| boating is something that we all believe that we do | | | | provide a foundation of boat operational and safety |
| and think we know how to do, but the reality is | | | | instruction. Many boating classes will give you the |
| probably somewhat less than is desired. Being a | | | | knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety |
| lifelong fisherman and boater, I recognize the fact | | | | certification in many states. Many boat insurance |
| that many of us take boating safety for granted | | | | companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to |
| way too often. Neglecting the simplest of marine | | | | boaters who successfully complete boating safely |
| safety basics cause way to many accidents and | | | | course. |
| tragedies each year on our waterways. All to often | | | | A safe boater will always have the appropriate |
| we read about or hear about boating mishaps, boats | | | | nautical charts on board their vessel and will be |
| capsizing or a myriad of boat stories that do not end | | | | familiar with their surroundings. The exact meaning of |
| well, all because of lack of pre-planning or the lack of | | | | an aid to navigation may not be clear to the boater |
| general knowledge of boat safety. | | | | unless the appropriate marine chart is consulted. Also |
| One important tip would be to take a boating safety | | | | each boater should file a float plan with a friend or |
| course. There are many courses available across the | | | | family member that outlines the days activities that |
| country for all types of recreational boaters, and for | | | | are planned. This is helpful to provide the Coast |
| boaters of all ages. Taking one of these courses | | | | Guard with a general area to search in case you are |
| could mean the difference between a great day on | | | | not back home in a reasonable timeframe. |
| the water with your friends and family, or a bad | | | | It is also critical that your vessel have the necessary |
| experience that you would not wish upon your worst | | | | safety equipment onboard. The necessities include, |
| enemy. | | | | but are not limited to, personal flotation devices |
| You can seek out qualified volunteer organizations, | | | | (PFD's) that properly fit each person onboard, visual |
| such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power | | | | distress signals, flares for both day-time and |
| Squadron, and other sponsors that provide many | | | | night-time use, bell, whistle, fire extinguisher, throw |
| safety courses that are open to the general public. | | | | ring, cell phone, VHF radio. |
| Many state boating agencies also provide boat safety | | | | It is also important to have an understanding of |
| classes. | | | | navigation, aids to navigation and the rules of the |
| These courses will cover many aspects of boating | | | | road. These simple, yet often overlooked basics lead |
| safety, proper boat anchoring, safety equipment, | | | | to many unfortunate mishaps on the water. Aids to |
| boat handling skills, navigation, boating problems and | | | | navigation are the road signs on the water and it is |
| emergencies, trailering, storing and protecting your | | | | what controls how boats navigate and pass one |
| boat, to reading the weather, and classes geared to | | | | another. Learning to understand them requires |
| courses for kids and younger boaters who want to | | | | experience and practice. |
| learn boating and navigation skills. The most popular | | | | Protect yourself and your family, be better prepared |
| basic courses generally have from 6 to 13 lessons to | | | | the next time you go boating. |