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 understand the speed control for this boat is on the tiller, and it is possible to cause an abrupt and dangerous change of speed while turning.

I understand decelerating or turning too quickly can cause a wave to enter the rear (stern) of this boat, causing it to swamp or capsize.

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

I will obey No Wake zones/signs.

I have been informed of the total capacity of _____ people and _____ lbs of gear for this boat. I will not exceed that limit.

I understand that overloading this boat is unsafe and against the law.

I understand that it is best for all passengers to remain seated whenever this boat is in motion.

I understand that standing or moving about can cause falls overboard or – in some cases – even overturn the boat.

I understand that it is easy to trip on fishing gear and the open ribs of this boat, which may cause a fall overboard.

I will instruct my passengers to keep a firm grip on the boat and stay low if they must move while this boat is in motion.

I will secure fishing gear before starting the engine.

I understand falling into cold water can lead to cold-water shock and hypothermia, which will impede my ability for self-rescue, even if I am a good swimmer.

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

I will educate all of my passengers about the awareness zone, and I will not allow anyone to enter the awareness zone 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 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 will anchor where it is easy for other boats to see this boat (so long as the area is anchorable).

I will anchor this boat only from the front (bow).

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.

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

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.

Tiller-Steered Boat

Keeping Your BOATING Experience Fun And Safe