Boating Safety Tips
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Although we are in favor of boating activities, precaution and other safety measures need to be apllied smartly. Therefore, we have devoted this
page to boating safety. Knowledge can become wisdom - once it has been fully learned and applied to everyday living.
Handy Checklist For Boating Safety
Do you have the correct...
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| Vessel Numbering |
Visual Distress Signals |
| PFDs (Life Jackets) |
Fuel System |
| Fire Extinguishers |
Anchor with Line |
| Ventilation |
Paddle or Oar |
| Backfire Flame Arrester |
Manual Pump or Bailer |
| Sound Producing Device |
Electrical Installation |
| Navigation Lights |
Galley Installtion |
Be SAFE - When in doubt, please ask for assistance.
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Boating and Drinking
A person who operates a boat while under the influence of alcohol or with a blood alcohol
count of 0.08 percent or greater is commiting a crime (under Maine law). In addition, he
is posing a hazard to himself, his passengers and other users of our waterways. It has
been estimated that 60% of recreational boating fatalities are alcohol related. PLEASE
do not contribute to these statistics. While you are operating a boat, abstain from drinking,
for your sake and those around you.
Fueling Your Vessel
After maneouvering your vessel to the gas dock, secure the watercraft to the pier, using fore/aft tie lines. Switch off all electrical equipment,
blowers and motor(s). When present, open the master switch. Extinguish all open and galley flames. Close all doors, windows and ports. Have all
passengers disembark the vessel until fueling is complete. Smoking is prohibit on the gas dock. Indicate, to the attendant, the quantity of fuel
desired. While fueling, tanks should be grounded and the nozzle kept in contact with the tank (to guard against static sparks). For outboards,
remove the portable tank(s) and fill on gas dock. Once the fuel has been dispensed, securely affix the gas cap(s) and wipe up any spilled gasoline.
Open all hatches and turn on bilge blower; ventilate the craft for approximately five minutes to insure no gas fumes are present. Passengers may
board the vessel after fueling; departure may be begun once all transactions are completed and you are cleared by the attendant.
Overloaded Boats Overturn
The capacity plate on your boat tells you the number of people that you can carry in "GOOD" weather.
The number of seats in a boat is not a measure of its capacity. The law recognizes what is stated on that
plate. The Coast Guard requires boat manufacturers to install a capacity plate in sight of the helm on
most motor-powered boats under 20' long. An overloaded watercraft can become sluggish and hard to handle;
the presence of additional people increases the probability swamping the vehicle. Exercise good judgement.
Excessive Engine Horsepower
On the capacity plate, the maximum rating for recommended horsepower is indicated. Exceeding this rating can
result in boat instability, loss of control and capsizing. Some boat warranties are voided whenever the owner
fails to stay within specified guidelines.
E-mail: Contact the webmaster with your questions, comments or suggestions.
Boating Safety Tips
