Introduction - Federal & State Safety Regulations - Personal Floating Devices - Navigation Lights & Visibility - Fire Extinguishers & Fires - Visual & Sound Distress Signals - Precautions - Alcohol - Speed & Driving Basics - Recreational Hazards - Survival - Conclusion

Precautions

Weather is a precaution you have to take when you are on the water.  If you don’t pay attention to the weather then you could be in big trouble.  Weather is as important as a full tank of gasoline in the boat.  As the skipper of the boat you need to be fully aware of the weather.

You can check the weather by your local television station, the news, radio, and even your VHF radio.  There are many indicators that can show you that the weather is going to suddenly change.  These factors include:

  • Weather changes come from the west – watch the western skies
  • A sudden drop in temperature can mean a coming storm
  • A sudden drop in pressure means a storm is approaching
  • Cloud build up
  • Sounds of thunder
  • Rough water
  • Fog forming

There are many things that you should do if you are out in the water and a storm is approaching.  These things are for your safety and for your passengers.  These things include:

  • Be sure everyone is wearing a life jacket
  • Slow down and drive with caution
  • Close all ports and hatches
  • Head to the nearest and safest shoreline
  • Stay dry
  • Switch to a full tank of fuel
  • Secure all loose items
  • Everyone should remain low and in the center of the boat
  • Disconnect electrical equipment if there is lightening
  • Sound the appropriate signals in foggy conditions

Local Hazards

You should always be aware of the local hazards of the water you are boating in.  If you are new to the area ask around before you put your boat in the water and just go exploring.  There are many dangers you should be aware of which include inlets, shoaling areas, whitewater and rough waters, dams, locks, and abnormal tides and current conditions.  These can be very dangerous to you and your crew.



State and local officials often have requirements or restrictions to areas.  Some lakes don’t even allow motorized speedboats on the lake.  Be sure you know all of the guidelines before you get into the water so you don’t find you are in a heap of trouble.

Fueling

Fueling should take a serious precaution.  You should never fuel your boat when there are passengers in it and you are in the water.  Be sure you are docked with no passengers.  Use a portable tank.  Turn off the engine to the boat and extinguish any flames.  Do not use any electrical switches for anything, not even a lighter.  Do not smoke.  Close all of the ports and hatches. 

You should determine exactly how much fuel you need before you fill up.  You should never over fill your tank.  After filling you will open the ports and hatches back up and turn on the blower for a minimum of five minutes.  Then you can do a sniff test and start up the engines if you don’t smell any fumes.  The passengers can get back on the boat and you are ready to go.

Approaching Large Vessels

If you find you are approaching a navy or coast guard vessel you will need to call them on channel 16 unless they are calling you already.  Answer all questions they may have for you.  It is against the law to not tell them the answers to their questions or withhold any information.  They even have the right to board your boat if they want to.  Any violation while you are in a navy protection zone could land you with a felony and up to 10 years in prison.

You should never approach a navy vessel within 100 yards and you should always be at a minimum speed.  Proceed as the commander of the ship tells you to do over the radio.