Boating has become a popular means of recreation for many Americans. Every summer, lakes, rivers, and coastlines are packed with watercraft of all types. Whether you plan to take a motorboat, sailboat, or canoe on the water, there are a few things you should know first.
Most states and many local governments require a boating license to operate a powered craft on waterways not entirely confined to private property. In some jurisdictions, you cannot register your boat until you have taken a course in water safety and passed a boater's exam. Age restrictions apply in most areas, and minors may not be permitted to control a boat even with a licensed boater on board. Training for the exam can usually be found at the websites for the state's parks and wildlife department. The U. S. Coast Guard also has online tutorials available.
You should learn which craft has the right of way in various situations. For example, a rowboat or other non-powered craft will have the right of way over a powered craft. A boat with an engine that is stopped, such as a fishing boat where the occupants are engaged in fishing, will also have the right of way.
Part of your boating exam will likely cover the safety equipment you must have. While the exact list will vary by jurisdiction, all will include life-saving devices. You may be required to carry at least one U. S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person onboard. Children are typically required to wear theirs at all times. In some instances, life preservers or floatation cushions may be acceptable substitutes for the adult vests.
Every boat has a designation from the manufacturer that states how many people may be carried safely. The information is normally included on a metal plate that is permanently attached. Exceeding the stated capacity can subject you to fines and, worse, may result in injury to your passengers. In extreme situations, the extra weight has been known to contribute to a boat's sinking.
For watercraft that will be operating after dark, the Coast Guard has established a schedule for the number of lights that should be attached. The regulations also specify where they should be mounted, the colors, and when they must be engaged. The schedule is based on the size and type of the craft involved, and a complete chart can be found online.
Most states have laws that prohibit driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even if it is not expressly forbidden by local law, it is just as bad an idea to get behind the wheel of a boat as the wheel of a car when you are impaired. If necessary, appoint a "designated boater" who can refrain from consuming alcohol in order to operate the watercraft safely.
As more people have taken to the water for recreation in recent decades, many areas have become quite crowded. Traffic not only includes canoes and powerboats, but jet skis and kayaks as well. Knowing the rules for boating safety can help ensure that your outing ends well for you, your passengers, and other boaters.
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Taking the boat on Lake Ontario this weekend? Don't get caught without an Ontario boat licence. Take time today to sit a boat test. You can take the test online and have a PCOC License today.
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