This week is National Safe Boating Week. Beautiful weather can make for an enjoyable boating experience, although the sudden emergence of threatening thunderstorm clouds, gusty winds, and lightning can turn a day’s pleasure into a time of distress. During National Safe Boating Week, you will be able to check out tips prepared from the National Safe Boating Council on how to keep your pleasure and safety to a maximum. Here is a direct transcription of important boating topics for the rest of the week:
Tuesday’s Topic: Vessel Safety Checks
This boating season, make sure that you take advantage of the Vessel Safety Check (VSC), program – a free, no risk, service provided in your area by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadrons. A qualified vessel examiner will conduct an inspection of all the required safety equipment carried or installed on a vessel and certain aspects of the vessel’s overall condition. Even if you pay careful attention to safety, dangerous mechanical problems can crop up on the best-maintained boat. That's why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boats (including personal watercraft) get a free VSC each year.
A VSC is your best way of learning about conditions that might put you in violation of state or federal laws or, worse, create an unsafe condition for you or your passengers on the water.
Be prepared for any emergency when you are afloat. Get a free vessel safety check to ensure that your vessel complies with both Federal and State requirements. If the vessel meets all requirements, the examiner will award a Vessel Safety Check decal. If your vessel fails to receive a VSC decal, no law enforcement action is taken and the examiner will provide a list of items for correction.
Wednesday’s Topic: Dangerous Waves
Each year boaters encounter waves that cause significant damage to their vessels, or result in a sinking and loss of life. To keep safe boaters need to understand how waves are formed, when they can become steep, and the type of wave conditions that their vessels can handle.
Wind creates waves and they are influenced by the size and duration of the wind fetch. Waves generated locally are called wind waves, and those that are generated at a distant fetch are called swells. These waves are further modified by currents, refraction, and shoaling. Ultimately, steep waves create many problems for boaters of all shapes and sizes. Steep waves are those with wave heights that are nearly equal to their wave period. Steep waves create hazardous navigation conditions that can be compounded by tidal currents near bars, inlets, or port entrances.
When waves are expected to become large or steep, boaters should strongly consider remaining in port until conditions improve. If you encounter steep or large waves, point the bow of the boat into the waves. Never ride parallel to the waves during these conditions so that your vessel does not overturn. Always make sure that you and your crew are wearing properly fitted and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Thursday’s Topic: Boating Under The Influence
The effects of alcohol can be even more hazardous on the water than on land. Boating Under the Influence, or BUI, affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. These impairments can increase the risk of being involved in a boating accident – for both passengers and boat operators. Alcohol is a contributing factor in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities.
It is illegal to operate any boat or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of your drivers license and even jail time. Every boater needs to understand the risks of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Friday’s Topic: Navigation Rules
Do you know what to do when approaching, meeting or over taking another boat? Before you take your boat out on the water this season, it’s important that you know the “nautical rules of the road.”
The nautical rules of the road are the navigation rules for preventing collisions on the water. Knowing the nautical rules of the road is important for all boaters. Knowing what to do when meeting, crossing or over taking another boat can prevent costly damage to your boat, personal injury or even loss of life. Whenever you believe there is a risk of collision you should slow down, stop or steer away from the situation as described in the navigation rules. Maintaining a proper lookout and a safe speed are all a part of the navigation rules and should be an important part of your boat operation.
Take some time to learn the nautical rules of the road this summer and ensure safer boating for you, your family, and the other boaters on the water.
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