Learn and Live: Powerboating Saftey
Media Release
Apr. 30, 2006

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People accept the fact that they need the necessary training and education to obtain an automobile driver's license. Everyone knows it takes hundreds of hours of study and training to receive an aircraft pilot's license. So it seems amazing, to me at least, that there are some people who feel that education and training aren''''t necessary to go powerboating!

Think about it. A boater is going out into a hostile environment, unless he or she can walk on water. And how often do you observe one person in a boat? Most likely any boat you see on the water contains family, or friends, or both. All too often their happy day of pleasure boating is cut short, sometimes with tragic results, by a skipper who has no real idea of what is needed aboard or what must be done to safely pilot the vessel.

It's a proven fact that the most dangerous piece of equipment on any boat is the loose nut behind the wheel. Safe boating is more fun!

Required Safety Equipment
The following is a list of equipment that is required in the United States. Safety equipment requirements vary from country to country. All boaters should obtain a list of the required equipment for the country where they plan to go boating. However, the following equipment should be aboard any prudent skipper's vessel.

1. Owner's/ Ship's Documents (Registration, Documentation)

2. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD); one or every person on board. (Make sure that they are the right size and fit properly).

3. A Throwable Flotation Device (A life ring or cushion)

4. Fire Extinguisher(s) (More & bigger is better)

5. Visual Distress Signals (Flares, orange smoke, etc.)

6. Proper Ventilation (so as not to trap gasoline fumes)

7. Backfire Flame Arrestor (for gasoline engines)

8. Sound producing Device (horn or whistle)

9. Navigation Lights

Optional Safety Equipment
The law does not generally require the following items, but you should have them aboard! For instance, you absolutely need a way to tie your boat to the dock. You need an anchor, not just for fun, but to keep you off the shore if your engine fails. A way to remove unwanted water from the inside of your boat is also important. There are many excellent reasons on why the following items should be aboard.

1. Dock lines

2. Anchor line & Anchor

3. First Aid Kit

4. Fenders - protect your investment

5. VHF Radio (see Navigation Equipment)

6. Tool Kit

7. Charts & a Compass (see Navigation Equipment)

8. Boat Hook

9. Extra Drinking Water - It can get hot out there!

10. Sun Screen (SPF 30 or more) - For that double dose of UV rays!

11. Bilge Pump

12. Flash Light

Learn and Live: Powerboating Saftey
Media Release
People accept the fact that they need the necessary training and education to obtain...
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