Recreational Boating Safety – 2019 Safe Boating Recommendations


By Bob Currie, Vessel Examiner
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Station Galveston Flotilla.
It’s a new year, and now would be a good time to adopt a safe boating checklist. Here are some basic reminders for boaters. These dos and don’ts will get you started.

The Station Galveston Flotilla of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary operates out of the USCG Station Galveston base on Galveston Island. They provide assistance to the Coast Guard by providing maritime observation patrols in Galveston Bay; by providing recreational boating vessel safety checks; and by working alongside Coast Guard members in maritime accident investigation, small boat training, watch standing, and property administration.


DO

  1. Have a properly fitting Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board
  2. When crossing the path of another boat, yield to a boat on your right (starboard)
  3. If there is the threat of a collision, slow down, steer away, or stop
  4. When meeting a boat head on, steer to the right (starboard)
  5. Pass another boat on the left (port side), and yield to the boat being passed
  6. Use your engine cutoff device (if so equipped, attach it to your life vest)


DON’T

  1. Don’t operate with passengers sitting on the bow, stern, side rails, or platform
  2. Don’t operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs that may impair you
  3. Do not operate the boat until all persons aboard are seated
  4. Do not operate the boat until checking for persons in the water near the boat
  5. Do not go out without checking the weather forecast
  6. Do not overload your boat with persons or gear

For more information on boating safety, please visit the Official Website of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division at www.uscgboating.org. Questions about the US Coast Guard Auxiliary or our free Vessel Safety Check program may be directed to me at [email protected]. I am available to perform free Vessel Safety Checks, and I will come to your location to perform them. SAFE BOATING!

[1-7-2019]

Facebook Twitter
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Leave a Reply

Site by CrystalBeachLocalNews.com