Coast Guard You're In Command - Boat Safely

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YIC booklet 3

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Nothing beats recreational boating as a way to relax, have fun, and bring friends and family together. That’s why it’s tragic when a recreational boating outing ends with an accident. Too many people are injured or even killed while boating on America’s waterways. Many of these people are responsible, conscientious boaters who think their experience or equipment is enough to keep them and their passengers safe. As a boat owner or operator, you are responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers. That’s why we say, “You’re In Command. Boat Safely.” The more prepared you are, the less chance the Coast Guard, state, and local marine law enforcement resources will need to be dedicated towards search and rescue missions for recreational boaters. This could result in more time to devote to the protection of our nation’s waterways. Read this booklet. Follow its recommendations. And remember — “You’re In Command.”

Regards, Rear Admiral Jeffrey J. Hathaway Director, Operations Policy U.S. Coast Guard

Brought to you by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Has your boat received a free

this year?

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Your Only Risk is Not Having One Things can go wrong on the water, with dangerous — even fatal — results. That’s why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you get a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) every year. The Vessel Safety Check is a FREE bow-to-stern inspection of your boat by a qualified member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons®. It’s your best way to learn about potential problems that might put you in violation of state or federal laws, or — worse — create danger for you or your passengers on the water.

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Vessel Examiners issue no citations. There are no penalties for not successfully completing a Vessel Safety Check. Vessel Examiners provide you with a copy of the vessel safety check form, allowing you to make the recommended safety improvements at your own discretion. And while the VSC decal won’t necessarily preclude boardings by law enforcement authorities, it can give you confidence that such encounters are as positive as possible. Need another reason? A large number of major insurance providers offer discounts for boats that successfully pass a Vessel Safety Check!

How It Works A Vessel Examiner will meet you at your boat at a prearranged time or during a VSC event at a marina, boat ramp, etc... The Examiner will check the presence and condition of approximately fifteen items required by state and federal regulations. Additionally, they will discuss items that are recommended but not required... and answer your questions on boating safety. A typical Vessel Safety Check takes approximately twenty minutes. At the conclusion of the check, you’ll receive a copy of the Vessel Safety Check form and — if your vessel successfully meets all the requirements — a VSC decal will be presented on the spot.

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What Does a Vessel Safety Check Cover? Vessel Safety Checks are customized for various size powerboats, personal watercraft (PWCs), sailboats, and even kayaks, canoes, or rowboats. Use this “quick list” to see if you are ready for your free VSC. Yes No ■ ■ Display of numbers ■ ■ Registration / documentation ■ ■ Life jackets (PFDs) ■ ■ Visual distress signals (VDS) ■ ■ Fire extinguishers ■ ■ Ventilation ■ ■ Backfire flame control ■ ■ Sound-producing devices ■ ■ Navigation lights ■ ■ Pollution placard ■ ■ MARPOL garbage placard ■ ■ Marine sanitation devices ■ ■ Presence of Navigation Rules ■ ■ Unique state and/or local requirements ■ ■ Overall vessel condition ■ ■ Deck free of hazards and clean bilge ■ ■ Safe electrical and fuel systems ■ ■ Safe galley and heating systems ■ ■ Marine VHF radio ■ ■ Dewatering device & backup ■ ■ Mounting of fire extinguishers ■ ■ Anchor & line for area ■ ■ First Aid and PIW kits ■ ■ Inland visual distress signals ■ ■ Capacity certificate of compliance ■ ■ Owner responsibility for accident reporting ■ ■ Offshore operations ■ ■ Nautical charts and navigation aids ■ ■ Survival and first aid tips ■ ■ Fueling and fuel management ■ ■ Float plan filing and weather & sea conditions ■ ■ Insurance considerations ■ ■ Boating checklist ■ ■ Safe boating classes

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Vessel Safety Checks Save Lives What safety problems lie hidden on your boat? Vessel Examiners have found potential life-threatening safety problems even on boats owned by safe, responsible boaters, including: • Inoperative bilge pumps, leading to potential danger of sinking. • Lack of proper backfire flame control devices, leading to potential danger of explosion. • Inoperable fire extinguishers. • Corroded fuel tanks and fuel lines. • Automobile parts used on boat engines. • Missing visual distress signals, or inoperable navigation lights. • Life jackets not properly sized for children and adults.

Request a Free Vessel Safety Check Today.

Among operators involved in reported boating accidents, 65% have never taken a safe boating course. Worried about time commitments? Too busy to attend a traditional, classroom-based course? Now you, novice or old salt, can take a boating course your way.

TAKE

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America’s Boating Course

Experience At Your Fingertips

America’s Boating Course (ABC) is a new electronic, basic boating course produced through a joint venture between the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons®.

Included in the cost of ABC is FREE assistance from an experienced local member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons — America’s premier safe boating education organizations.

It’s available online at www.AmericasBoatingCourse.com, or by using a Windows- and Mac-compatible CD-ROM.

You also receive a validation certificate entitling you to one free proctored examination, along with any state supplemental examination, assuring your eligibility for a state boating safety education certificate.

You can study at your own pace... on your own time... any place you have a computer to use. Both versions come with an easy-to-follow color manual — and something no other electronic boating course can offer you – a mentor through the whole course.

Why Choose America’s Boating Course • ABC is available to you on your own time, at your own pace, wherever and whenever you want to study. • ABC is the only online boating course that includes FREE assistance from experienced members of the United States Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. • Successful completion of ABC is accepted in most states and Canadian provinces, making you eligible for state boating safety education certificates. • ABC is the perfect family course — since one purchase allows an entire family to study, with a nominal cost for additional exams. • ABC is the only boating course sponsored by the United States Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.

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Who Should Take America’s Boating Course Working moms and dads with little time for classroom instruction. Students and those who prefer interactive or web-based training. Boaters with heavy evening schedules or travel responsibilities.

What You’ll Learn • Knowing Your Boat • Powerboats, Sailboats, and PWCs • Filing A Float Plan • Fueling & Maintaining Your Boat • Trailering Your Boat • Navigation Rules • Navigation Lights • Finding Your Way • Operating A Boat Safely • Casting Off And Docking • Anchoring • Legal Requirements • What To Do In Emergencies • Enjoying Water Sports And much more!

Casual boaters who want basic boating knowledge but don’t need a “captainlevel course.” Experienced boaters who need a refresher course. You!

The price of the course includes FREE assistance from experienced members of the United States Power Squadrons® and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and a validation certificate for one proctored examination.

www.AmericasBoatingCourse.com

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Sign up for America’s Boating Course today.

So You Can Swim... For how long? How Far? While trying to put a life jacket on? While helping your kids? In rough water? When you’re injured? While you’re unconscious?

ALWAYS

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The Good News The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80% of boating fatality victims. As a boat operator, you’re in command of the safety of your passengers. But accidents can, and do happen with terrifying speed on the water. There’s rarely time to reach stowed life jackets.

Boaters enjoy the feel of sun and spray. So it’s tempting to boat without wearing a life jacket – especially on nice days. But modern life jackets are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Many are thin and flexible. Some are built right into fishing vests or hunter coats. Others are inflatable — as compact as a scarf or fanny pack until they hit water, when they automatically fill with air. There’s no excuse not to wear a life jacket on the water!

The U.S. Coast Guard challenges you and your passengers to wear your life jacket all the time while underway.

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Things to Know • Certain life jackets are designed to keep your head above water and help you remain in a position which permits proper breathing. • To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a boat must have a Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket for each person aboard. Boats 16 feet and over must have at least one Type IV throwable device as well. • All states have regulations regarding life jacket wear by children. • Adult-sized life jackets will not work for children. Special life jackets are available. To work correctly, a lifejacket must be worn, fit snugly, and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through. • Life jackets should be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once each year. Waterlogged, faded, or leaky jackets should be discarded.

Life Jackets Save Lives Life jackets have saved the lives of boaters who... • Capsized in rough water. • Were sinking in unexpectedly heavy sea conditions. • Were thrown from the boat as a result of a collision. • Were injured by rocks or submerged objects. • Were unconscious from carbon monoxide fumes. • Were tossed into freezing water. • Were thrown off balance while fishing. • Were unable to swim because of heavy or waterlogged clothing.

• Life jackets must be properly stowed. • A life jacket — especially a snug-fitting flotation coat or deck-suit style — can help you survive in cold water.

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Wear Your Life Jacket

Boating should be fun. Relaxing. Enjoyable. A great way to unwind. Remember, as the operator of a boat, you’re always in command of the safety of your passengers — and other boaters around you. Know the equally potentially dangerous effects of alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications on the water.

NEVER

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It’s A Different World

Don’t Let Drinking or Drugs Put You Under

In the marine environment — motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind, and spray — intensify the effect of alcohol and drugs. These “stressors” cause fatigue — and dramatically affect a boat operator’s coordination, judgment, vision, and reaction time.

The physical effects of BUI can directly threaten your safety and well-being:

There’s hidden danger too. Common prescription medications — like those for heart or blood pressure – could possibly have side effects that can be multiplied by environmental stressors. So BUI is a factor even for those who don’t drink or use dangerous drugs.

• Your inner ear can be disturbed, making it impossible to distinguish up from down if you fall in the water.

Levels of blood alcohol or medications that would have little impact on land can potentially cause a much greater degree of impairment for the operator of a boat.

• Your cognitive abilities and judgment deteriorate.

That’s one reason BUI is a clearly identified contributor to approximately 33% of fatal boating accidents.

• Your reaction time decreases.

• Your peripheral vision, night vision, focus, and ability to distinguish colors (particularly red and green) diminish.

• A physical sensation of warmth may make it easier to fall victim to hypothermia.

• Your balance and coordination are impaired.

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A boat operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.10% is estimated to be more than ten times as likely to die in a boating accident than a sober operator. Most states, and the federal government have a BAC limit of .08%. It’s ILLEGAL to operate a boat — any boat, from a canoe, rowboat, or PWC to the largest vessel — under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs. The U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies cooperate to enforce stringent state and federal laws. Penalties can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and even jail terms. If you are determined to be operating a vessel while intoxicated, the Coast Guard may terminate your voyage, board your vessel, arrest you, detain you until you are no longer intoxicated, or turn you over to state or local authorities.

Are You Under the Influence? This table shows the approximate impact of alcohol consumption based on body weight. Remember that many factors — including waterborne stressors, prescription medications, and fatigue — can increase the effects. There is no “safe” threshold for operating a boat!

Approximate Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Percentage Drinks

Body Weight in Pounds 100

120

140

160

180

200

220

240

1

0.04

0.04

0.03

0.03

0.02

0.02

0.02

0.02

2

0.09

0.07

0.06

0.06

0.05

0.04

0.04

0.04

3

0.13

0.11

0.09

0.08

0.07

0.07

0.06

0.06

4

0.18

0.15

0.13

0.11

0.10

0.09

0.08

0.07

5

0.22

0.18

0.16

0.14

0.12

0.11

0.10

0.09

6

0.26

0.22

0.19

0.17

0.15

0.13

0.12

0.11

7

0.31

0.26

0.22

0.19

0.17

0.15

0.14

0.13

8

0.35

0.29

0.25

0.22

0.20

0.18

0.16

0.15

9

0.40

0.33

0.28

0.25

0.22

0.20

0.18

0.17

10

0.44

0.37

0.31

0.28

0.24

0.22

0.20

0.18

Influenced RARELY

POSSIBLY

DEFINITELY

This table gives a guide to average impact of alcohol consumption for the number of drinks that are consumed over a one-hour period.

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Other Ways to Enjoy Boating Remember that cruising, fishing, paddling, skiing, and other water sports are enjoyable in their own right. Never use dangerous drugs. Be aware of the effects of certain prescription medications. And consider these alternatives to alcohol: • Consider having no alcohol aboard — intoxicated passengers are also at risk of injury and falls overboard. • Take other cool drinks, like sodas, water, iced tea, lemonade, or other non-alcoholic beverages. • Bring plenty of food and snacks. • Wear clothing that will keep you and your passengers cool in the summer, warm in the winter.

Join America’s Premier Safe Boating Organizations.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Established by Congress in 1939 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boasts nearly 33,000 members from all walks of life who receive special training so that they may be a functional part of Team Coast Guard. Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as public education, vessel safety checks, safety patrols, search and rescue, marine environmental protection and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth. Auxiliarists volunteer more than 2 million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families. Visit www.cgaux.org or call 1-877-875-6296 for information.

• Limit your trip to avoid fatigue.

The United States Power Squadrons® Organized in 1914, USPS is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation, and related subjects. Squadron members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. They enjoy participating with fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has some 60,000 members organized into 450 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Visit www.usps.org or call 1-888-FOR-USPS. ®

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Never Boat Under the Influence

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The Coast Guard thanks the following partners for their support of Boating Safety:

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary USCG Headquarters G-OCX 2100 2nd Street SW Washington, DC 20593 202-267-1001 www.cgaux.org United States Power Squadrons® 1504 Blue Ridge Road Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607 919-821-0281 www.usps.org National Association of State Boating Law Administrators 1500 Leestown Road, Suite 330 Lexington KY 40511 859-225-9487 www.nasbla.org National Safe Boating Council P.O. Box 509 Bristow, VA 20136 703-361-4294 www.safeboatingcouncil.org

National Water Safety Congress P.O. Box 1632 Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH, 44061 440-209-9805 www.watersafetycongress.org

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Get a Vessel Safety Check for your boat today. Visit VesselSafetyCheck.org or call 1-800-368-5647. Learn boating safety your way. Visit AmericasBoatingCourse.com or call 1-866-BOAT-ABC (1-866-262-8222) Never Boat Under the Influence. Visit uscgboating.org or call 1-800-368-5647 for more information. Wear Your Life Jacket. Visit uscgboating.org or call 1-800-368-5647 for more information.