General Boating Information
General boating safety can seem overly cumbersome at times. However these simple but effective guidelines can be the difference between incredibly rewarding family time spent together on the water versus serious injury, and in some cases even loss of life. As we approach the upcoming 2014 boating season we’ve dedicated a few short & simple articles to the topics of boating safety such as proper use of your Boat’s Lanyard Cord, and General Boating Information and Checklist Items. We hope you will find these articles useful.
- Always tell others where you are planning to go, and when you plan to return.
- Always check the weather and be aware of changing weather conditions.
- Always shut off  the engine when passengers are boarding and unloading the boat.
General Boating Checklist
- Personal Flotation Devices
- Radio
- Approved Fire Extinguishers
- Tools (Minor Repairs)
- Anchor
- Anchor Line
- Manual Bilge Pump
- Drain Plugs
- Waterproof Storage Containers
- Drinking Water
- Paddle/Oar
- Compass
- Map
- First Aid Kit
- Signal Devices
- Spare Propeller
Use personal flotation devices.
Federal law requires that there be a U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket (personal flotation device), correctly sized and readily accessible for every person on board, plus a throw-able cushion or ring. Although laws vary by state, it is strongly advised that everyone wear a life jacket at all times while in the boat.
Prepare other boat operators.
Instruct at least one person on board in the basics of starting and operating the engine and boat handling in case the driver becomes disabled or falls overboard.
Do not overload your boat.
Most boats are rated and certified for maximum load (weight) capacities (refer to your boat capacity plate). Know your boat’s operating and loading limitations. Know if your boat will float if it is full of water. When in doubt, contact your authorized Mercury Marine dealer or the boat manufacturer.
Ensure that everyone in the boat is properly seated.
Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on any part of the boat that was not intended for such use. This includes the backs of seats, gunwales, transom, bow, decks, raised fishing seats, and any rotating fishing seat. Passengers should not sit or ride anywhere that sudden unexpected acceleration, sudden stopping, unexpected loss of boat control, or sudden boat movement could cause a person to be thrown overboard or into the boat. Ensure that all passengers have a proper seat and are in it before any boat movement.
Never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is the law.
Alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and greatly reduce your ability to react quickly.
Know your boating area and avoid hazardous locations. Be alert.
The operator of the boat is responsible by law to maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing. The operator must have an unobstructed view particularly to the front. No passengers, load, or fishing seats should block the operator’s view when the boat is above idle or planing transition speed. Watch out for others, the water, and your wake.
Never drive your boat directly behind a water skier.
Your boat traveling at 40 km/h (25 mph) will overtake a fallen skier who is 61 m (200 ft) in front of you in just five seconds.
Watch fallen skiers.
When using your boat for water skiing or similar activities, always keep a fallen or down skier on the operator’s side of the boat while returning to attend to the skier. The operator should always have the down skier in sight and never back up to the skier or anyone in the water.
Report accidents.
Boat operators are required by law to file a boating accident report with their state boating law enforcement agency when their boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A boating accident must be reported if 1) there is loss of life or probable loss of life, 2) there is personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, 3) there is damage to boats or other property where the damage value exceeds $500.00, or 4) there is complete loss of the boat. Seek further assistance from local law enforcement.
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