Safe boating is something that we all believe that we do and think we know how to do, but the reality is probably somewhat less than is desired. Being a lifelong fisherman and boater, I recognize the fact that many of us take boating safety for granted way too often. Neglecting the simplest of marine safety basics cause way to many accidents and tragedies each year on our waterways. All to often we read about or hear about boating mishaps, boats capsizing or a myriad of boat stories that do not end well, all because of lack of pre-planning or the lack of general knowledge of boat safety.

One important tip would be to take a boating safety course. There are many courses available across the country for all types of recreational boaters, and for boaters of all ages. Taking one of these courses could mean the difference between a great day on the water with your friends and family, or a bad experience that you would not wish upon your worst enemy.

You can seek out qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron, and other sponsors that provide many safety courses that are open to the general public. Many state boating agencies also provide boat safety classes.

These courses will cover many aspects of boating safety, proper boat anchoring, safety equipment, boat handling skills, navigation, boating problems and emergencies, trailering, storing and protecting your boat, to reading the weather, and classes geared to courses for kids and younger boaters who want to learn boating and navigation skills. The most popular basic courses generally have from 6 to 13 lessons to provide a foundation of boat operational and safety instruction. Many boating classes will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete boating safely course.

A safe boater will always have the appropriate nautical charts on board their vessel and will be familiar with their surroundings. The exact meaning of an aid to navigation may not be clear to the boater unless the appropriate marine chart is consulted. Also each boater should file a float plan with a friend or family member that outlines the days activities that are planned. This is helpful to provide the Coast Guard with a general area to search in case you are not back home in a reasonable timeframe.

It is also critical that your vessel have the necessary safety equipment onboard. The necessities include, but are not limited to, personal flotation devices (PFD’s) that properly fit each person onboard, visual distress signals, flares for both day-time and night-time use, bell, whistle, fire extinguisher, throw ring, cell phone, VHF radio.

It is also important to have an understanding of navigation, aids to navigation and the rules of the road. These simple, yet often overlooked basics lead to many unfortunate mishaps on the water. Aids to navigation are the road signs on the water and it is what controls how boats navigate and pass one another. Learning to understand them requires experience and practice.

Protect yourself and your family, be better prepared the next time you go boating.

Boating Safety by the Arizona Game and Fish Department www.azgfd.gov

A boat is a means of recreation, fun and pleasure. To a boating buff, there can be nothing more exciting than skimming in a boat across a protected coastal area, splashing water around. Like any other exciting recreation, boating is also a little risky. This necessitates careful boat maintenance. Unless the boat is maintained well and kept in a perfect condition, accidents may happen during boating.

Boat maintenance calls for double carefulness: the boat should be kept nice looking from outside through polishing and other such works and the engine must be taken care of well to keep it in perfect condition. Taking care of a boat from both these fronts is very important. If the boat does not look attractive, the pleasure of riding in it will be diminished. And if the engine is not taken care of well, there may be risk of accidents.

Making boat maintenance easy for all, boat accessory industry offers lots of options. There are a number of tools and kits to be used to maintain a boat properly. Epoxy, paint and varnish, refinishing materials, cleansers and polishes, glues, sail repair and battens, lubricants and anti-corrosion, sealants: there is a plethora of options available for those who want to keep their boats in good condition, both internally and externally.

A boat needs to be parked, sometimes not in a very safe place. Hence, there remains the risk of its being getting damaged. To prevent this from happening, it needs to be covered. There are a whole lot of options in boat covers. No matter whether one wants to cover the top or the bottom of the boat, there is necessary cover for him. Made with good materials and dyed in beautiful colours, boat covers come handy to protect them from all sides. Thus, boat maintenance has become not only easy but also fun.

Having a buoyancy device at hand for anyone in an overboard situation should be your top priority.

An essential device

Thinking that people shouldn’t fall overboard because they are attached by a lifeline is foolish. The chances are high that a man overboard situation could happen, and if it’s offshore or at night or when there are rough waves, the ability to locate the person is of the greatest importance.

This is when danbouys come into their own. A light is an essential device, but if the light is supported above the water, it will improve visibility and aid an efficient recovery. In the RYA Boat Safety Handbook it recommends that category A and B vessels should have a danbouy onboard. It’s also a RORC and ORC requirement.

Being able to spot a man overboard is just one benefit of the danbouy. If you are the man in question, having surfaced, you will see the boat disappearing fast. Imagine the comforting sight of the danbouy flag telling you that your crew are returning to rescue you. Swimming to the danbouy would be the best course of action, and if you were without a life jacket, you would hopefully find a horseshoe lifebelt attached.

Which type?

There are two types of products on the market: rigid float and rod, or inflatable. Jimmy Green makes four rigid models designed to cover inshore, coastal, offshore and ocean use. Three of the models have telescopic rods for easier storage, and all carry a flag. The top two models can be fitted with a Plastimo light, activated by a magnetic switch. Plastimo are offering a new danbouy to replace the existing rigid model, launching very shortly. They also produce an inflatable buoy.

Inflatable danbouys come in a compact in a compact pushpit-mounted canister. The bouy is developed by detaching the canister from the holder and throwing it over the side. A light line attached to the holder then activates a CO2 cylinder which inflates the buoy. There are three models available in the UK: Plastimo, Jonbouy and Seago. The distributors of Jonbouy are due to replace the current Jonbouy, and Seago are in the process of reviewing their current model.

5 Top Tips

Always practice setting up your danbouy, and all your other lifesaving equipment, with your crew.

There are many ways to deploy the flag, the most popular way is from a tube. Flake the fabric with concertina folds and a single wrap around the flag before it is inserted into the tube, ready to unfold. If your danbouy is stored unextended, make sure it is fully extended when conditions demand.

With inflatable danbouys, always check them on a yearly basis. Weigh the gas cylinder, inflate the bouy manually to check for air tightness and check floating line for wear and UV degradation.

Always attach a drogue to the danbouy to limit drift.

If you have discovered how fun and exciting boating can be, you are probably familiar with the wide selection of boating equipment that is available. The way that you plan on using your boat will largely determine the boat equipment you need.

Certain boats are used for short trips, while others are perfect for longer adventures. Take the time to research boats so that you can make the best purchase.

First, decide what you want to do with your new boat. Do you want to sit around in the evenings swapping fishing stories? If so, you will want a boat designed for day trips or overnight stays and one that is easily able to navigate waterways to reach the best fishing spots. Consider the all-purpose motor boats, a bass boat or even an air boat.

Perhaps you are a big fan of water sports. If so, you can have your pick of motor boats. They come in a number of sizes, shapes, and prices. Water skiing is one of the more popular sports. There are plenty of boats that will work well for that purpose.

If sailing is your passion, you may want to consider a cruising sailboat. These boats combine the excitement of sailing with the convenience of plumbing and cooking facilities. These boats are designed primarily for weekend trips or short vacations, but many are actually large enough to live aboard.

However, novice sailors or those with limited budgets may prefer a dinghy sailboat. These smaller, less expensive boats are perfect learning vessels and some even convert to rowboats.

If money is no object, you might want to invest in a houseboat or even a yacht. These large ships are graciously appointed with living quarters, plumbing and cooking facilities, and even mini-bars.

This type of ship is designed to be lived in for long periods. Some owners choose to forego other living accommodations in order to live full time onboard.

There is no one-size-fits-all determination of the best boat for any situation. You can get advice from other boat owners by visiting a boating forum. Also, read up on the different types of boats in a wide variety of boating books.

Make sure that you understand the different types of boats available including differences in motor types, facilities, and legal and insurance requirements. Do your homework before you go shopping for your new boat equipment.

You want to buy the best, most reliable, boat equipment for your new boat. Once you have discovered the boat you want, take the time to find the proper equipment. Expect a huge fluctuation in prices.

Be prepared to visit several dealers, as very few dealers offer all options. Finding the right boat equipment will make owning a boat a very pleasant experience.

Question by nikki: Does anyone know where I can find the “Who stays on the boat?” Ethics debate?
There is an exercise that poses a dilemma regarding a sinking boat and who gets to live. Like on board is family, pregnant woman, priest, children etc. Does anyone know where I can find that list of options? Also I’d like any other moral/ethics exercises like that. Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by Tyler17
Oh but of course

http://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/skillszone/personaltutorvle/PERSONAL%20TUTOR/activities/activities/Life%20Boat%20Exercise.doc

Add your own answer in the comments!

Edgewater, MD (PRWEB) December 1, 2005

In response to requests from boat owners who want to gain a working knowledge of American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) standards and how the standards affect them when it comes to simple repair and maintenance on their boats, ABYC will be offering three educational courses for boat owners in 2006. These courses will assist attendees in either completing do-it-yourself tasks in a compliant fashion, or enable them to ensure that others do the work according to the ABYC standards.

Bonnie Barsa, ABYC Education Director said, “As both a recognized leader in the writing of safety standards and education for the marine industry, we felt providing such educational offerings was a natural progression for ABYC. The first two topics chosen – Basic Electricity for the Boater and Basic Diesel Engines for Boat Owners – were selected not only because they address the most relevant types of problems a boater may come across, but they are two areas where not completing repairs in accordance with standards could create possible safety problems within those systems. By holding a two-day course that includes a hands-on component, attendees will receive a more complete program with practical applications to help keep their boats in top condition and provide a safer boating experience.”

Course information:

Basic Electricity for the Boater

This two-day program is designed to teach the boat owner the basic information they need to know to perform simple repair, troubleshooting and maintenance procedures on their boat’s electrical system. The course will begin with a look at electricity fundamentals and how some of the basic ABYC standards apply, and once the fundamentals are set in place, participants will learn how to take electrical measurements and what those measurements mean. Attendees will also review some common electrical system tests that can be performed to see if their boat’s electrical system is designed in accordance with ABYC standards. On the second day, the class will get an opportunity to apply their new found skills on a boat.

Dates: January 10 – 11, 2006

Location: Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

Cost: 5.00

Dates: February 15 – 16, 2006

Location: Miami Convention Center, Miami,FL (during the Miami Boat Show)

Cost: Special Boat Show Price – 9.00

Basic Diesel Engines for Boat Owners

This two day course will provide the participant with the information they need to understand the needs of their engine and how to keep it running in tip-top form. The class will begin with a look at how a diesel engine works, and a comparison of it to a gasoline fueled engine. Students will explore each of the needs in detail, and all material discussed will be presented in a generic manner – so no matter what type of diesel engine they have, the information conveyed will apply. On day two, course participants will get an opportunity to apply their new skill sets on a real engine and all of it’s ancillary support systems.

Dates: March 1 – 2, 2006

Location: Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

Cost: 5.00

Skip Burdon, ABYC President said, “By offering such courses to boating consumers, we want to show them the value of ABYC through education, and in turn – spread the word about ABYC. There are a lot of interested boat owners out there who are thirsty for knowledge on ABYC and our standards. We want to provide them with the information they are looking for and ultimately, by giving boaters a working knowledge of ABYC through topics of interest to them, we hope they will be confident enough to complete simple repairs in a compliant fashion, or know that when services are needed – whether buying a new boat, needing repairs/maintenance or a surveyor – they should seek out ABYC members.”

Registration information and detailed descriptions for any of the courses can be found at www.abycinc.org, or you can contact the ABYC Education department at (410) 956-1050.

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for over 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as education and certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM, online (Web-STIR) and in printed form. Membership and general information can be requested by visiting the ABYC web site at www.abycinc.org.

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Inflatable Pontoon Boats …Trout Fishing Made Easy

Inflatable pontoon boats are popular choices for trout fishing in rivers, streams and lakes. When you compare them to wading pontoon boats allow you to cover a lot larger area in order to find where the fish are hiding.

Pontoon boat provide an enormous amount of stability as compared to canoes and their lightweight makes them easy to transport.These boats have a frame the contains the anglers’ seat and a large pontoon on either side.They are either manoeuvred with oars or you can attach a small electric motor.

Canoes are narrow and very easy to capsize while the much wider inflatable pontoon boat is extremely stable but easily manoeuvred around.The majority of pontoon boats have an inflatable bladder but there are some models with solid bladder pontoons.The pontoons have a V-shape that makes the boat easy to manoeuvre through weeds and around deadfalls or tree branches that might be hanging over the water.

Inflatable pontoon fishing boats are also rather spacious when compared to a canoe, while much lighter and less cumbersome than a rowboat. The extra room comes in handy especially if there is more than one angler on the boat.

One advantage of these fishing boats is that many are stable enough to stand up on while fishing.This also provides you with a better vantage point to see fish swimming or feeding close to the surface.With a canoe you are very limited and have to stay seated for safety, this restricts your ability to see fish. Many trout fishing areas require that anglers cover miles of fishing ground before finding the right spot where the fish are biting. If you are restricted to wading, cover a lot of area is very difficult if not impossible.A pontoon fishing boat provides the perfect solution in such cases.

Inflatable pontoon boats are designed to be portable. Models with inflatable bladders can fit in the trunk of a car while solid bladder models will easily fit in the back or your pick-up truck.Both models are light enough for one person to handle quiet easily.

Pontoon fishing boats are designed for ruggedness including the ability to handle white water.While most pontoon boats can easily handle Class III white-water there are some models that are sturdy enough to handle even the toughest Class IV white-water.So these boats are more than capable of handling the toughest trout fishing rivers and lakes.

Many inflatable pontoon boatsare speciallydesigned for trout fishing and have built-in storagethat allow the angler to efficiently storetheir fishing rods and reels, tackle, nets, and other equipment.

Getting the hang of manoeuvring your personal pontoon boat is not difficult at all.The paddling frames are designed to maximize the efficiency of your strokes.With a little practise you will easily master the technique and no fishing spot will be out of your reach.

Inflatable or solid bladder the choice is yours and it will depend on your particular circumstances.For instance, what type of vehicle do you own, a car or a truck?Inflatable boats are smaller and can fit in the trunk of a car but the trade off is they take longer to set up.Even with their rugged design the inflatable pontoon runs the risk of being punctured.But if you are carrying a repair kit (which you should be) punctures are relatively easy to fix.

Getting to your favourite honey hole is easy with an inflatable pontoon fishing boat.In this way, they can get the most out their precious fishing time.The convenience and versatility of these boats can not be over stated.The pontoon fishing boat comes in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet most anglers’ requirements.

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