Boating Basic Day 4

1. Boating BasicDay 4 Notes 51-64 Term Test (K-P) Monday Boating Quiz (Friday) Video (with bubba) Weekly Work Boaters Test, Day 6 (Tuesday)

2. Preparing for a Boating Trip • When loading items onto a boat use a check list to insure all items are on board and stowed securely. • Always hand equipment and items into the boat, don’t try to carry them on. • When boarding, step into the center and give others assistance in boarding safely. Stay low and hold onto both sides for balance. • Distribute weight as evenly as possible.

3. Preparing for a Boating Trip • File a float plan that includes a description of the boat, number of persons aboard, trip plan (departure and arrival estimates), and emergency numbers in the event of a problem. • Leave the float plan with a responsible person on the shore. • Check for full fuel tanks and check fuel lines for leaks

4. BE WEATHER AWARE WHEN ON THE WATER • Most weather comes from the WEST IN BAD WEATHER: • Reduce speed. Put on PFDs. • Head for the nearest shore. • If engine fails, anchor. If you do not have an anchor, use a sea anchor (anything on board that can create a drag).

5. GETTING UNDERWAY • If you have a boat equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least 4 minutes prior to starting the engine. • When underway, the skipper is responsible for the safety of all guests, the boat, and any damage the boat’s wake may cause. • Avoid taking unnecessary risks that could endanger life, limb, or property.

6. ANCHORING • Anchoring is done for two principal reasons: -to stop for fishing, swimming, or an overnight stay -to keep you from running aground in a storm or engine failure. • Lower the anchor to the bottom and slowly back away. Do not throw the anchor over! • Never anchor by the stern!!!

7. TRAILERING • Make sure the trailer is strong enough to carry the weight of the vessel and fits the vessel. • The trailer should be equipped with two safety chains. • The trailer must be equipped with taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. • The wire coupling on the trailer should be high enough to stay dry when launching. • Always allow extra stopping distance and following distance when towing. • Make sure the vessel is tied down securely and fitted snugly on the trailer.

8. PERSONAL WATERCRAFTS • These have inboard engines with jet drive- no propeller or rudder on the outside of the hull. • They are designed so that the operator can fall off and re-board safely. • They are required to carry all the same equipment as on an inboard powered vessel. • All operators must have a lanyard type engine cut off switch attached to them when underway.

9. PWCThese vessels must operate under the same rules and regulations that any powered vessel has to obey Dangerous operation of a PWC would include: • Weaving through congested vessel traffic at high speeds • Following too closely behind the wake of a vessel towing a person or persons • Jumping the wake of another vessel too closely • Cutting between a boat and the person being towed • Cutting too sharply in order to spray water on another person or vessel

10. BOATING HAZARDS • Most boating fatalities are the result of capsizing or falling overboard • Most non-fatal boating accidents are the result of a collision with another boat or object in the water. • Most fatalities occur in small open boats, on small inland bodies of water, in mid to late afternoon, on weekends during the summer months. • The weather is normally good, with calm wind and water with good visibility. • Most accidents are sudden, unexpected occurrences • Most people do not have time to get their PFD on to prevent drowning

11. To prevent capsizing: -don’t overload the boat with passengers or gear. If capsizing occurs, grab a PFD and stay with the boat until help arrives. Only abandon the boat as a last resort. To prevent falls overboard: -don’t stand up in a small boat or ride on the gunwale, seat backs or bow. In the event of a fall overboard: -toss the person a life saving device (float) -keep the person in view -try to approach from downwind -assist the person on board over the stern -always turn off the motor when alongside someone in the water

12. To avoid a collision: • Always keep a sharp lookout for other boats and potential hazards • Learn drown-proofing strategy • Don’t drink on the waterways (the combination of sun, waves and motion of the boat can combine to increase the effects of alcohol at a much faster rate than on the shore) In the event of an accident the operator must file an accident report, within 10 days if: -a person dies -a person disappears -a person is incapacitated for a period in excess of 72 hours -there is property damage of more than $50.00

13. ASSISTING FROM THE SHORE • Use the reach, throw, row, go method • Try to reach the person with a pole or long object • Throw them a flotation device • Use a bouyant object to go to them (boat, surfboard, boogie board, etc) • Swim to them only as a last resort • Don’t immediately go to the person because that would put two people in danger.

14. PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS • Inadequate number of PFDs or fire extinguishers • Overloading • Failure to display required lights • Fuel leakage • Fuel accumulation • Failure to meet ventilation requirements • Failure to meet backfire flame arrestor requirements • Excessive leakage or accumulation of water in the bilge BE A SAFE BOATER OPERATOR

15. HAPPY BOATING!!