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California Boating
A Course for Safe Boating
57
Chapter 3
u
Vessel Operation
WEBSITES
For more information about weather
terminology and conditions, visit
www.dbw.ca.gov/BoatingConditions
For assistance selecting launch
locations in California, see
www.
BoatingFacilityLocator.com
Passenger Boarding
The operator of a boat with an enclosed engine compartment should run the
blower for at least four minutes before boarding passengers.
When boarding a small boat, passengers should step to the middle of the
boat and sit down immediately.
Keep the mooring lines secured to the dock while passengers are climbing
aboard the boat.
If the boat is small, be sure every person sits down, and the gear is stowed
so that the boat is balanced.
Finally
Check
to see that you have enough distance (freeboard) between the water-
line and the gunwale. If not, your boat is overloaded.
Check
the direction of the wind and current.
Check
the area to make sure it is clear of other traffic. Proceed slowly to
reduce the wake and observe wake-free zones (5 mph).
When Under Way
Check
the lines. Trailing lines in the water can foul the propeller and
damage the engine.
Check
the speed. Always travel at a slow speed (5 mph.) when you’re close
to swimmers, docks, piers or crowded boat ramp areas.
Check
navigation rules and signs.
Check
both sides and aft before turning.
Check
meters and gauges frequently while underway.
Check
the weather, winds and tides. A good way to get weather reports is
to use a marine band radio. Detailed information can also be obtained by
tuning to local radio stations or the National Weather Radio broadcasts on
frequencies of 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.525, and 162.550 MHz
in areas where available or by consulting local news sources.
Check
charts for the local area for underwater objects, shoals, shipping
lanes and other hazards.
Check
for local hazards such as dams, bridges, power lines, changing tides
and low or high seasonal water.
Check
that everyone is properly seated and that the boat is balanced. It’s not
safe to have passengers riding on the bow, gunwales or transom of a boat.
Check
to make sure you reduce your wake. You are responsible for any
damage to other boats and property caused by your boat’s wake.
BE COURTEOUS
Courtesy is essential for safe boat
operation, and a major way to
prevent accidents.
Here are some examples:
Know the right-of-way rules and
respect the right-of-way of others.
Limit noise.
Lower your speed to reduce your
wake around others.
Do not spray other boats, water
skiers or bathers with your wake.
Keep a safe distance from docks,
bathers and fishing boats.