How Do I Boat Safely?
Tracker Safety Series
[vimeo:ebd36736-4e2d-4c7f-b16d-0
Captain’s Report
Chapter 5 – Safe Boat Operation
The Captain is responsible for every aspect of onboard safety, so take this as seriously as your other duties. Operating a boat safely is just like anything else worth doing well and properly: Whether it’s going fishing or driving a car, those who are successful take their time, pay attention to the details, and follow a procedure every time.
Preparing to Get Underway
Preparing to get underway for everyone on the boat means getting on board and going boating, but it means something entirely different for the captain, who must focus on preparing and running the boat.
Loading and Boarding the Boat
While lifejackets are not always required by law on the dock, it’s a good idea for kids (and in fact, everyone) to wear them. Plus it’s one less thing to carry separately. If the boat is wet, the captain should dry off all surfaces with a towel or chamois. This will prevent the crew from slipping during boarding while also making sure bags and gear that are set down stay dry.
Loading gear should be managed with care, since most people will not want anything they brought to be dropped in the drink. But stepping on board with gear in hand can be dangerous: With arms loaded, a person weighs more than normal, and the boat may react differently to the weight than usual. Also, the bearer of the load may not be able to see his or her feet. If alone, place the gear on the dock, then step aboard, and take each item off the dock to be stowed. If there’s a whole crew, it’s easy to just hand everything to the person on the boat.
When crew comes aboard, the captain should have an idea of who is capable (and experienced on a boat) and who is not. It’s best to assume a lack of experience of all crew and err on the side of caution. Offer a hand and advice on foot placement, particularly on smaller boats, where it’s best to step onto the deck as near to the center of the boat as possible.
When Boarding Be Aware of the Conditions. If the wake of a passing boat or waves cause the boat to rock, take extra care while loading and boarding because of uncertain footing. It also makes sense to wear boat shoes. Hard soles have no grip on slippery surfaces and can damage your upholstery. Some shoes designed for boating have soles with a “siped” tread pattern that help grip wet or slippery decks.
Local PFD Regulations. It cannot be stressed enough, check all state and local regulations regarding life jacket and safety-gear requirements before launching. The rules will vary from state to state, county to county, and even from one body of water to the next. Regardless of the regulations, it’s a good idea to wear a life jacket. Be prepared and be safe.
Create a Float Plan
This could be as simple as letting a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to return. This is especially important on large bodies of water where it may be easy to get lost or stranded. Let them know where you’re headed and what time you plan to get back, then don’t forget to inform them when you return. If you’re not back by a certain time, they can alert authorities to begin a search. It’s a simple measure to help prevent you from spending an uncomfortable night on the lake if something goes wrong.
Proper Seating
Consult your owner’s manual for more information on proper seating. Refer to the seating diagram in your boat or owner’s manual if it has one. Read and follow all seating instructions, warning labels and placards to ensure the safety of your passengers. Also pay attention to the load on board, and make sure it’s evenly distributed, particularly on smaller boats.
Some boats are equipped with raised seats for fishing. These seats are great for fishing, but they are not approved for or safe for seating when running. This is extremely important.
Sitting anywhere other than an approved seat could cause the person to be thrown overboard and be injured or drown. This cannot be overemphasized, everyone MUST be in an approved seat before leaving the dock.
Safety First
The goal is to have a wonderful day on the water, and of course that includes being safe. Once everyone has a safe seat, and the weight has been evenly distributed around the boat, it’s safe to leave the dock. Evenly distributed means the boat should not be too heavy on one side or have too much weight in the bow or stern that could cause handling problems later.
Leaving the Dock
When you’re ready to leave the dock, check for other traffic, make sure the path is clear and ease away at idle speed. Never put the boat in gear if there are swimmers nearby.
Backing Away from the Dock. Angle the engine away from the dock and then put it in reverse. Continue in reverse until you have sufficient room to maneuver.
Wind and Currents. A boat operates very differently from a car and is affected by wind and currents as well. Learning different techniques to address the different conditions a boat encounters is important for safe and trouble-free boating.
Boating Safety Course. Taking a boating safety course you will have a better understanding of channel markers, which usually point you in the right direction or away from hazards.
Global Positioning System (GPS). A GPS is a very useful tool, but it should never replace a current navigational chart. A boat dealer or electronics installer can help a boater figure out if a GPS chartplotter is needed, and which unit will be suitable.
No Wake Zones. The wake your boat creates can cause physical damage to the shoreline, docks, and other boats as well as causing injury to people or pets. You are responsible for your wake and any damage caused by it. Stay at an idle speed until you clear all no wake zones. Even when clear of official no wake zones, a bit of courtesy is always welcome when it comes to your wake.
Boat Handling
Practice Trimming the Boat. It may take a little practice, but if you slowly increase the trim when you are on the plane you’ll feel what we call the “sweet spot.” That’s where the trim is just right, and it’s also the point when the steering becomes easier and no longer pulls to one side.
If you are uneasy about the trim and how to use it, ask a knowledgeable friend to give you a lesson, or you can consult your Tracker dealer. It’s really not too hard to master, but it can be confusing at first.
Boat Handling
Boaters should get comfortable handling their boats at every speed, because safe operation may require use of a variety of speeds as conditions dictate. The best way to do that is through experience.
The Right Speed
Run too slow, and the bow will ride too high. The boat will be making a large wake and burning more gas. Operating at full throttle can be dangerous and burns a lot more fuel than running in the mid-range. The captain has to use his or her judgment as to when you are ready for advanced speed and maneuvering. Use common sense. Captains have everyone’s safety in their hands. Look around occasionally to make sure everyone is remaining in their seats. No one should be standing, leaning over the side, or dangling hands or feet over the side.
Shifting from Forward to Reverse.
Never shift from forward to reverse until the boat has completely slowed. This could result in serious damage to the engine and the lower unit and possibly injure a passenger with a sudden stop.
Operating in Rough Water
Rough water can present a few challenges for safe and comfortable boating. If the conditions get rough due to high winds and seas, everyone on board should put on their life jacket. No one who ever fell overboard or otherwise ended up in the water by accident knew they were going to – that’s why it’s called an accident, and it’s smart to be prepared.
Tow Sports
Tow sports such as waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding can add to everyone’s enjoyment of the boat, but it’s best to be careful and safe. The boat needs to have the proper equipment, including an approved tow hook or pylon and a proper tow line. The captain is responsible for the safety of the waterskier or tow-sports athlete, and so needs to understand how to drive the boat correctly for the sport at hand. Also, the captain should assign the duty of observer to someone and make certain both the skier and observer know the hand signals for communicating about the boat speed. The skier should know to enter the water and then move away from the boat. Always keep the tow line clear from the area around the engine.
When and Where. Choose an area for skiing where there’s minimal boat traffic, and stay well clear of swimming beaches, docks, or underwater obstructions. Keep the skier at least 100’ (30 m) away from other boats, navigational aids, and shorelines. Never ski in low light conditions, rain or fog – other boaters may not be able to see.
Docking
We all hate to see a good day on the water to come to an end, but at some point we need to head for home. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind: A boater should never approach the dock faster than he or she wants to hit it.
It Takes Practice. Docking, particularly with added variables, such as wind and currents, is no easy feat. If handled improperly, it can injure the crew, and damage the boat and equipment. Practice maneuvering the boat in open water, away from obstructions, and by all means, with a more experienced captain to learn the finer points. The idea is to get comfortable in a wide range of conditions.
Observations
While much of what is contained in this video and Captain’s Report is suited to novice boaters, those with experience may wish to use it as a refresher. Safe boating should be the goal every time we take to the water.