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Tips for safe boating
The 10 basic rules of boating safety
1. Carry adequate safety equipment.
2. Carry approved and suitable personal floatation devices (lifejackets).
3. Tell someone where you are going.
4. Know the rules and regulations.
5. Watch the weather.
6. Carry sufficient fuel and water
7. Guard against fire (ensure that there is no fuel in the bilge and that fuel lines are not leaking).
8. Ensure that your engine will be reliable (service it regularly).
9. Do not overload your boat (gear or people).
10. Do not mix alcohol or drugs and boating.
Safety equipment requirements
Lifejackets
All recreational boats must carry one Type I, II, III, or V wearable PFD (personal floatation device) for each person aboard the boat. For Type V PFDs to be counted they must be used according to their label requirements. Any boat 16ft and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one Type IV throwable PFD.
PFDs must be Coast Guard Approved, in good and serviceable condition, and of appropriate size for the intended user. Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible, you must be able to put them on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency. They should not be stowed in plastic bags, in locked or closed compartments or have other gear stowed on top of them. Throwable PFDs must be immeadiatly available for use.
Some states require the PFDs be worn by children of specific ages.
Visual Distress Signals
All vessels used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and those waters connected directly to them, up to a point where a body of water is less than two miles wide, must be equipped with U.S.C.G. approved visual distress signals for day and night use.
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Pyrotechnic Devices
Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be Coast Guard Approved, in serviceable condition and readily accessable. They are marked with a date showing the service life, which must not have expired. Launchers manufactured before January 1, 1981, intended for use with approved signals, are not required to be Coast Guard Approved. If pyrotechnic devices are selected a minimum of three are required. That is three signals for days use and three signals for night use. Some pyrotechnic signals meet both day and night use requirements. Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry location. A watertight container painted red or orange and prominently marked "Distress Signals" is recommended.
Fire Extinguishers
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Minimum number of hand portable fire extinguishers required
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Vessel Length
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No Fixed System |
With Approved Fixed System
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Less than 26'
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1 B-I
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0
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26' to less than 40'
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2 B-I or 1 B-II
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1 B-I
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40' to 65'
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3 B-I or 1 B-II and 1 B-I
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2 B-I or 1 B-II
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Inspect extinguishers monthly to make sure that:
Seals and tamper indicators are not broken or missing
Pressure gauges or indicators read in the operable range.
There is no obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzles.
Weigh extinguishers annually to assure that the minimum weight is as stated on the extinguisher label.
If your boat has a halon unit, make sure it is inspected annually and tagged within six months of being inspected by a recognized authority.
All portable extinguishers must be mounted in a readily accessible position.
Sound Producing Devices
Any vessel 12 meters or less in length is required to carry a whistle or horn, or some other means to make an efficient sound signal to signal your intentions and to signal your position in periods of reduced visibility. Any vessel 12 meters or more in length are required to carry a whistle or horn, and a bell.
This information is intended to give you an idea of the equipment requirements for boats. For more information and requirements for specific boats you can contact the Boating Safety Hotline (1-800-368-5647). For information on boating safety courses call 1-800-336-2628.
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