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Chapter 3 �

Operating Your Boat…Safely

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Key Topics

Navigation Rules
Navigation Lights
Night Navigation
Navigation Aids
Compasses and Charts
Sound Signals

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Key Topics

Casting Off and Docking
Anchoring
Jet-Propelled Watercraft Operation
Engine Cut-Off Switches
Changing Water Levels
Dams, Locks, and Bridges

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Objectives

You should be able to…

Give three major responsibilities of a vessel operator.
Explain what to do when encountering another vessel.
List the types of nighttime navigation lights and explain how to interpret them.
Explain what to do when encountering buoys and markers of the U.S. Aids to Navigation System.

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Objectives

Use and understand sound signals.
Cast off and dock under different wind and current conditions.
Anchor a vessel correctly.
Operate a personal watercraft safely and courteously.

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Objectives

Explain how an engine cut-off switch works.
Explain how to use a compass and read a nautical chart.
Explain what to do when encountering various hazards—dams, locks, bridges, and changing water levels.

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Navigation Rules

Three basic rules of navigation:

Practice good seamanship.
Keep a proper lookout.
Maintain a safe speed.
Failure to do any of these = primary causes of boating accidents.

Q-39

Q-41

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Navigation Rules

Rules of Responsibility

All boaters are responsible for preventing collisions.
Departure from the rules is ok if necessary to avoid collision.
Make this decision based on:

All the dangers of navigation
The risk of a collision
Any special conditions

Q-22

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Navigation Rules

Rendering Assistance

Required to stop and render assistance to vessels in distress
unless doing so would endanger your vessel, you, your crew, or passengers.

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Navigation Rules

The action a vessel operator should take when encountering another vessel depends on:

How the two vessels are propelled
How the two vessels are approaching one another

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Navigation Rules

Always give way to:

Anchored or disabled vessels
Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver
Vessels constrained by their draft
Commercial fishing vessels

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Hierarchy of �Maneuverability

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Navigation Rules

Two terms help explain what to do when encountering other vessels.

Give-Way Vessel

Stand-On Vessel

Q-46

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Navigation Rules

Give Way Vessel must stay out of the way of other boats.

Slowing down and changing course noticeably are visual signs to other boats that you are altering course to avoid collision.

Give-Way Vessel

Stand-On Vessel

Q-46

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Navigation Rules

Stand on Vessel must maintain course and speed and act in a predictable manner so the give way boats can decide what maneuver they need to make to stay clear and avoid collision.

Give-Way Vessel

Stand-On Vessel

Q-46

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Navigation Rules

Avoid collision at all costs – even running aground is preferable to collision!

If the give way vessel does not take appropriate action and a risk of collision exists, then break the rule and change speed or course to avoid collision.

Give-Way Vessel

Stand-On Vessel

Q-46

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Meeting Head-On

Power

Give Way!

Power

Give Way!

Power

Give Way!

Sail

Stand on!

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Crossing Situations

Power boat

Stand on

Power boat

Give way

Sail boat

Stand on

Power boat

Give way

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Overtaking

“A”

Give way

“B” Stand on

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Meeting, Crossing, Overtaking

Two power boats – depends on position and direction and speed of travel
Power and Sail – power give way - sail is stand on EXCEPT when overtaking. In every case, the overtaking vessel is the give way vessel.

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Meeting, Crossing, Overtaking

Two sail boats –

With the wind on the same side, the sailboat on the starboard tack stands on.
On different sides, the boat to the downwind side (leeward) is the stand on vessel.

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Navigation at Night

White Sector

red equals danger, stop, don’t go here.

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Navigation at Night

White Sector

Green means go, safe to proceed

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Quick Review

What should a vessel operator do to keep a proper lookout?

Watch for navigational hazards.

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Quick Review

When is a sailboat under sail the GIVE WAY vessel when encountering a power driven vessel?

When the sailboat is OVERTAKING the power driven vessel.

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Quick Review

What should the operators of a PWC and a motorboat do when approaching head-on?

Both vessels should turn to starboard (right).

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Quick Review

If a sailboat is operating with its engine running and its sails up, is it considered a sailboat or a powerboat?

With or without sails raised, is considered to be a power-driven vessel.

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Quick Review

When two vessels are operating in the same general area, who is responsible for avoiding a collision?

The operator of BOTH vessels.
Do whatever you need to do to avoid collision. Everyone needs to lookout for the other guy and be prepared to take evasive action, change course, or stop to prevent a collision.

Q-22

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Quick Review

Why should a vessel operator keep a proper lookout?

To avoid collisions.

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Narrow Channels

When operating in a narrow channel keep as close to the outer limit of the channel on your starboard side as is safe and practical.

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Navigation Rules

Navigation During Restricted Visibility

Keep a safe speed for the conditions.
Slow down to avoid a collision.
Reduce speed to idle speed if necessary.

Q-23

Q-45

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Night Navigation

Boats must use navigation lights:

From sunset to sunrise
When visibility is restricted

Lights tell you:

If the other vessel is power-driven or under sail
Which way the other vessel is going

Follow the same navigational rules used in the daytime.

Q-47

Q-49

Instructor Notes:

This is also Rule 6

State laws may vary when Navigation lights must be illuminated. Know your state laws and quote them here. Proactively, turn them on at the first sign that visibility is deteriorating even if not legally required.

Different light configurations are shown in the text book. Point out the various combinations of red, green, and white lights and what colors you see give you clues about the direction and possibly the type of vessel about to be encountered.

Don’t forget it is very easy to confuse the lights of boats on the water with background lights of things on shore. Familiarity with the area during daylight hours in good visibility helps establish a point of reference when the same area is transited in periods of darkness or reduced visibility. Slow down and come to a stop if you are not certain about what lights you see are telling you so you can take appropriate actions.

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Night Lights

Side lights
Stern lights
Masthead light
All round

white light

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Night Navigation

Towing Lights

When commercial vessels are towing, they display one or more yellow lights in place of a sternlight.

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Lights On Tows

Towing Lights

Note: unlit space of several hundred yards between the lights on the bow and stern

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Quick Review

Why do boats have lights?

To identify the type of boat
To identify which boat is stand on and give way.

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Quick Review

Visibility is restricted due to fog. What should the vessel operator do to avoid the risk of collision?

Reduce speed to the minimum necessary to stay on course.

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Quick Review

What is the universal signal for towing behind or pushing ahead?

Yellow lights and two white masthead lights, indicating a vessel towing.
Different tow vessel light configurations are for different towing situations and lengths of tows.
If it has more lights than you do, stay out of the way.

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Quick Review

What are the colors and names of the lights you need?

Side lights

Red and green seen at front of boat

Stern lights

White seen at rear of boat

Masthead light

White seen from forward and sides
sailboats under sail do not display a masthead light.

All round white light

Seen from all directions

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Quick Review

What determines if a speed is safe for your boat?

Visibility conditions.

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Quick Review

Is it safe to cross behind a towing vessel?

NO. There may be many yards between the vessel towing and being towed and it is dangerous to cross between the two.

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Quick Review

When must navigation lights be displayed?

From sunset to sunrise and when visibility is restricted.

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Quick Review

How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed?

You have enough time to avoid a collision.

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Lateral Markers – Indicate direction

Nun Buoys: �Red With Even Numbers

Can Buoys: �Green With Odd Numbers

Q-24

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Lighted Buoys

Green Colors and Lights

Red Colors and Lights

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Daymarks (on a fixed post or piling)

Reflective Red, Even Numbers

Reflective Green, Odd Numbers

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Western Rivers System Marker

Indicates 73.5 miles from the river’s mouth

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

“Red Right Returning”

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Lateral Markers—Intercoastal Waterway (ICW)

Keep on your starboard (right) side

Keep on your port (left) side

Instructor Notes:

When in the Intercoastal Waterway, the red, right, returning follows a clockwise direction around the US. If you start in Norfolk VA and are going to Miami on the east coast of the US, then keep the reds on the right.

However, the ICW intersects various inlets from the ocean and there is a system to differentiate between ATONs that mark the safe water for an inlet and the safe water for the ICW. This special marking is yellow squares (treat it as a green marker) or a yellow triangle (treat it as a red). This indicates you are following the ICW and then you can correlate with your charts the numbers on the ATON to confirm where you are. Notice that the fixed ATONS in this illustration are green squares and red triangles which also correspond to the yellow squares and yellow triangles.

However, ANYWHERE the ICW intersects an inlet, caution MUST be taken to follow the yellow squares or yellow triangles. Sometimes, a single ATON will serve as a marker for both the ICW and the inlet and NOT ALWAYS are they on the same color ATON you expect them to be on. An example is a green ATON marking the right side of an inlet from the ocean, but containing a yellow triangle. This means keep it to the right if coming in from the ocean, and also to keep it to your right and treat it as a red marker if you are traveling southbound on the east coast of the US. If you treated it as a yellow square which you would expect to see on a green painted ATON, you would pass on the wrong side and possibly run aground.

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

ICW Symbols

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

“Red Right Returning”

When you go

clockwise around the

U.S. you are

RETURNING from the sea

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Non-Lateral Markers

Information

Danger Area

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Non-Lateral Markers

Controlled Area

Exclusion Area

Q-27

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Other Non-Lateral Markers

Safe Water Markers

Inland Waters Obstruction Marker

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Other Non-Lateral Markers

Mooring Buoys

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Junction Buoys

A

B

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

“Red Right Returning”

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U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Junction Buoys:

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Quick Review

What type of marker is this?

A controlled area has restrictions or limitations, such as No wake zone.
No wake means just that – slow enough that your boat does not produce a wake from the bow.

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Quick Review

What is the main purpose of the lateral system of red and green buoys and markers?

To mark the edges of safe water areas.

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Quick Review

What type of marker is this?

Square box indicates information. It is not regulatory or restrictive.

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Quick Review

What shape are red buoys?

Reds are shaped like a Nun’s cap, Greens are shaped like a can, therefore the names can and nun buoys.

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Quick Review

What type of marker is this?

Diamond indicates danger in the area.

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Quick Review

Is a green buoy numbered odd or even?

Greens will always be odd number and reds will always be even numbered.

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Quick Review

What is indicated if you see a white marker that has an orange crossed diamond and black lettering on it?

Exclusion or keep out area such as a dam.
The exclusion means just that – do not go here!

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Quick Review

What color is the light on a buoy?

Same as the buoy.
Light will indicate color of the marker for navigational reference. All lighted buoys will have different flashing patterns which correspond to the symbol on the chart. This allows differentiation of each specific ATON at night.

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Quick Review

Why are buoys different shapes?

In reduced visibility or at a distance, you can tell the shape of the ATON before you can tell the color and you can tell the color before you can read the number.

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Quick Review

When coming back from a trip out to sea, which side should the green buoys be on?

On your left. “Red, Right, Returning”.
When returning from sea or going upstream in a river or creek, when you are going in the direction from the sea to the origination of the waterway upstream, keep the reds on the right. Conversely, the greens will be on the left.
When going downstream back toward the sea and away from the origin of the waterway, you would keep the greens on the right and reds on the left.

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Compasses and Charts

Steering Compass

Can be invaluable in bad weather at night.

Mount it away from iron, magnets, and electrical wiring and equipment.

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Compasses and Charts

Correlate your compass direction with a chart and ATON sightings, to quickly find where you are in relation to where you think you are.

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Compasses and Charts

Nautical Charts

In bays or large lakes, charts give:

Water depths
Locations of channels, sand bars, rocks, and vegetation
Most direct course possible

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Compasses and Charts

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Quick Review

What does the symbol RG “A” represent?

Red on top (primary channel),
Green on bottom (secondary channel).

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Quick Review

What does the symbol G “1” Fl G 4s represent?

Green buoy #1, flashing green every 4 seconds.

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Sound Signals

Sound signals use short and prolonged blasts. They must be audible for at least one-half mile.

Short blast—about one second in duration
Prolonged blast—4–6 seconds in duration

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Sound Signals

Change in Direction

One short blast: Passing other boat on his starboard side. (I’m turning to the right (starboard) to pass you)
Two short blasts: Passing other boat on his port side. I am turning to the left (my port) to pass you.
Three short blasts: Placing my boat in reverse. I’m backing up.

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Sound Signals

Change in Direction

Turning Left, 11 or two “1” = two whistles

Passing you on the twos

Turing right, one “1” = one whistle

Passing you on the ones

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Sound Signals

Poor Visibility

One prolonged blast every two minutes (Power)
One prolonged blast + two short blasts every two minutes (Sail)

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Sound Signals

Danger

One prolonged blast

When “getting underway”
Coming around blind bend

Five or more short, rapid blasts

Disagreement or danger

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Quick Review

How long is a short blast?

About one second long.

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Quick Review

Why do we use sound signals? Two answers.

Alert other boats to our intentions
identify our boat type and position in restricted visibility

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Quick Review

How long is a prolonged blast?

4 to 6 Seconds

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Quick Review

How does a powerboat signal in low visibility?

One prolonged blast every two minutes is the signal used by power driven vessels when underway.

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Quick Review

What does it mean if I hear 5 short blasts?

Danger or disagreement

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Quick Review

What does it mean if I hear 2 short blasts?

Someone is passing me on my port or left side.

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Quick Review

How do sailboats signal in low visibility?

One prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels when underway.

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Casting off and Docking

Watch this preview video, then will discuss each step in greater detail.

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Casting Off

Before casting off:

Before starting the engine, run the blower for at least 4 minutes.
Conduct safety equipment checklist and passenger briefing.
Check fit of all lifejackets.
Open engine compartment and sniff for fumes.

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Casting Off

Before casting off:

Keep the boat tied to dock while the engine warms up. Check fuel levels, lights and horn.
Make sure everyone is seated with PFD on and alerted before you put the boat in gear to verify thrust.
Attach safety lanyard to lifejacket.
Check that the engine is running properly, and the area is clear of traffic.

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Casting Off

If there is no wind or current:

Cast off the bow and stern lines.
Shift into forward gear.
Slowly move forward, gradually turning the boat away from the dock.

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Casting Off�Wind Off the Dock

1

2

3

wind

or

current

1. Release Lines

3. Shift into forward and ease away

2. Push boat away

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Casting Off�Wind On the Dock

1

2

3

wind

or

current

1. Release stern line only

2. Put into “forward gear”

3. Boat stern will edge out

4. Release bow spring line and back out

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Docking

As you approach the dock:

Slow down.
Wait for traffic to clear.
Get bow and stern lines ready.
Head into the wind or current—whichever is stronger.
Put boat fenders in place.

Q-12

Instructor Notes:

Test question 12. How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel. Answer – into the wind or current, whichever is stronger.

Stand off the dock and come to a complete stop in an open area that allows maneuverability so you can judge the effect of wind or current or both on your boat and how you will need to counteract that motion to successfully dock the boat. Don’t be afraid to stop and start over as many times as needed to avoid uncontrolled motion of the boat that could result in damage to crew or the boat.

Before approaching the dock ASK-

What is the direction of the wind/current?

Are fenders out?
Are dock lines ready?
Crew ready?
SLOW approach

Remind that hands, arms legs, and feet should never be used to fend off. Use boathook!

No Wind or Current

Slow approach
Narrow angle
Step off and secure bow/stern lines

Wind or Current off the dock

Sharp angle of approach
Bow line is secured by tossing a large “loop” around dock cleat and making the line fast to the boat. Adjustments will be made later. Goal is to have bow of boat controlled by bowline to allow use of engine to bring in the stern.
Turn helm hard over towards the dock
Engine in reverse to bring stern in.
Step off and secure bow/stern lines and adjust as needed.

Wind or Current on the dock

Narrow angle becoming parallel close to the dock
Allow wind to push you on – use fenders and boat hooks – NO HANDS OR FEET!
Step off and secure bow/stern lines and adjust as needed.

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Docking with�No Wind Or Current

1

2

3

1. Slow approach

2. Narrow angle

3. Step off and secure bow/stern lines

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Docking with Wind Or Current�Off the Dock

wind

or

current

1

2

3

1. Sharp angle of approach

2. Bow line is secured

3. Turn helm hard over towards the dock

4. Engine in reverse to bring stern in.

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Docking

Don’t be afraid to stop and start over as many times as needed.
Never use hands, arms legs, and feet to fend off. Use boathook!
Bow line is secured by tossing a large “loop” around dock cleat and making the line fast to the boat. Adjustments will be made later.
Goal is to have bow of boat controlled by bowline to allow use of engine to bring in the stern.

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Before Approaching the Dock.. ASK

What is the direction of the wind/current?
Are fenders out?
Are dock lines ready?
Crew ready?
SLOW approach

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Quick Review

Describe casting off with wind/current off the dock.

Release lines
Push boat away
Shift into Forward and ease away

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Quick Review

Describe casting off with wind/current on the dock.

Release stern line – leave bow spring line on
Put into “forward gear”
Boat stern will edge out
Release bow spring line and back out

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Quick Review

How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel? Which direction?

Into the wind or current, whichever is stronger.

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Quick Review

Steps to dock when there is no wind/current?

Slow approach
Narrow angle
Step off and secure bow/stern lines

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Quick Review

Steps to docking when there is wind/current OFF the dock?

Sharp angle of approach
Bow line is secured
Turn helm hard over towards the dock
Engine in reverse to bring stern in.
Step off and secure bow/stern lines and adjust as needed.

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Quick Review

Steps to docking when there is wind/current ON the dock?

Narrow angle becoming parallel close to the dock
Allow wind to push you on – use fenders and boat hooks – NO HANDS OR FEET!
Step off and secure bow/stern lines and adjust as needed.

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Anchors and Anchoring

Anchor Types:

Anchor design determines an anchor’s ability to hook the bottom.
Determine the type of bottom you will anchor when deciding which anchor to use.

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Anchors and Anchoring

What type of anchor do you think is best for you?

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Anchors and Anchoring

Danforth

Most popular for recreational use.
Lightweight
Best for mud and sand
May get hung up on a rocky bottom or slide across grass.

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Anchors and Anchoring

Plow Anchor

Fluke digs in quickly and deeply in response to a pull on anchor line.
Efficient anchor, but clumsy to handle and stow.
Most used on large boats with an anchor platform.

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Anchors and Anchoring

Claw Anchor

Good in most conditions
Sets easily
Awkward one-piece design
Struggles in clay/hard mud

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Anchors and Anchoring

Mushroom Anchor

In large sizes, used for permanent moorings. Gradually dig deeper into a mud bottom, and when embedded, have tremendous holding power.
Does not provide instant holding power of other anchor types.
Use by fishermen when angling but should not be used to secure unattended boat.
Does not work well in grassy and rocky bottoms.

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Anchors and Anchoring

Grapnel Anchor

Lacks strength for regular use
Can be used on small boats to anchor above rocks.
Can be used to retrieve lost rope or chain from sea bottom.
Good idea to tie a buoyed trip line to the crown of one of the arms to retrieve when it gets hung up on a rock.

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Anchors and Anchoring

What type of anchor do you think is best for you?

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Anchors and Anchoring

What is anchor rode?

The rode of an anchor is the length of the combination of its line and chain.

What is the bitter end of a line?

The end of a line attached to the vessel or other load.
Make sure your anchor line is attached to your boat!

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Anchors and Anchoring

Why use chain?

Chain help keeps the anchor flukes flat and allows them to dig into the bottom.
It also improves chafe protection where the anchor rode touches the bottom during anchor setting.

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Anchors and Anchoring

What is scope?

Scope is the ratio of rode length to the depth of water.

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Anchors and Anchoring

Anchoring Guidelines:

Normal scope 7:1
Calm seas 5:1
Heavy weather 10:1

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Anchors and Anchoring

Example: If depth of water is 20 feet at normal scope 7:1 how much rode will you need?

you will need 140 feet of rode.

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Anchors and Anchoring

Anchoring Guidelines:

Never anchor from just the stern alone

It may cause the boat to swamp.

Instead, anchor from the bow or set two anchors.

Q-48

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Anchors and Anchoring

Anchoring Steps:

Select sheltered area
Approach into wind/current
Slowly lower anchor
Pay out scope while backing down
Make line fast; back down to set
Check for drift using landmarks

Q-48

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Anchors and Anchoring

Allow “Swing” Room

wind

Why is this important?

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Anchors and Anchoring

Retrieving Anchor:

Slowly move ahead while pulling in line.
If anchor sticks, power around in a circle.

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Quick Review

For normal scope, the length of the anchor rode should be…?

seven times the depth of the water.

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Quick Review

What will happen if you anchor a boat from the stern?

It may cause the boat to swamp.

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Operating a Personal Watercraft

Steering and Stopping a PWC

Most PWC (and other jet-drive vessels) must have power to maintain control.

The operator is holding down the throttle lever and steering the PWC straight ahead.

Q-37

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Operating a Personal Watercraft

Newer PWC allow for off-throttle steering.

The operator releases

the throttle lever.

The PWC may continue to go straight ahead even though the operator is trying to turn.

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Operating a Personal Watercraft

Other PWC Considerations

Know the PWC regulations for your state.
Wear a PFD.
Make sure passenger can hold on securely.
Do not seat a passenger in front of the operator.

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Operating a Personal Watercraft

Keep hands, feet, loose clothing, and hair away from the pump intake area.
Wear a wetsuit or �clothing that provides �equivalent protection.
Do not board PWC if �operator is applying the �throttle.

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Operating a Personal Watercraft

Look over both shoulders before making turns.

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Operating a Personal Watercraft

Inspect your electrical systems and perform “sniff test” after fueling.
Avoid overloading.
Know your limits and ride according to your abilities.

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Engine Cut-Off Switches

Safety switch attached to a Lanyard

If the rider falls off, the cutoff switch engages and shuts off the engine, and the watercraft will glide to a stop nearby.

Self-circling feature

If the rider falls off, this will make the personal watercraft circle slowly in the area until the rider can reboard.

Q-19

Q-40

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Quick Review

What action may cause loss of steering ability in a PWC?

Letting off the throttle control

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Quick Review

What is the main function of an engine cut off switch?

To shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard.

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Changing Water Levels

Be aware that water levels can change rapidly and cause hazards.

Running aground
Docking to a fixed pier

Learn about the tides when boating on coastal waters.

Fluctuating water levels
Strong tidal currents

Instructor Notes:

In tidal areas – KNOW the stages of the tide and where you are in the current tide cycle. Double check depths of the water versus tide state. In certain tidal areas, what was good enough and safe water at high tide becomes exposed mud at low tide. Get local knowledge when tying up your boat to a fixed dock in a tidal area as there are several different configurations and techniques to safely tie off your boat and still allow you to get on and off with various tide conditions.

Understand the tidal forces and how this moving water affects your tie up on a dock and especially at anchor. You may need to use bigger lines or multiple anchors depending on direction and strength of the current or wind or both!

GET LOCAL KNOWEDGE WHEN IN UNFAMILIAR WATERS. If you are not sure, stop and assess the situation and then go slow!

There are several sources of tide information available on-line and most of the mapping software and apps for boating have tide information as part of the app. Become familiar with the effect and the height of the tide in the areas you are transiting.

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Dams, Locks, and Bridges

Bridges

Reduce speed and proceed with caution.
Check clearance before passing under a bridge.
For drawbridges, contact the bridge operator.
Watch for debris that collects around pilings.

Instructor Notes:

Charts have bridge clearance marked. There are signboards at bridge pilings so be sure to look at the clearances to be certain you have enough vertical clearance. If you have a sailboat, it is CRITICAL that you know the clearance of any overhead power lines. The posted clearance at bridges are at “low steel” and depending on the construction of the bridge, sometimes the center of the bridge has a bit more clearance. If not certain, approach the bridge at the slowest speed possible and send a crew up top to check for clearance. Sometimes, you can lower an antenna or a Bimini top to gain enough clearance.

Drawbridges and dams usually operate on Marine VHF channel 13 and in some places 14. Charts will give the bridge information including channel or channels monitored and any time opening restrictions. Also, the Local Notice to Mariners may have additional updates for bridges and locks. This is available from the Coast Guard Navcenter and is updated weekly.

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Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries

Turn off the engine when:

Passengers are boarding or disembarking.
Someone is in the water near the boat.

Prevent passengers from being thrown overboard accidentally.

Never start with the engine in gear.
Never ride on the seat back, gunwale, transom, or bow.
Make sure all passengers are properly seated.
Assign someone to watch children

Q-32

Instructor Notes:

Test question 32. What should a motorboat operator do when someone is being pulled into the boat from the water? Answer- Turn the engine off.

Always approach into the wind or the current when there is a person in the water you want to pick up. If you approach from upwind or up current, you will drift over the person in the water. By turning off the engine you eliminate any chance the propeller is turning and could do damage to the person in the water. It is ALWAYS best to have flotation (type IV) with a line attached to it you can throw to the person in the water when you get close which allows you to pull them to you instead of trying to get the boat close to them.

Every boat has an interlock that should prevent the engine stating while in gear, but use caution to be sure no one is near the propeller when the engine is started or when it is running.

Many states have rules on where to sit and what is legal. Just because riding on a gunwale or hanging your legs over the bow of the boat when underway may be legal where you boat, it is really dumb and greatly increases the odds you will be thrown overboard. If you fly out the front of the boat, you WILL get run over as it is impossible to stop the boat in time and you may get hit by the propeller. Sitting in a seat designated for that purpose is essential to safety.

Children sometimes move around unexpectedly, so use caution with small children on board and make sure they are secure anytime you need to make a quick turn that could potentially throw them around inside the boat or worse – overboard! ALL CHILDREN SHOULD BE IN LIFE JACKETS AT ALL TIMES WHEN ON DECK AND NOT IN AN ENCLOSED CABIN. Many states have specific laws regarding children and proper wear of life jackets. Regardless of what is legal, a responsible parent should NEVER allow a child not to be secured in a life jacket. Even if it is not a state rule, make it YOUR rule.

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Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries

Maintain a proper lookout for people in the water.

Slow down when approaching congested areas and anchorages.
Learn to recognize warning buoys.
Keep the boat away from �marked swimming and �diving areas.

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Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries

Devices That Reduce Propeller Strikes

Guards

Provide a physical barriers around the propeller.

Propulsion

Devices other than a propeller such as jet drive or pump jets.

Q-15

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Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries

Devices That Reduce Propeller Strikes

Interlocks

Devices that turn off the engine or sound an alarm, ie ladder interlock

Sensors

Devices that are worn by boaters to shut off engine or trigger alarm if enter water.

Q-15

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Quick Review

What should a motorboat operator do when someone is being pulled into the boat from the water?

Turn the engine off.

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Chapter 3 Review

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Review Exercises

What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway?

Consult a nautical chart.

Consult a topographical map.

Ask someone who went there last.

d. Listen to your favorite radio station.

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Review Exercises

How can propeller strike accidents be avoided?

Turn on the engine when passengers are boarding.

Let passengers ride on the bow while underway.

Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding.

d. Have children watch out for each other.

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Review Exercises

What is the main function on an engine cut-off switch?

To shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard.

To shut off the engine when the PWC or boat is beached.

To prevent operation by unauthorized persons.

d. To prevent theft when the PWC or boat is left unattended.

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Review Exercises

When two vessels are operating in the same general area, who is responsible for avoiding collision?

The operators of both vessels.

The operator of the stand-on vessel.

The operator of the give-way vessel.

d. The operator of the smaller vessel.

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Review Exercises

What is indicated by a white marker with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering?

Exclusion or keep-out area, such as a dam.

Controlled area, such as a no-wake zone.

Information, such as places to find food or fuel.

d. Danger or hazard, such as rocks.

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Review Exercises

Which action may cause the loss of steering ability in a PWC?

Running at maximum throttle.

Letting off the throttle control.

Over-steering.

d. Under-steering.

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Review Exercises

What determines if a speed is safe for your boat?

Type of engine.

Shoreline conditions.

Visibility conditions.

d. Amount of fuel available.

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Review Exercises

What could happen if you anchor a boat from the stern?

The anchor line may get tangled.

It may cause the boat to swamp.

The anchor can’t hold firmly.

d. The anchor is difficult to retrieve.

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End Chapter 3