Unit 6

As the operator of a vessel, you are responsible for ensuring that your passengers understand basic safety practices and laws. Use a pre-departure checklist to make sure you've taken the necessary safety precautions. Before departing, have a safety discussion with everyone on board. Some of the things you should point out are: Locations of emergency equipment—personal flotation devices (PFDs), fire extinguisher(s), visual distress signals, first-aid kit, and bilge pump. The need for all passengers to wear a PFD, especially during times of high vessel traffic, severe weather, or any other dangerous boating conditions Laws about reckless operation, required equipment, and waste disposal. Safety procedures for responding to a fire or someone falling overboard How to signal for help or use the VHF radio to make a MAYDAY call How to anchor the vessel and handle lines (ropes) Conduct emergency drills with your passengers so that everyone knows what to do in case of a boating emergency.

Another way you can assure a good time while operating your vessel is to perform a pre-departure check. •Check the weather forecast for the area and timeframe during which you will be boating. •Make sure the steering and throttle controls are operating properly. •Check that all lights are working properly. •Check for any fuel leaks from the tank, fuel lines, and carburetor. •Check the engine compartment for oil leaks. •Check hose connections for leaks or cracks, and make sure hose clamps are tight. •Drain all water from the engine compartment, and be sure the bilge plug is replaced and secure. •Make sure you have enough fuel or know where you can refuel. •Check to be sure you have a fully charged engine battery and fire extinguishers. •If so equipped, make sure the ignition safety switch and wrist lanyard are in good order. •Make sure that you have the required number of personal flotation devices and that they are in good condition. •Leave a float plan with a reliable friend or relative.

Before allowing others to operate your vessel: Check that they meet the minimum age and boater education requirements for operation in your state. Make sure they know basic boating safety and navigation rules. Show them how to use the lanyard with the engine cut-off switch and require them to use it. Explain the importance of obeying "idle speed," "headway speed," and "slow, no wake" restrictions. Stress the need to keep a proper lookout for other boaters and hazards.

Before allowing others to drive your personal watercraft (PWC): Check that they meet the minimum age and boater education requirements for PWC. Tell them that they have the same responsibilities as other vessel operators. If they are new to PWC, have them practice in an uncrowded area first. While near shore, show how to start and reboard the PWC properly. Be sure to explain how to steer and control the PWC. Remind them to keep plenty of distance from other vessels and that power is required for steering control. Point out that it is easy to have so much fun that you forget to watch where you are going. Tell them to make sure the area is clear before making a turn.

While the effect of a single vessel on our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters may seem insignificant, multiply that impact by the millions of vessels on the waterways today. To preserve and protect the waters, wildlife, and aquatic vegetation enjoyed while boating, each person must be responsible. Keep waterways clean and disease-free by disposing of waste properly.

Practice the Three Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Many marinas provide facilities for recycling oil, aluminum, glass, and antifreeze. Use these services whenever possible. Carry reusable items such as plates, silverware, cups, and glasses on board to reduce waste. Recycle old fire extinguishers and marine batteries.

Protect the shoreline from erosion, and preserve aquatic vegetation. Reduce throttle to "no wake" speed when close to a shoreline or in small rivers to help prevent erosion. Don't operate in shallow water where your prop or pump intake can stir up bottom sediments and destroy aquatic plants. Drain the bilge and clean the prop before leaving a waterway. Failure to do so may transport plants or animals from one waterway to another and disrupt the natural balance of the environment.

Avoid using toxic substances on your vessel or around the water. •Reduce the amount of detergent you use when cleaning your vessel. Use non-phosphate products, such as hydrogen peroxide, on your vessel. Don't use toxic cleaners. •Don't use toxic paints or other toxic products on your vessel. If you must use chemical products on your vessel, minimize their use while on the water. •Before the first use of your vessel in the spring, drain the antifreeze into a container and properly dispose of it on shore. Never use antifreeze containing ethylene glycol. •When fueling, don't top off the tank. Promptly mop up any fuel spills.

Here are some common ways that boaters harm the environment. If you simply toss your trash into the water, it will be around for years. Here's the time it takes for some common items to decompose. Paper Paper takes 2-4 weeks. Wax-coated paper, such as a fast food wrapper or cup, takes much longer. Tin can Tin cans take 100 years. Aluminum can Aluminum cans take 200-500 years. Plastic six-pack rings Plastic six-pack rings or any other plastic takes 450 years. Glass Glass bottles take more than 500 years. Gasoline container One gallon of gasoline can contaminate 750 gallons of drinking water. Oil container One single quart of oil when spilled can create an oil slick as large as three football fields and remain in the area for up to two years.

As a vessel operator, you are just one of many who are enjoying the privilege of using the public waterways. It is your responsibility to stay aware of others in or on the water and to respect their use of the waterways. Remember that being a responsible operator includes controlling the noise of your boat or PWC.

Traveling down a river or across a lake in a small boat can be an enjoyable and safe activity. But, according to statistics, people in small boats, such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts, are more than twice as likely to drown as individuals operating larger vessels. This higher rate of fatalities can be attributed to two factors. First, paddlers and others in small boats don't consider themselves "boaters" and fail to follow the same safe practices as other vessel operators. Second, many who use small boats don't have the skills or knowledge they need to operate their small, unstable craft safely. They may be unaware of hazards unique to small boats or don't follow proper safety procedures when encountering them. Boater's Tip Increase Your Safety and Fun With Paddling Instruction Paddling a small craft is a skill best learned through hands-on training. Formal paddling instruction teaches you how to: Balance and stabilize your craft. Paddle efficiently. Exit and enter your craft on the water. Perform rescue and recovery.

Practice reboarding your craft in the water with the help of a companion. Dress properly for the weather and type of boating. Be prepared for unintended water entry. Check your craft for leaks. Map a general route and timetable when embarking on a long trip. Arrange for your vehicles to be shuttled to the takeout point. Know the weather conditions before you head out. While out, watch the weather and stay close to shore. Head for shore if the waves increase. Boater's Tip When participating in water activities that expose you to the water, such as paddling or windsurfing, consider both the water and the air temperature when deciding whether to wear a wetsuit or other cold water protective clothing.

Always put on a PFD before entering the watercraft, and keep it on throughout the outing. Never go out alone. Bring along at least one other boater. When canoeing, two canoes with two canoeists each are recommended. Three crafts with two persons each are even better. If unfamiliar with the waterway, go out with someone who is knowledgeable about it. Never overload the craft. Tie down gear, and distribute weight evenly. Make sure the craft is stable before you enter it. Maintain a low center of gravity and three points of contact. Keep your weight balanced over the center of the craft. Standing up or moving around in a small craft can cause it to capsize—a leading cause of fatalities among paddlers. Leaning a shoulder over the edge of the craft also can destabilize it enough to capsize it. Stay alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings, including nearby powerboats. Be prepared to react when dangerous situations arise.

A paddle trip downriver can include these river hazards. •Low-head dams: These structures are difficult to see and can trap boaters. Consult a map of the river before your trip, and know where dams are located. Always carry your craft around them. •Rapids: When approaching rapids, go ashore well upstream and check them out before continuing. If you see dangerous conditions, carry your craft around them. •Strainers: These river obstructions allow water to flow through but may block small boats. Strainers may include overhanging branches, logjams, or flooded islands.

If you capsize in swift water, follow these guidelines. •Float on the upstream side of your craft. You can be crushed on the downstream side if you run into an obstruction. •Do not attempt to stand or walk in swift-moving water. The current could pull you under if your foot becomes trapped between submerged rocks. •Float on your back with your feet and arms extended. Float with your feet pointed downstream to act as a buffer against rocks. Don't fight the current. Use the current to backstroke your way to shore. •If the water is cold, take all necessary precautions to avoid hypothermia.

Have a second person on board to act as an observer. Review hand signals with the skier to ensure proper communication. Make sure the skier is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD designed for water-skiing. Keep in mind that ski belts are not U.S. Coast Guard-approved. A PFD with a high-impact rating is recommended. Be familiar with the area and aware of any hazards such as shallow water, rocks, or bridge pilings in the water. Make sure the tow lines are of the same length if towing multiple skiers. Never tow a skier at night. It is both hazardous and illegal.

Start the engine after making sure that no one in the water is near the propeller. Start the boat slowly until the ski rope is tight. When the skier is ready and there is no traffic ahead, take off in a straight line with enough power to raise the skier out of the water. Once the skier is up, adjust the speed according to the signals given by the skier. Remember... Some personal watercraft are capable of pulling water-skiers. Even if it's not required in your state, it is recommended that the PWC be rated for at least three people—the driver, the observer, and the retrieved skier.

While towing a skier, the operator should: •Keep the skier at a safe distance—at least twice the length of the tow rope—from the shoreline, docks, hazards, and people in the water. •Avoid congested areas, beaches, docks, and swimming areas. Water-skiing takes a lot of room. Some areas may have designated traffic patterns. •Maintain a sharp lookout for other vessels and obstructions in the water. Let the observer watch the skier. •Always respond to the skier's signals. If you need to turn the boat, signal the skier of your intentions. •Once the skier has dropped or fallen, circle the skier slowly either to return the tow line to the skier or to pick up the skier. Always keep the skier in view and on the operator's side of the boat. Some states require the display of a red or orange skier-down flag under certain conditions. •To avoid propeller injuries, always shut off the engine before allowing the skier to board the boat. After the skier is on board, retrieve the tow line unless you are pulling another skier.

When in the water, the skier should: •Wear a PFD. You never know when a fall will knock you unconscious. •Learn to use hand signals. •Never ski under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is illegal and extremely dangerous because of the damage to your judgment and reflexes. •Never spray swimmers, vessels, or other skiers. Such activity is illegal, dangerous, and discourteous. •Never wrap any part of the tow rope around your body. •Always hold a ski up out of the water after falling or after dropping the rope so that the boat operator and other vessels can see you. •Never approach the back of the boat unless the engine has been shut off. Otherwise, you could be seriously injured by the boat's propeller.

Always stay the legal and safe distance away from a "diver-down" flag. Diving is a popular sport, and divers can be found in areas shared with recreational boaters. As diving's popularity increases, it becomes more important for both boaters and divers to take special precautions. As a vessel operator, you should: Be able to recognize a diver-down flag, a red flag with a white diagonal stripe, floating in the area of the divers. Stay the legal distance away from a diver-down flag. Do not drive your vessel between a diver-down flag and a nearby shore. Watch out for divers surfacing when you see a diver-down flag. Bubbles may indicate that a diver is below. For their own safety, divers should: Always display the diver-down flag and stay close to the flag. Use a stable boat that is suited for diving and anchor the boat securely. Avoid overloading the vessel with people, equipment, or supplies. Never dive or snorkel alone. Scuba diver Both divers and boat operators need to be aware of laws that affect this popular water sport.

Dress appropriately. Wear a PFD. Wear a wetsuit to avoid hypothermia. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Give this person instructions on what to do or whom to call in case you are overdue. Avoid becoming overly fatigued. One danger of windsurfing is falling off the board and being too exhausted to swim back to it. If you feel weak, furl the sail, lie stomach-down on the board, and stroke to shore. Always be on the lookout for vessels, avoiding them and their wakes. Remember, your sail can block your view of approaching vessels. If operating in open water, be careful not to stray too far from shore. Boater's Tip Beginners should learn to windsurf from a qualified instructor when winds are light to moderate.

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It is always wise to give sailboats a lot of space. Sailboats are usually the stand-on vessel. Sailing has its own risks that require special care to avoid. Small sailboats are prone to capsizing and swamping. Know how to right the sailboat if it capsizes, and carry a bailer on board. Falling overboard is common. For that reason, sailors always should wear a PFD. Sailors should stay aware of the water temperature. Capsizing in the early spring, the fall, or the winter involves the risk of hypothermia.

Here are some tips for safe sailing. •Stay off the water during storms or periods of high winds. •Carry a flashlight in case you remain on the water after dark. Shine the light on a sail to warn approaching vessels of your presence if you have no navigation lights or if another vessel does not see your navigation lights. •Remember that sailboats with an engine must have the red, green, and white navigation lights. •Remember that the mast can be a conductor for lightning. Be aware of masthead clearance when passing under power lines and bridges.

Fishing is the most popular activity among boaters. Anglers using vessels can be at risk. Unfortunately, anglers capsizing or falling overboard are common fatal boating accidents. Anglers who use vessels to fish need to think of themselves first as vessel operators. If you fish and boat, you should: Know and follow all safe boating laws and requirements. Pay attention to the capacity plate and not overload your vessel. Wear a PFD especially when the water is cold or when fishing alone or in remote areas. (A PFD is required in most competitive fishing tournaments.) Recycle or toss used fishing line into receptacles on shore and not into the water or onto shorelines. Fishing line is not biodegradable and is dangerous to wildlife and propellers. Take care of your fishing boat just like you do your fishing equipment.

Slow down when approaching fishing boats or give them a wide berth. Never run over anglers' lines. Be aware anglers may have lines out to the sides of their boats or trolling behind them. Never disturb fishing boats by making a large wake. An angler at anchor could be swamped by another vessel's cruising wake. Remember... If ill feelings between user groups become widespread, managing agencies may be forced to deal with the issue by closing down boating opportunities or by posting specific times for separate user groups. The best way to ensure better boating opportunities is for every boater to be courteous and responsible.

Many hunters use small boats for duck hunting or to get to their favorite hunting grounds. If you are using your vessel to hunt, you should: Understand that you are still responsible for obeying all boating laws and should follow all safe boating rules. Take extra precautions to avoid capsizing or swamping your vessel. Be aware that small, flat-bottom vessels are prone to capsizing or swamping. Keep weight low and distribute gear evenly in the vessel. Do not exceed the vessel's capacity. Never crowd too many people or too much gear into one small hunting boat. Take only well-trained dogs on board a small vessel. An excited dog could capsize a vessel easily. Keep the dog lying on the bottom, positioned in the center of the vessel. Take precautions to avoid hypothermia in case you do capsize. Always check the weather and stay as close to the shore as possible. Never fire shots or release arrows until the vessel is stopped, the motor is turned off, and the vessel is secured or properly anchored. Always remain seated when shooting. Of course, you must possess a valid hunting license, tags, and permits for whatever you are hunting. Be aware of laws regarding transport of firearms in a vessel. Ensure that all firearms are always unloaded with the safety on and are secured in a gun case when they are being transported in a vessel.

It is very important that you get in the habit of wearing a PFD while fishing or hunting, especially in smaller boats and those with low gunwales. One simple mistake without a PFD on could ruin a good day of fishing, not to mention ruin your life. Try out an inflatable PFD to maximize comfort. And don't forget to wear your engine cut-off switch lanyard whenever the motor is running! Boater's Tip There are special clothing considerations for those fishing or hunting from boats. Wear a PFD at all times while on the water. PFDs come in a variety of styles, including camouflage vests and float coats. Remember that cold water can be a killer. When fishing or hunting on cold water, dress in several layers under your PFD. Remember... If you fish or hunt from a boat, you are not only an angler or a hunter but also a boater.