat operation and handling, rules of the road, navigation and safety. There are several incentives to obtaining certificates for safe boating courses—the discounted premiums you can realize from your insurance company, keeping your family and crew safer, and minimizing errors that can lead to damaging your boat, other boats or property, as well personal injury.
- Know the rules of the road and follow them unless a situation dictates that avoiding a collision takes priority. There will be times that despite the rules of the road and your legal rights, you’ll find yourself in a situation where you need to take action to avoid a collision. In fact, the general rule of the COLREGS states, “In construing and complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger.”
- Practice sound judgment. There may be events that occur while boating that require you to ignore your temper or stifle the urge to retaliate such as when another boater cuts you off or otherwise endangers your boat and crew. Removing yourself, your crew and your boat to safety is the primary goal, and practicing sound judgment will get you there. And remember, alcohol and sound judgement on the water do not mix.
- Preplanning and sound navigation reduce navigational errors which can result in groundings or being stranded without an overnight anchorage or dock.
- Treat the environment you use with respect. Whether you’re on the water to boat, ski, snorkel, dive or fish, you’re using a valuable and irreplaceable resource. Don’t dump raw sewage or throw garbage and fishing line in the water. Avoid fuel spills and leakage or draining engine fluids into the water. Avoid groundings on sensitive areas such as reefs. Pick up mooring balls when they’re available in lieu of dropping your anchor. When boating in sensitive areas keep your wake to a minimum—wakes erode shorelines and damage sensitive wetlands.
- Carry the proper safety gear and communications equipment on board. The USCG provides a list of the minimum safety gear you’re required to carry on board your boat. (See MariSafe’s QuickSpec™ Equipment Requirements guide). If you do find yourself in trouble, communication equipment on board allows you to radio for assistance. (See our articles on Radio Distress Calls and Safety Equipment Checklist).
- Know what your wake is doing at all times. You are legally responsible for any damage your wake creates—even personal injury. This includes damage to other boats, docks, seawalls and other property as well as to the environment. Slow down when overtaking another boat or when approaching another craft, anchorage or dock. Once your boat’s name is known and associated with irresponsible wakes, you’ll find it very difficult to make friends with other boaters—word will travel fast.
- Always assist other boaters in need. Assisting other boaters is one of the unwritten laws of being part of the boating community, even on small lakes. But when you’re on the ocean, you are then obliged by written law to assist a distressed vessel or crew. Assisting other boaters extends to the docking experience as well as on-the-water. Any boater will appreciate an extra hand to take a line when coming in, especially in an unknown docking situation.
- The first vessel in an anchorage will determine the swing radius—never anchor too close to another boat. If they feel you’re too close, move, don’t argue—you’re responsible for any damage.
- Keep noise pollution to a minimum. When you’re at a dock or in an anchorage, respect people’s right to privacy and quiet. You have no right to disrupt an anchorage or dock. If you have barking dogs or exuberant children on board, especially late at night, then moor your boat downwind and at a distance from other boaters. If you have unfavorable comments to make about your fellow boaters at the dock or anchorage, reserve them until after you or they have left. Remember that sound carries exceedingly well over water.
- Never board another boat without permission. This is, to most boaters, just like walking into someone’s home without being invited. Always ask permission first or wait to be escorted on board—even if you’re an invited guest.
Need HELP on the water? Deep Creek Yacht Club Members Monitor Channel 16
