Keeping Your BOATING Experience Fun And Safe

I will make sure my passengers and I each have a properly fitted and properly adjusted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and know how to put it on.

I understand that my passengers and I should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when boating.

I have assigned one responsible adult to keep track of the whereabouts and safety of each child on board.

I understand that life jackets sized for adults are unsafe for children.

I understand when crossing the path of another boat, I should yield to the boat on my right, (starboard).

I understand there is the threat of a collision and it is my responsibility to slow down, steer away and/or stop.

- IF I OR THE OTHER BOAT FAIL TO ACT -

I understand that when I meet another boat head-on I should steer to the right (starboard).

I understand that when I overtake another boat I should pass on the left (port) side, leave plenty of room, and yield (give way) to that boat. If conditions require it, I may pass on the right (starboard) side.

I understand that I must yield (give way) to all boats under sail.

I understand that under Federal and/or State law it is a crime to operate a boat while persons are sitting on the front (bow), sides (gunwales), rear (stern), or swim platform. This behavior is considered grossly negligent operation of a boat.

I understand that using alcohol, drugs and certain prescription medications may impair my ability to operate this boat safely.

I will not operate this boat or allow anyone else to operate this boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

I will not permit swimming, diving, sliding, or jumping from or near the boat unless the boat motor is turned off, the keys are removed, and I have counted to ten to allow the propeller time to stop spinning.

I will check to make sure that the water is deep enough before allowing head-first diving from the boat.

I will instruct my passengers never to dive or jump off of a moving boat.

I confirm that rental company staff have informed me about local hazards such as shallow water, submerged objects, currents, and weather conditions. A list is attached.

I acknowledge that rental company staff have explained to me the local laws and regulations that apply to boating in this area. I understand them and will follow them carefully.

I understand that five short blasts of a horn or whistle signal danger or need for assistance.

I understand that it is recommended that I take a safe boating course approved by NASBLA through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons® and individual states which would help me when I rent or operate boats.

I will make sure there is a lookout other than the boat operator whenever passengers or parts of this boat obstruct the operator’s view either to the front (fore) or rear (aft).

I will take a head count to make sure all passengers are present and accounted for and post a lookout at rear deck before starting the motor.

I understand this boat is heavy and has no brakes, so that stopping quickly may be difficult or impossible if I am going too fast.

I will not operate this boat at speeds that are unsafe for the conditions.

I understand this type of boat does not turn sharply and wind may affect how it handles.

I will obey No Wake zones/signs.

I will educate all of my passengers on the awareness zone, and I will not allow anyone to enter the awareness zone unless the boat’s motor is turned off, the keys are removed, and I have counted to ten to allow the propeller time to stop spinning.

I will instruct my passengers to stay seated and have a firm grip on the boat.

I understand it is dangerous and illegal to sit on the front (bow), sides (gunwales), rear (stern), or swim platform – it is easy to slip and fall into the water and be severely or fatally injured by the boat propeller.

If this boat is equipped with an engine cut-off device, I will use it.

I have been instructed on how to use the navigation lights and anchor lights on this boat and I will display them properly if operating at night or when visibility is poor.

I understand there is an awareness zone that includes the front (bow), sides (gunwales), rear (stern) and swim platform, and extends 30 feet behind and around this boat.

I understand the motor of this boat produces Carbon Monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and lethal gas that can quickly affect people in the awareness zone.

I understand the generator of this boat also produces Carbon Monoxide.

I know where the generator exhaust on this boat is, and I will keep swimmers away from the exhaust until the generator is turned off and I have counted to ten.

I will not use any generator that is not supplied as part of the rental package on this boat.

I understand the proper use of gas and/ or electrical appliances on this boat, and that improper use can lead to fire and explosion.

I will check to make sure that the water is deep enough before allowing headfirst diving or use of the slide from the boat.

I will instruct my passengers never to dive or jump off of a moving boat.

I will make sure that I, or someone who knows how to operate the boat, remain on board whenever the boat is unanchored.

I have been instructed on what to do in the case of a person overboard, collision, or other dangerous situation.

I have received an operational orientation for this boat and understand that a written manual is on board.

Houseboats

Keeping Your BOATING Experience Fun And Safe