A Course for Safe Boating

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72 California Boating A Course for Safe Boating
Chapter 3 u Vessel Operation
Hunting and Angling
People who hunt or fish from boats are also considered boaters. Too often,
hunters and fishers give little thought to their safety and equipment required
for their boats. Their lack of boating preparation can end in tragedy. If you
hunt or fish from a boat, you must remember to obey federal and California
boating laws and follow safe boating rules.
Precautions and responsibilities of hunters and anglers:
ƒ ƒ When using a boat as a sporting platform, give special thought to proper
loading and balance of the boat.
ƒ ƒ Obey the weight and passenger restrictions listed on the capacity plate.
ƒ ƒ Be aware that small boats can easily capsize or be swamped.
ƒ ƒ Avoid standing and keep the boat balanced when passengers move about.
Keep weight low and distribute gear evenly in the boat.
ƒ ƒ Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when on the water. Life
jacket styles include camouflage vests, fishing vests and float coats.
ƒ ƒ Wear and use your engine cut-off switch lanyard.
ƒ ƒ Dress in several layers under your life jacket because cold water can kill.
ƒ ƒ Recycle or throw away empty shell casings or old fishing line. Do not litter
the water or shoreline with your discards as they are harmful to wildlife.
ƒ ƒ Remain seated when shooting or casting.
ƒ ƒ Bring and display your licenses, tags and permits as required.
ƒ ƒ Transport unloaded firearms with the safety on and in a gun case while
under way.
TAKE NOTE
Monofilament fishing line can
entangle and kill wildlife, and cause
boat damage. It is not biodegradable
and can remain in the environment
for over 600 years.
One solution to this problem is
to properly discard used line at
recycling locations provided through
the California Department of Boating
and Waterways and the California
Coastal Commission’s Boating
Clean and Green program, the Keep
the Delta Clean and the Boat U.S.
Foundation programs.
Anglers may also mail used
monofilament fishing line to: Berkley
Recycling Collection Center at
1900 18th Street, Spirit Lake,
Iowa 51360-1099.
Scan QR code for
Boating Clean and
Green tips
WEBSITE
A list of fishing line recycling stations
is available at
FishingLine