BOATING SAFETY ALABAMA COURSE OF STUDY #19 Describe Alabama’s boating laws, basic vessel operation, required boating equipment, and possible hazards involved in safe and responsible boating. Define marine terminology.

BOATING SAFETY The Roberson/Archer Act is another name for the Alabama Boating Safety Act of Named from two families who were instrumental in getting boating safety laws passed by the Alabama legislature. The Act of 1994 was revised in 2001.

Key points of the Boating Safety Act Persons over 40 years of age on April 28, 1994 are exempt from the educational (licensing) component of the Alabama Boating Safety Act. Certification is not required for non-motorized vessels. All boaters of motorized vessels must be at least 14 years of age and have passed an approved course in boater safety. Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.

Key points of the Boating Safety Act Boating Rules – of – Road must be followed for safe vessel operation. Boating Under the Influence ( BUI ) laws are exactly like DUI laws on the roadways. A boater can be convicted of BUI if their BAC is at.08% or above. The “zero tolerance” law for underage drinkers is applicable on the waterways as well.

Legal requirements of Boating Who May Operate a Vessel Every person who operates a motorized vessel (including PWCs) on the waters of Alabama must first obtain an Alabama boater safety certification. This requirement does not apply to operators of sailboats, rowboats or canoes. (Age exception 40 or above before 1994) Age to Legally Operate on Alabama Waters No one under the age of 12 years may operate any motorized vessel (including PWCs) under any circumstances. Persons under the age of 12 years are not eligible for Alabama boater safety certification.

Legal requirements of Boating If you are 12 or 13 years of age you may obtain your Alabama boater safety certification. After obtaining the certification, you may operate a vessel legally only if supervised on board by a person who: – Is at least 21 years of age and... – Carries a valid proof of his or her Alabama boater safety certification and... – Is in position to take immediate physical control of the vessel. If you are 14 years of age or older and after obtaining Alabama boater safety certification, you may legally operate a vessel without supervision.

BASIC SAFETY OPERATION There are basic safety rules that need to be followed on the waterways. Some examples of negligent boater operation would include: -Excessive speeding in congested areas -Mooring to a navigation buoy, regulatory buoy or other navigational aid -Excessive speed in fog or stormy conditions -Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs -Towing water skiers where obstructions exist or a fall could cause them harm -Operation in a swimming area with swimmers present -Operating in the vicinity of dams when such areas are known to be hazardous -Riding in seats elevated above the gunwales at above idle speed -Cutting through a regatta or marine parade in progress -Failure to keep a proper lookout for other boats, swimmers, or obstacles

WATER SKIING Water skiing is prohibited in Alabama from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. There must be a second person on the tow boat at least 12 years of age acting as an observer who must be capable of communicating to the operator the progress of the person being towed. If there is not a passenger, the vessel must be equipped with a wide angle mirror of at least 78 inches square.

All about Boats Classifications Motorized vessels are divided into 4 classifications according to length: A motorboat is measured from end to end along the centerline or parallel to the centerline. The measurement is from the outside of the hull and does not include outboard motors, brackets, other attachments or similar fittings. Class A – Less than 16 feet in length Class 1 – 16 feet to less than 26 feet Class 2 – 26 feet to less than 40 feet Class 3 – 40 feet to 65 feet

Basic Hull Designs Basic hulls are either displacement hulls or planing hulls. A displacement hull moves through the water. A planing hull is designed to skim on top of the water and can travel at a much higher speed.

Recreational Boats Small Utility boats and Jon Boats Widely used for fishing Most made of Aluminum Powered by outboard engine

Recreational Boats Cruisers Larger in size Generally start at 18 feet in length and up to 50 or 60 feet

Recreational Boats Runabouts Most are made of fiberglass or aluminum Powered by inboard or outboard engines

Recreational Boats Sailboats and Sailboards Variety of sizes Most are powered by Sail and or engines

Registration/Hull Identification Number  All boats built since 1972 must have a Hull Identification Number (HIN) permanently attached to the transom on the starboard side, above the water line.  The HIN is like the serial number on a car.  It is required that the HIN be permanently attached in a second, unexposed location. A person must apply for registration and number with the county probate judge or license commissioner.

Proper Display of Boat Numbers -The figures are to read from left to right. -They must be displayed on the forward half of each side of the bow of the boat -Numbers must be in bold, block letters of good proportion. -Numbers must be not less than three inches high. -They must be of contrasting color to the boat hull or background. -They must be as high above the waterline as practical. -No Number other than the number assigned can be displayed on the forward half of the vessel. -Letters must be separated from the numbers by spaces or hyphens. -Validation decals must be displayed within six inches of the number.

Registration

Boat Capacity Plate Mounted in plain site of the vessel operator Fixed by boat builder Tells the operator the following information… Maximum number of people it can carry Maximum weight in pounds Maximum horsepower for that vessel

WATERWAY MARKING SYSTEMS Buoys (Federal Waters) – Can Buoy- is green and has an odd number (sometimes these are black) – Nun Buoy- is red and has an even number Key to waterway marking systems: -”red-right-returning” means that the red buoys always mark the right (starboard) side of the channel when returning from the open sea or going upstream in a river. When heading downstream, the red buoy would be on the left (port) side of the vessel.

WATERWAY MARKING SYSTEMS Some buoys are to regulate speed Others warn of dangers ahead.

FLAGS These are two examples of the diver down flags. The top picture is of the flag in use.

Marine Terminology

Terminology

Gunwale: side of the vessel Transom: the cross section of the stern Cleat: metal fitting on which a rope can be fastened Hull: body of a vessel

Terminology Abeam: at a right angle to the helm Astern: towards the back of the vessel Captain: the individual who is driving Aft: toward the back of the boat Aground: bottom of vessel sitting on solid ground Amidship: middle of a vessel

Terminology Cardinal Points – North: 0° or 360° – East: 90° – South: 180° – West: 270°

Terminology Lubbers Line: mark or indicator on a compass by which direction is read Bilge: lowest part of a ship’s hull For & Forward: front of the vessel Bearing: unit of measurement on a compass Anchor: metal casting used to hold the boat in position – Bruce anchor is strongest – Mushroom anchor- used inland to tie off a vessel securely

Terminology Capsize: turned over vessel Carburetor Flame Backfire Arrestor: found only on inboard/outboard engines, prevents fires by protecting the carburetor Charts: roadmap for the water that contains a compass rose Come About: 180° turn Compass: navigation instrument used to tell direction Current: back & forth movement of water

Terminology Rip Current: break in sandbar where water returns to ocean Displacement Hull: slow, big & powerful Planning Hull: strong, fast, not powerful Draft: distance between waterline & the lowest point of your vessel Freeboard: distance between gunwale (side) of boat to the waterline Give way Vessel (Burdened): the boat that gives way to another boat; must change course & speed

Terminology Privilege Vessel (Stand On): maintain course & speed Keel: center backbone of a vessel LEE: side AWAY from the wind (leeward) Windward: side WITH the wind Mooring: permanent anchor for a vessel Hypothermia: loss of core body heat due to water – Occurs in crotch, underarm & head

Terminology Motorboat: any motorized vessel under 65 ft. PFD: Personal Flotation Device; governed by Coast Guard, must fit occupants Rules of the Road: basic navigation rules for safety Scope: length of the anchor rode(rope) used to secure a vessel to the bottom – 6 to 1 in calm water – 6 ft. of rope for every 1 ft. of water

Terminology Tide: up & down movement of water Trim: to be balanced from port to starboard & bow to stern Vessel: anything used to move through water Wake: waves put out by the movement of water through your vessel; Captain is responsible for his wake Way: your movement through the water

Know What the Law Requires A wearable U.S. Approved Coast Guard PFD approved Type I, II or III life preserver is required for each person aboard all vessels no matter the length

Equipment Requirements PFD – Personal Flotation Device Must be U.S Coast Guard Approved Should fit properly

PFD Type’s 5 Coast Guard approved type’s of PFD’s

On Vessels 16 feet or longer you must have: 1 approved wearable PFD for each person on board Plus at least 1 throwable PFD device (Type IV)

PFD’s and the law All persons under the age of 8 years old on any vessel shall wear an approved wearable PFD that is remains snapped, clipped or zipped at all times, except within an enclosed cabin or sleeping quarters.

Equipment Requirements Fire extinguishers Classified by Letters and Numbers as to the type and size fire they can put out Most vessels require a Type B,C – Dry Chemical Extinguisher Type B – Flammable Liquids Type C – Electrical Fires

Equipment Requirements Emergency Shut-Off Switch Illegal to operate a motorized vessel less than 24 feet with an open cockpit and a motor with more than 50 HP unless it is equipped with an emergency motor shut- off switch attached to the driver.

Equipment Requirements Backfire Flame Arrestor Internal Combustion Engines may backfire All motorboats except outboards and diesels must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved backfire flame arrestor

Equipment Requirements Whistles, Horns, and Bells Both inland and International rules require all boats some means of producing effective sound signal If your boat is 12 meters or longer a power whistle, horn or bell must be carried

Equipment Requirements Light Requirements for Pleasure Crafts All vessels must show running lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility Light Requirements vary from vessel length and propulsion type

Light Requirements Anchor Light – all around white light visible for 2 miles Red Light on the bow shining Left or Port side Green Light on bow shining right or Starboard side

Navigation Right of Way Rules Meeting Head-On Each Vessel shall turn to the to the Starboard (right) and pass the other vessel on its Port (Left)

Navigation Right of Way Rules Crossing Stand on Vessel Holds course and speed

NAVIGATION RIGHT OF WAY RULES If you are being overtaken, let them pass you.

OTHER NAVIGATION RULES A vessel leaving a dock should sound one prolonged blast. All vessels, including the stand-on vessel, must take action to avoid a collision if the other boat isn’t following the rules in sufficient time. During fog, motorboats must sound one prolonged blast. Non-motorized vessels have the right of way.

Preparing for a Boating Trip When loading items onto a boat use a check list to insure all items are on board and stowed securely. Always hand equipment and items into the boat, don’t try to carry them on. When boarding, step into the center and give others assistance in boarding safely. Stay low and hold onto both sides for balance. Distribute weight as evenly as possible.

Preparing for a Boating Trip File a float plan that includes a description of the boat, number of persons aboard, trip plan (departure and arrival estimates), and emergency numbers in the event of a problem. Leave the float plan with a responsible person on the shore. Check for full fuel tanks and check fuel lines for leaks

BE WEATHER AWARE WHEN ON THE WATER Most weather comes from the WEST IN BAD WEATHER: Reduce speed. Put on PFDs. Head for the nearest shore. If engine fails, anchor. If you do not have an anchor, use a sea anchor (anything on board that can create a drag).

GETTING UNDERWAY If you have a boat equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least 4 minutes prior to starting the engine. When underway, the skipper is responsible for the safety of all guests, the boat, and any damage the boat’s wake may cause. Avoid taking unnecessary risks that could endanger life, limb, or property.

ANCHORING Anchoring is done for two principal reasons: -to stop for fishing, swimming, or an overnight stay -to keep you from running aground in a storm or engine failure. Lower the anchor to the bottom and slowly back away. Do not throw the anchor over! Never anchor by the stern!!!

TRAILERING Make sure the trailer is strong enough to carry the weight of the vessel and fits the vessel. The trailer should be equipped with two safety chains. The trailer must be equipped with taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. The wire coupling on the trailer should be high enough to stay dry when launching. Always allow extra stopping distance and following distance when towing. Make sure the vessel is tied down securely and fitted snugly on the trailer.

PERSONAL WATERCRAFTS These have inboard engines with jet drive- no propeller or rudder on the outside of the hull. They are designed so that the operator can fall off and re- board safely. They are required to carry all the same equipment as on an inboard powered vessel. All operators must have a lanyard type engine cut off switch attached to them when underway.

PWC These vessels must operate under the same rules and regulations that any powered vessel has to obey Dangerous operation of a PWC would include: – Weaving through congested vessel traffic at high speeds – Following too closely behind the wake of a vessel towing a person or persons – Jumping the wake of another vessel too closely – Cutting between a boat and the person being towed – Cutting too sharply in order to spray water on another person or vessel

BOATING HAZARDS Most boating fatalities are the result of capsizing or falling overboard Most non-fatal boating accidents are the result of a collision with another boat or object in the water. Most fatalities occur in small open boats, on small inland bodies of water, in mid to late afternoon, on weekends during the summer months. The weather is normally good, with calm wind and water with good visibility. Most accidents are sudden, unexpected occurrences Most people do not have time to get their PFD on to prevent drowning

To prevent capsizing: -don’t overload the boat with passengers or gear. If capsizing occurs, grab a PFD and stay with the boat until help arrives. Only abandon the boat as a last resort. To prevent falls overboard: -don’t stand up in a small boat or ride on the gunwale, seat backs or bow. In the event of a fall overboard: -toss the person a life saving device (float) -keep the person in view -try to approach from downwind -assist the person on board over the stern -always turn off the motor when alongside someone in the water

To avoid a collision: – Always keep a sharp lookout for other boats and potential hazards – Learn drown-proofing strategy – Don’t drink on the waterways (the combination of sun, waves and motion of the boat can combine to increase the effects of alcohol at a much faster rate than on the shore) In the event of an accident the operator must file an accident report, within 10 days if: -a person dies -a person disappears -a person is incapacitated for a period in excess of 72 hours -there is property damage of more than $50.00

ASSISTING FROM THE SHORE Use the reach, throw, row, go method – Try to reach the person with a pole or long object – Throw them a flotation device – Use a bouyant object to go to them (boat, surfboard, boogie board, etc) – Swim to them only as a last resort Don’t immediately go to the person because that would put two people in danger.

PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS Inadequate number of PFDs or fire extinguishers Overloading Failure to display required lights Fuel leakage Fuel accumulation Failure to meet ventilation requirements Failure to meet backfire flame arrestor requirements Excessive leakage or accumulation of water in the bilge BE A SAFE BOATER OPERATOR

HAPPY BOATING!!