About Boating Safely - Chapter 2

Use your nose!

After fueling, open the door of the engine compartment and sniff to check for any evidence of gas fumes. Do this before starting the engine. If you do smell gas fumes, determine the source and make repairs immediately.

Capacity Plates

Always check the capacity plate to make sure you don't swamp or capsize your vessel by overloading it. This plate is usually found near the operator's position or on the vessel's transom. It indicates the maximum weight capacity, maximum number of people the vessel can carry safely, and maximum horsepower. The vessel operator is responsible for loading and powering the vessel safely and may not exceed any of the capacity limits. This requirement also applies to vessel owners who are allowing others to operate the vessel. The limits on a vessel's capacity plate are strictly enforced.

Trailering - Putting in the Water

Back the trailer down the ramp to the water's edge. Remove all engine and transom tie-down straps. Back the trailer into the water until the vessel is in sufficient water depth to lower the drive unit. Unhook the winch line, but be sure you have a line to the bow or side cleats to control the boat. Lower the drive unit and start the engine. Once it is running steadily, back the vessel slowly off the trailer. Move the vessel out of the way. Secure it to a courtesy dock while you pick up your passengers. Quickly move the towing vehicle off the ramp.

The most important safe fueling practice ...

If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes both after fueling and before starting your engine to remove gas vapors in the bilge.

While filling the fuel tank:

Keep the nozzle of the fuel-pump hose in contact with the tank opening to prevent producing a static spark. Avoid spilling fuel into the boat's bilge or the water. Never fill a tank to the brim—leave room to expand.

Fueling a Vessel

Never fuel at night unless it is an emergency. If you must refuel after dark, use only electric lights. Try to refuel away from the water or on a commercial fueling ramp.

If no capacity plate

On vessels with no capacity plate, you can use the following rule of thumb to calculate the number of persons (weighing 150 lbs. each, on average) that the vessel can carry safely in good weather conditions. Number of people = vessel length (ft.) x vessel width (ft.) ÷ 15

Trailering - Boat Prep

Prepare your vessel well away from the boat ramp. Check that all required safety equipment and the vessel's registration card are on board. Make sure the trailer coupler is connected securely to the ball hitch and unplug the trailer lights. Check the condition of the battery, the motor, and the angle of the drive unit. Make sure the vessel's drain plug is firmly in place. Check the drive unit prior to backing down the ramp. Run the exhaust blower, if the vessel is so equipped, for at least four minutes.

Trailering - Before leaving home

Secure all gear in the vessel and arrange it so that the weight is evenly distributed in the vessel. Properly secure the vessel with several tie-down straps and/or safety lines to prevent it from shifting. Tilt and secure the engine to increase clearance. Crisscross the safety chains when attaching them to the towing vehicle. Make sure the trailer brakes and lights are working.

Trailering - Retrieving the Vessel

Back the trailer into the water so that approximately two-thirds of the rollers or bunks are submerged. Move the vessel onto the trailer far enough to attach the winch line to the bow eye of the vessel. Finish pulling it onto the trailer by cranking the winch. Consider adding an additional bow safety chain to secure the bow eye to the trailer. Shut off the vessel's engine, and raise the drive unit. Tow the vessel off the ramp and out of the way of others. In the staging area, secure the vessel to the trailer with the tie-down straps. Before leaving the staging area: Remove all plants and animals from the vessel and trailer. Remove the drain plug. Drain all live wells, holds, and the bilge in a location that will not contaminate the waterway. Courtesy on the boat ramp: Prepare your vessel for launching or for the drive home well away from the ramp. Use at least two experienced people to launch and retrieve the vessel—one to drive the towing vehicle and one to operate the vessel. Never block a ramp with an unattended vessel or vehicle. When retrieving, do not pull your vessel into a launch lane until the towing vehicle is at the ramp. The line is formed by vehicles with trailers, not by vessels in the water. Do Not Power Load Your Boat. Propeller wash can erode the sediment just beyond the ramp surface, creating a large hole. The eroded sediment is deposited behind the propeller, creating a mound. Trailer tires can get stuck in these holes, and boats can run aground on the mound.

Additional Safety Procedures for PWCs

Do not tip the PWC in order to fill it all the way up. If the tank is overfilled, the fuel may expand and spill into the water.

Before beginning to fuel

Dock the boat securely and ask all passengers to exit. Do not allow anyone to smoke or strike a match. Check all fuel lines, connections, and fuel vents. Turn off anything that might cause a spark—engines, fans, or electrical equipment. Shut off all fuel valves and extinguish all open flames, such as galley stoves and pilot lights. Close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings to prevent fumes from entering the boat. Remove portable fuel tanks and fill them on the dock.

Trailering - On the Road

Think farther ahead on the road than usual: anticipate changes in traffic flow in advance; make wider turns at corners and curves; allow extra time and distance for stopping and for passing other vehicles; and remember the length added by your trailer. Be aware that there may be lower speed limits for vehicles with trailers.

Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC

This switch can help you avoid becoming stranded without fuel. Use the "Off" position when the PWC's engine is turned off. Use the "On" position while you are underway. Use the "Reserve" position if you run out of fuel while underway. This will allow you to return to shore. Don't forget to switch back to "On" after refueling.

Trailering - Boat Ramp Etiquette

To avoid unnecessary delays and blocking the boat ramp when launching and retrieving your boat, complete as much of the preparation, loading, and unloading in the "staging area" as possible. Others will appreciate your preparation and consideration. Here are some tips to help you. NOTE: Launching conditions vary with each boat ramp and with different water and tide levels. Launching should progress slowly until you are familiar with the ramp and water levels.

After fueling

Wipe up any spilled fuel. Open all windows, ports, doors, and other openings.