| Operating Rules |
| You are legally responsible for for the safety of those on your
boat, any damage your boat causes to other boats and property,
and all others injured by any damage you cause. Just like driving
a car, if you don't know and obey the rules, the fact that you
didn't know them is NOT a valid defense. Important: The law also
says you're GUILTY if you cause an accident because you're "right"
and therefore elect not to prevent the accident. These graphics
show some (but not all) "right of way" rules. (horn signals and
navigation lights are not covered here.) |
| CROSSING: Every boat has a DANGER ZONE from straight in front (the bow)
to past the middle of its right side. Like when meeting another
car at a street intersection, the one on the RIGHT has the RIGHT
OF WAY. You must YIELD to boats in your DANGER ZONE. |
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| POWERBOATS MUST YIELD TO SAILBOATS and boats being rowed or paddled, except in a narrow channel.
Stay well clear of all big vessels. |
| OVERTAKING: Be ready for trouble when a power boat passes you in a narrow
waterway. As the lead boat (which always has the right of way)
stay on your side of the channel and maintain a steady speed so
that the overtaking vessel can pass you safely. Use your radio
to discuss this with the passing boat. |
| MEETING: As in a car, both stay to your right & as far apart as practical,
so its easier & safer to cross each other's wake. (Okay to pass
left, if both know the plan.) Give notice by steering to the right
or left while still far apart. Then stay with that plan unless
the other boat indicates otherwise. If you have a CB of VHF, use
it. Be careful. |
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| Take time to be safe |
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Do: |
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Observe the Rules of the Road |
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Carry a life preserver for each person on board: keep life preservers
handy and PUT THEM ON in adverse conditions. |
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Instruct at least one of your crew in the rudiments of handling
your craft in case you are injured or become incapacitated. |
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See that all hands know what to do in an emergency and where to
find the safety equipment. |
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Check weather and tides before going out. |
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Check the gasoline system, and make sure that the tanks are vented
and that bilges are free of vapors, oil, waste and grease. |
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Be sure that you have enough fuel with plenty to spare. |
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Check your battery, lights and other equipment. |
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Reduce speed through all anchorage and moorage areas. |
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Reduce speed at night and during periods of poor visibility. |
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Maintain a proper lookout at all times. |
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Take your time in buying a boat or equipment: a bad “bargain”
could cost you your life. |
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| Don't: |
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Overload your boat or allow passengers to move about in a way
that may change its balance. |
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Leave shore in a leaky, damaged or poorly constructed boat. |
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Venture into dangerous or restricted areas. |
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Operate near swimmers or divers |
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Forget that your wake can endanger others |
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Use gasoline stoves. |
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Lie at anchor with a short scope of line. |
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Mix liquor or drugs with boating. |
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| Remember: |
| A boat operator is responsible for any damage to persons or property
caused by his wake!!! |
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Take time to safely refuel
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| Before Refueling: |
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Fill portable tanks on dock. |
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Secure boat to dock. |
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Locate fire extinguisher. |
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Close hatch, doors and ports. |
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Refrain from smoking. |
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Shut down engines. |
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Ground gas nozzle. |
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Don’t top off tank. |
| After Refueling |
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Replace fuel tank cap. |
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Clean up any fuel spillage. |
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Open hatches, doors, ports. |
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Ventilate bilge blower for at least four minutes before starting
engine. |
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Use your nose to check for gas odors. |
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| These articles are excerpts from the Washington State Boating
Safety Officers Association and the OnWater websites. |
