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70

California Boating 

A Course for Safe Boating

Chapter 3

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Vessel Operation

Choose your boat carefully

You should select a boat by how you plan to use it. For example, a flat-

bottomed boat is not safe on the ocean, and boats with a deep vee hull will

have difficulty navigating in shallow water. Choose a boat according to:

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The intended boating activities or special purposes.

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The bodies of water where you’ll operate the boat.

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Your skill level.

Powerboats come in many types. Utility or jon boats are widely used for

fishing and hunting in protected waters. Runabouts are commonly used for

fishing, water skiing and cruising. Cruisers offer more room and special

features, such as cuddy cabins, berths, heads and galleys. Personal watercraft

(PWC) are for recreation or light duty.

Before leaving the dock, start the engine while you review your

pre-departure checklist of your boat and its safety gear. This will give

the engine time to warm up.

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Check

the weather reports. Look for any threatening clouds such as

thunderheads or approaching fronts.

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Check

the boat, engine and fuel lines for leaks. 

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Check

the battery, motor and propeller to make sure they work properly.

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Check

the fire extinguishers, ventilation system and other safety equipment

to make sure all of them are working properly.

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Check

the oil and fuel levels. Plan on using no more than one-third of the

fuel to reach your destination. To be safe, use one-third of the fuel going

out, one-third to return and keep one-third as a reserve. 

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Check

the first aid kit and all safety equipment including life jackets.

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Check

the anchor and line.

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Check

the radio to make sure it’s working.

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Check

for your backup power source (oars, paddles, or a motor) and

bailing equipment.

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Check

that your float plan is filed with the local marina and a friend or

relative. Remember to notify them when you return.

If the trip is taking you offshore or to a remote region:

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Take along tools and spare engine parts. Useful tools include wrenches,

screwdrivers, duct tape, a hammer and vise grips. Spare parts include spark

plugs, a fuel pump, fuel filter for diesel engines, lubricant, sheer pins and

drive belts.

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Have a back-up VHF radio and/or a cellular phone.

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Bring foul-weather clothing and survival suits in cold-water regions.

WEBSITE

For more information about courtesy

vessel examinations, visit:

www.

safetyseal.net

TAKE NOTE

When weather reports indicate

the possibility of thunderstorms,

be on the lookout for the

formation of cumulus clouds

growing larger—the first indicator

of an approaching storm.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can receive a free, vessel safety

check without risk or obligation.

Specially trained members of the

Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S.

Power Squadrons provide this

service for recreational boats.