Tag: boating safety

Boating License 101: Must-Know Boating Regulations

Posted on Staff

man, woman and child on boatHave you ever been in a boat with an operator that seemed a bit reckless and/or ignorant of seemingly obvious safety issues?

Has anyone ever admitted to you that they have a boating license but that their spouse, child or friend took the online test for them?

If so, you will be interested to know there are a variety of ways to educate yourself and others on common boat terminology, regulations and restrictions.

When it comes to water sports you can never be too careful so share your knowledge with anyone operating a boat.

State Boating License Requirements

Most states require boat operators to obtain a boating license prior to driving in the water.

Obtaining a state license requires you to pass a written or online test.

Although state regulations may differ slightly there are numerous requirements that are the same across the country from lakes to oceans and rivers.

There are only eight states that do not require a boating license in the United States. America’s Boating Course has the full list showing which states require and which do not require a boating license.

Vessel Versus Boats and Ships

Vessel is a catch all term for all types of floating devices designed to carry people or goods. Larger boats and ships are usually referred to as vessels more often than smaller boats.

Boats are small vessels propelled by oars, sails, or engines.

Ships are large vessels that usually carry boats as a safety measure.

What Boats Need Registered

Small non-powered boats such as canoes and kayaks do not require a boating license.

Sailboats, personal watercraft (PWC) and power boat regulations differ state to state depending on the engines horsepower and/or the size of the boat.

Basic Terminology

Make sure to know these common terms for boats prior to taking the drivers seat.small boat near dock with labeling letters around it

A. Bow – front of the boat

B. Stern – rear of the boat

C. Port – the left side of the boat when onboard and facing bow

D. Starboard – the right side of the boat when onboard and facing the bow

Hull – main body of the boat (i.e. bottom, sides and deck)

These terms are just the beginning of the detailed information on regulations you will need to know to pass your test.

Other important terms include certain lights and other items that help one to pinpoint the direction and location of your boat in the water.

Age Variations

Alabama requires that all operators 12 and over pass a boating license test unless they were born prior to April 28, 1954. Those born prior to this date need a vessels license but are exempt from taking the test.

Other states only require vessels license for those under the age of 16.

The minimum age that can obtain a license in a lot of states is 12 but others are 14.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG)  has a detailed listing of age restrictions, personal flotation device requirements, minimum passing scores and more useful information broken down by state.

Approved Online Test

The USCG link above provides information regarding which states allow and which do not allow online testing. All of the states reviewed for this article, Lake Homes Realty states, allow online testing.

This link also provides a lost of several boating courses and tests boat operators must take.

Cost of Courses and Tests

Most states require an online course be taken prior to taking the test. Boater-ed.com offers online courses with the final exam at the end.

Pricing for the course and test in Texas is $20 whereas pricing in most of the Southeastern states is $29.50.

Boater Exam also offers courses by state and the online test for around the same pricing.

Renewal Periods

The majority of states have no expiration date for boating license certificates.

Texas boating license are only valid for a year and Minnesota boating licenses expire at the age of 18 when the license is no longer required.

Boating License 101 Extra Prep 

For the overachievers, Boater Exam has 134 videos on YouTube that detail all of the information you will need to take a boating license exam and be safe operating your boat or PWC.

Why Boating Regulations Matter

For your safety and the safety of those around you the knowledge of boating regulations, standards, requirements and terminology is priceless.

Knowing boating laws makes you all the wiser and more prepared for any adventure you may encounter even when your state does not require you to obtain a license.

Boating and Propeller Safety

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Did you know that a typical 3-blade propeller runs at 3,200 rpm? It can inflict 160 impacts each second.

A typical propeller from recreation vessel can travel from the head to the toe on a person in less than 1/10 of a second.

However, most of the propeller accidents can be avoided by following these guidelines for the best in propeller safety.

Measures of Prevention

boat propeller

There is an engine cut off lanyard that can be clipped and worn on a life jacket. If the lanyard is pulled from the switch, the engine shuts off automatically.

You should also have a person keep watch of the propeller area to ensure that people are a safe distance from it while in the water.

Safety Tips

  • Before you start the engine, walk to the back of your boat to ensure that there is no one near the propeller. People that are in the water may not be visible from the wheel.
  • Never allow your passengers to board or even exit the boat from the water when the engine is running. Even when it is in idle or in neutral, the propeller may spin.
  • Educate all of your passengers about the location, as well as the danger, of the propeller.
  • Call attention to, as well as discuss, any labels around the boat.
  • Be alert when you are operating the boat in congested areas. Never enter any swimming zones.
  • Take additional care when you have a skier being pulled behind your boat.
  • Never permit any passengers to ride on the gunwale, bow, seat backs, transom or anything that is not specifically designed to be a seat. They may fall overboard.
  • Children should always be watched very carefully.
  • Establish rules for the swimming platform, seating and boarding ladders.
  • If someone should fall overboard, stop immediately. Keep the person in sight, and move extremely slowly. Assign another passenger to continuously monitor the person in the water. Turn your engine off, and then you can bring the person on board.

Safety Equipment that Should be Used

  • Wireless Cut Off Switches
  • Guards for the Propeller
  • Ringed Propellers
  • Interlocks
  • Sensors
  • Anti-Feedback Steering

Propeller Guards Include

There are many different models of propeller guards.

No matter what brand it is, when you have a boat that you take your family on, you need a guard or cage to ensure that no one receives any injuries or worse.

Here are a few of the guards that are available.

  • Holton Marine Ltd: It is a ring guard that has holes in the side of its ring and bars to the rear of it.
  • Hydro Shield: This is a type of propeller guard that is mounted below the prop.
  • LyfGard Propeller Deflector: This is a deflector propeller guard.

For more information check out this safety pamphlet from the United States Coast Guard by clicking here.

 

Benefits of Living on a Lake with Boating Restrictions

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

If you’re interested in lakefront property, you may be put off by the idea of purchasing real estate on waters that might have boat restrictions.

You shouldn’t let boat restrictions scare you off though, as there are quite a few benefits you can enjoy from living on such a lake.

Boating restrictions on a peaceful lakeKeeps noise levels low

Some lakes have restrictions on the size of motor that can be used on their waters.

If you live on such a lake, you won’t have to worry about noise levels as much. This is because smaller motors tend to run more quietly. Not only will your time on the lake be more peaceful, but you’ll also be able to enjoy spending time on your own property more since you won’t be disturbed by noisy passing watercraft.

The fact that there is less noise on your restricted lake will make fishing more pleasant as well.

Keeps water conditions safer

A good number of boating accidents could be prevented if the right safety precautions were taken. As such, the requirement to register your boat helps keep you safer while out on the water. So does the requirement to take a boating safety class or have personal flotation devices with you at all times.

You might be surprised to know that nearly half of all boating accidents are related to alcohol use. You are more likely to encounter a drunken boater than you are an intoxicated motorist. Many states have enacted laws to deal with the dangers of drinking and boating, making it just as serious an offense as drinking and driving. The result is that your risk of being injured in a boating accident is greatly reduced.

More boating accidents happen at night than during the day. This is why it is important to have restrictions on nighttime boating. A few of the things that will help make boating safer at night include:
• Having extra patrols on the water
• Requiring boats to have proper illumination as determined by the U.S. Coast Guard
• Speed limitations

No Wake Zones

boating restriction, no wake zoneNo wake zones are typically enacted near fishing docks, piers, marinas, and bridges. This is in order to ensure safe conditions for everyone. If these zones weren’t enforced, it could be difficult to get in and out of your docked boat or might interfere with you fishing from the shore.

Not everyone is courteous enough to avoid making waves, so it’s actually to your benefit to have designated no-wake zones on your lakefront.

No wake zones also serve another purpose in that they protect boaters from dangers associated with flooding. Dangers such as extremely high currents or debris in the water.

Prevents Environmental Damage

Some bodies of water have strict regulations regarding sanitation and pollution control to prevent damage to the environment.

For example, the size and type of engine your boat carries could be regulated to keep exhaust fumes from contaminating the water and polluting the air around your lake. Others will have restrictions on the disposal of waste. This is so water quality is not affected. There might also be restrictions on launching your boat to prevent erosion along the shoreline.

These regulations allow your lake to be a habitat for native fish and wildlife. They are especially important if it is also a source of drinking water for you.

Sometimes Boating Restrictions are What You Want

Rather than be discouraged by boating restrictions, it would help if you considered how they benefit you and other home owners in your area. Most restrictions do not seriously affect your use of the water, and will not be overly burdensome for you to comply.

Don’t let the idea of boating restrictions stop you from realizing your dream of owning lakefront property, as boating restrictions will only enhance your enjoyment of the lake.