Boating Safety is and should be your top priority when out on the Water. Every year hundreds of people lose their lives, thousands are injured and millions of dollars in property damage occurs when preventable
Boating accidents happen. All too often a fun day on the Water can turn tragic. Boater safety start with YOU. YOU can make the difference - avoid Water Accidents.
Before you get underway with either your Boat get a Free Vessel Safety Check (VSC). This is offered by experienced members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons. Even if you pay careful attention to Safety, dangerous mechanical problems can sneak up on the best-maintained Boat. That's why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational Boaters (including Personal Watercraft users) take advantage of the Free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program every year. This is your best way of learning about the problems that may put you in violation of state or federal laws or you can avoid danger to you or your passengers.
Yachting-n-Boating.com wants you to enjoy Boating, so get educated on the 'rules of the road' and your proper vessel operations before throttling up! We are here to guide you in the right direction because Boating is our Life and your an important part of our Boating Life! Besides we don't want you to get Busted!
Boating Safety: Looking to buy a Boat? Just bought a new Boat? Or have had a Boat for years? Well it doesn't matter what the situation, get educated. The time you spend getting educated could save your life or someone you know. I know, you've been Boating for years so your asking yourself, "why should I get educated I've done and seen it all".
We thought that as well but the United States Coast Guard and your State Officials want stricter recreational Boating laws to protect people and the environment. And this is great you know why, traffic on the Water is getting stronger! There are more Boats and Personal Watercraft then ever before so 8 to 40 hours of training or for the experienced Boater a 'refresher' can help everyone stay safe and protect our natural resources. Remember if you get your Captains License you can reduce your insurance policy premium! Getting educated saves money too (this is good news - put more fuel in the tanks)!
We are like some, been there done that, not really up to spending nights or weekends (weekends! Don't they know I have a Boat!) in a class room training on 'rules of the road'; but wait! There are great alternatives to class room training; get educated
on-line! Fit it into YOUR schedule not someone else's. The Marine Industry is catching on to the new wave of the on-line education world! On-line captain licenses are now available plus you can even upgrade that captains license to a Master's License which now you can launch a successful commercial Boating career!
What's the difference between a Captain's License (OUPV or 6-pack) and a Master's License?
Captain's License: Or the official name of the license is Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) or a 6-pack (and no we are not talking the kind you drink). This license allows you to take up to six passengers for hire on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons/100 miles offshore. The license will allow you the opportunity to earn money on the Water while doing something you have a passion for.
Master's License: Is an upgrade from the OUPV so you cannot get the Master's License without completing the OUPV first. This license allows you to take an unlimited number of passengers on inspected vehicles. Tonnage limitations, issued in 25-ton increments up to 100 tons, depend on your experience and sea time evaluation. A sailing endorsement also is required for operation of sailboats under this license. With the Master's License you really make some serious money by starting your own Charter Business! Learn more about starting your own Yacht Charter or Fishing Charter Business to see if this business is something that interests you.
Boating Safety Course: Maybe you don't want to spend all that time getting an official Captain's License, then go for the Boating Safety Course. This course is only 8 hours and provide valuable information. Did you know that some states require Boaters and PWC Operators to complete this course. Check you state laws before operating a vessel. Take the course that is approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators. Here are topics covered:
Accidents and Emergencies
Boat Operations
Boats and Motors
Equipment
Fueling and Ventilation
Marine Environment
Numbering and Registration
Navigation
Rules of the Road
Safe Loading and Powering
Personal Watercraft
Other Boating Safety Training: You could also go to your local book store and purchase books, magazines or computer software that can increase your knowledge of Boating Safety. But why go anywhere when you can visit The Boat Store here at Yachting-n-Boating.com and get all the books, magazines or software you need to educate yourself on Boating Safety. Knowledge is power, get you books and magazines now at The Boat Store. Check more Safety Equipment here.This information can also prepare you for taking one of the courses above. Here are some more basic Boating Safety Tips:
Watch the Weather Channel...(go below to the right!)
check you local news channel, newspaper or radio to avoid those dark rain clouds with high winds and rain. Stay home and rent a movie.
got you fully stock Coast Guard Safe Operations Kit on-board? This kit will have all your necessary safety equipment. Be sure to read through the Coast Guard Regulation Booklet.
Assign the Captain...
it's important that one person take charge, we don't need any 'back seat captains' out there; plus this person knows every aspect of the Boat and also establish another person on-board that can operate the Boat safely in case the captain is unable due to sickness or injury.
Float Plan...
don't leave the ramp or the dock without notifying someone on what your plan is for that day(s). Someone should when, where and your return time to ensure your back safely. Go as far as writing an itinerary with all information including the people with you.
Lifejackets...
wear them; they may not be fashionable or cool but it's better then drowning. Lifejackets today are small and lightweight without the bulky-ness. Type I or II are the most popular type Lifejackets for off-shore or in-land Waterways. Don't be caught without one, it's the law.
Learn to Swim...
doesn't matter how old you are; check your local American Red Cross or YMCA for swimming courses available.
Don't Drink and Boat...
same laws apply on the Water as they do on the road. The captain needs to be 'chem' free; designated captain.
Common Sense applies...
use your head and play it safe; don't cut corners; follow the rules of the road; keep your head on a swivel watch for people, other Boats, Ships, channel markers, navigational buoys, etc. Just because someone else did it, doesn't make it right for others to do.
This information above is to ensure your ready to push away from the dock and you know how to avoid unsafe Boating habits. These unsafe Boating habits can possibly get you in trouble so Yachting-n-Boating.com doesn't want you to get Busted! by the Water Cops or the U.S. Coast Guard for not being prepared. Happy Boating...
Check out the latest Boating and Yachting Accessories to stay compliant with safety laws and regulations at The Boat Store plus the coolest 'on-the-water' fashions from Apparel to Boat Shoes to Swimwear to Sunglasses from men, women and children. See you at the Store...
