OutdoorNebraska

Chapter 6: Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat 48 Powerboats, sailboats, and personal watercraft (PWCs) offer many opportunities for their operators to enjoy the waters. Along with the enjoyment comes responsi- bilities—both to the passengers and to others who share the public waterways. Responsibilities of a Vessel Operator Sharing the fun of your vessel with your friends and family is all part of the boating experience. When you are operating a vessel, you have a responsibility to your passengers. You also are responsible when you let someone else drive your vessel. As the owner, you could be held liable for any damage caused by it, no matter who is driving at the time. Responsibility to Your Passengers As the operator of a vessel, you are responsible for ensuring that your passengers understand basic safety practices and laws. ◆ Use a pre-departure checklist (see sidebar) to make sure you've taken the necessary safety precautions. ◆ Before departing, have a safety discussion with everyone on board. Some of the things you should point out are: • Locations of emergency equipment—life jackets (PFDs), fire extinguisher(s), visual distress signals, first-aid kit, and bilge pump • The need for all passengers to wear a PFD, especially during times of high vessel traffic, severe weather, or any other dangerous boating conditions • Laws about reckless operation, required equipment, and waste disposal • Safety procedures for responding to a fire or someone falling overboard • How to signal for help or use the VHF radio to make a MAYDAY call • How to anchor the vessel and handle lines (ropes) ◆ Conduct emergency drills with your passengers so that everyone knows what to do in case of a boating emergency. Responsibility to Others You Allow To Operate Your Vessel You always should make sure that anyone operating your vessel understands his or her responsibilities as a driver and knows how to operate safely and responsibly. ◆ Before allowing others to operate your vessel: • Check that they meet the minimum age and boater education requirements for operation in your state (see Chapter 4). • Make sure they know basic boating safety and navigation rules. • Show them how to use the lanyard with the ignition safety switch and require them to use it. • Explain the importance of obeying "idle speed," "headway speed," or "slow, no wake" restrictions. • Stress the need to keep a proper lookout for other boaters and hazards. ◆ Before allowing others to drive your personal watercraft (PWC): • Check that they meet the minimum age and boater education requirements for PWCs (see Chapter 4). • Tell them that they have the same responsibilities as other vessel operators. • If they are new to PWCs, have them practice in an uncrowded area first. While near shore, show how to start and reboard the PWC properly. • Be sure to explain how to steer and control the PWC. Remind them to keep plenty of distance from other vessels and that power is required for steering control! • Point out that it is easy to have so much fun that you forget to watch where you are going. Tell them to make sure the area is clear before making a turn. Pre-Departure Checklist Before each trip, review a pre-departure checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a safe trip. ✓ Check the weather forecast for the area and timeframe during which you will be boating. ✓ Make sure the steering and throttle controls are operating properly. ✓ Check that all lights are working properly. ✓ Check for any fuel leaks from the tank, fuel lines, and carburetor. ✓ Check the engine compartment for oil leaks. ✓ Check hose connections for leaks or cracks, and make sure hose clamps are tight. ✓ Drain all water from the engine compartment, and be sure the bilge plug is replaced and secure. ✓ Make sure you have enough fuel or know where you can refuel. ✓ Check to be sure you have a fully charged engine battery and fire extinguishers. ✓ If so equipped, make sure the ignition safety switch and wrist lanyard are in good order. ✓ Make sure that you have the required number of personal flotation devices and that they are in good condition. ✓ Leave a float plan with a reliable friend or relative. Carefully explain all the important safety and operating points before allowing someone to operate your PWC. Never allow someone too young or too inexperienced to operate alone. See Chapter 4 for age requirements. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

• Cover