Knowledge of Watercraft Safety a must for all Boat Operators

Written by: micheline.middlesworth.iphoneboatingblackberryboati
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010

If you own a boat, are thinking of buying a boat or thinking of even riding in one, you must know the basics of watercraft safety. In North America hundreds drown each year, and many people die in boating accidents. Almost 90 percent of the people who drown in boating accidents did not wear an approved floatation device. Alcohol is a factor in many boating related drownings. The operator of the boat is responsible for the safety of all the passengers in the boat. If you have a friend or family member with a boat, they should be trained in all aspects of safety procedures. In Canada and the USA there are many regulations and guidelines for pleasurecraft operations, with restrictions and licensing requirements. Taking a watercraft safety course will ensure that you are ready for all situations when they arise.

Here are some of the responsibilities of the boating operator:



Before taking passengers onboard, you must tell them the location of all personal floatation devices, the proper technique for putting them on, and stress the importance of wearing a PFD at all times. As the operator of a boat, you are responsible to tell your passengers where the emergency kit is located, and instruct them on their role in case of an emergency. For example, they should know how to operate the boat if something happens to you, signal for help, and respond if someone falls overboard. People who regularly participate in boating activities should take the time to practice rescue and emergency procedures so that all persons onboard are familiar with the use of all safety equipment, the role and responsibilities and the movement of the boat.

As an owner, you are responsible any time you lend your boat or personal water craft. Make sure the person borrowing your boat is responsible, the person borrowing your boat has a pleasure craft operator card. Also review local boating hazards, handling characteristics of your boat, navigation rules, location and use of your emergency equipment, which should be readily accessible. You, and the operator who is borrowing your boat, are responsible to make sure that all required safety equipment is on board. Make sure the operator knows that he must follow all rules.

You are always required to operate your boat in a safe manner. You decide on a safe speed by assessing the number of boats in the area, other activities on the water, your distance from shore, local hazards, posted speed limits, water conditions, wind speed and visibility. If you do not follow all these common sense rules, you can be charged under the small vessel regulations or the criminal code. When operating a boat, it is your responsibility to watch for other boats and any form of distress. You are required by law to offer assistance, as long as you do not place yourself, your passengers or your boat in danger. As a boat operator, you must protect the waters from trash, oil, and human waste. Make sure you properly dispose all trash and human waste on shore. Clean up fuel and oil spills immediately with a cloth, then dispose of the cloth on shore. Report anyone you see polluting to the local authorities.
Designed and demonstrated by certified watercraft safety professionals, the Watercraft Safety Course application from RediVideos is available for iPhone and BlackBerry. It offers simple to understand video instruction for all regulated boating safety procedures. Download the app at iTunes or Blackberry stores. For more information visit our website Redivideos.com watercraft safety iphone and blackberry apps.

Jim Briggs

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