Safe at Sea: The responsibilities of a boat operator
Boating, especially on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and along the seaboard coasts, demands a much greater responsibility for the captain. Over the next few weeks, we will discuss the various tasks of boat ownership that one might encounter.
As the operator of the boat, you are responsible for the boat and crew, even when you don’t own the boat. The “absolutes” are:
– The boat must be properly equipped.
– The passengers must be briefed.
– The children must be wearing appropriately fitted Personal Floatation Devices.
– There must be one PFD for everyone on board.
Let’s begin with the equipment that should be on board every boat on every trip.
Formerly the United States Power Squadron, America’s Boating Club has developed an equipment checklist. In the America’s Boating Course, or A.B.C., the list is covered carefully in the first lessons.
The equipment checklist includes:
– Personal papers (operators certificate, if required)
– Ship’s papers (registration or documentation certificate)
– Life preserver for each person
– Throwable floatation aid
– Compass
– Fire extinguisher(s)
– Charts
– Visual distress signals
– Navigation tools (GPS and/or chart plotter)
– Horn and/or bell
– Anchor and anchor line
– Paddles or oars
– Took kit
– Dock lines
– Flashlight
– Spare batteries
– Fenders
– First aid kit
Once you have the above onboard, you can be assured your vessel is well equipped.
Future columns will focus on routine maintenance and other procedures to be taken to be Safe at Sea before you’ve left the dock.
For those interested, America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva will offer the A.B.C. course three times during the upcoming boating season, with the first session scheduled for December. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive their Florida Boaters Certificate.
Pat Schmidt is a member of America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva. For more information, contact 239-985-9472 or Commander@SanibelCaptivaSPS.org or visit online at sancapboating.club.