2016 Annual VE Workshop

National RBS Program Mission Statement To minimize loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and the environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through preventative means, in order to maximize the safe use and enjoyment of United States waterways by the public.

Why are we here?

Why are we failing? Paddlers don’t trust power boaters & they connect us with power boating Paddlers do not consider themselves “boaters” Our Vessel Examiners don’t know much about the Paddle Craft community We are not familiar with all the specialized gear that goes with the sport We don’t “speak” their language We are looked at as enforcers I’m sure there are other reasons – can you name some? A BIG reason is that… “We haven’t taken the time to educate ourselves about their sport!”

What is a Paddle Craft ? United States Coast Guard Definition: From 33 CFR 173 definitions: “Paddle craft means a vessel powered only by its occupants, using a single or double bladed paddle as a lever without the aid of a fulcrum provided by oarlocks, thole pins, crutches, or similar arrangements”.

Types of Paddle Craft KAYAKS: Sea, Touring, Recreational, Sit on Top, Inflatable, Folding, Modular, Fishing, Whitewater, etc… CANOES: Recreational, Whitewater, Racing, River Tripping, Wilderness Tripping, Specialty Use, etc… PADDLEBOARDS: Stand-up, Wave Boards for SUP Surfing, Cruise/Explore, Inflatables, Racebards, Whitewater, Yoga & Fitness Boards, etc.. PEDAL BOATS & ROW BOATS

Some Examples of Paddle Craft

Why are we so concerned with Paddle Craft safety? It’s the fastest growing “on the water” platform today Ease of obtaining one No formal training needed Cheaper than a boat or PWC Paddle Craft fatalities are on the rise No training – Paddler’s skill & experience Limited understanding of NAVRULES Not wearing a life jacket Various other reasons…Can you name some?

22% of all boating fatalities and increasing !

Paddle Craft Statistics % OF ALL FATALITIES WERE DUE TO DROWNING 75-78% OF DROWNINGS - NOT WEARING A LIFE JACKET % OF ALL FATALITIES WERE DUE TO DROWNING 81% OF DROWNINGS - NOT WEARING A LIFE JACKET

Commonalities – What Do We Know Most Paddle Craft fatalities occur: Timeframe: On a Saturday afternoon in July Location: On a lake, pond, reservoir, or dam Weather: Clear skies, winds 0-6 mph Water: Calm, waves less than 6 inches The majority of paddlers never took any kind of boating safety class !!!

WHO ARE THESE NEW BOATERS ? AND WHY THE SUDDEN INCREASE IN PADDLECRAFT ACTIVITY ?

BOATER PADDLER SPORTSMAN ?

Who is operating these Paddle Craft? CANOES MOST POPULAR AGE GROUP : 6-17 YEARS OLD 50% ARE ON THE WATER LESS THAN 4 TIMES A YEAR KAYAKS MOST POPULAR AGE GROUP: YEARS OLD 63% ARE ON THE WATER 3 OR LESS TIMES A YEAR BY FAR- THE MOST POPULAR OF ALL PADDLESPORTS

Purchasing a Paddle Craft Majority of Paddle Craft are purchased from: Local sporting good stores “Big Box” Stores Not specialty Paddle Craft Retailers where prices might be higher…but staff is more knowledgeable Why is this not good? Many sales representatives are not Paddlers Lack paddle craft knowledge They don’t know what safety equipment to recommend

Ease of Purchase

What can we do to make a difference? Before we answer this, we need to know our limits… As Vessel Examiners we don’t: Teach people to operate their vessels Offer advice on making repairs to vessels Tell boaters how to raise their sails and sail Can you think of any other examples? We can… use our time during a Vessel Safety Check to educate paddlers on safety, paddling educations courses available, and other recommended items that they might not be aware of.

The Vessel Examiners role in Paddle Craft Safety

Gaining trust in a “new” community First, we have to admit that we aren’t all Paddle Craft Experts. Don’t come off as such – you will be finished before you start Show a genuine interest in learning about paddling/paddlers Make your initial introductions to paddlers/clubs informal, but professional Take the initiative to EDUCATE yourself about paddling and all the safety gear related to the sport Have the knowledge to discuss these things and know what your talking about – fakers will be identified immediately Offer suggestions and make conversation about the “Recommended Items “ listed on the 7012A Form

Let’s take a few minutes to review HOW CAN WE GAIN THE PADDLERS/PADDLING COMMUNITIES TRUST? IS OUR PADDLING SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AT THE LEVEL IT SHOULD BE? HOW DO WE, AS AN AUXILIARY, MAKE AN IMPACT WITHIN THE PADDLECRAFT COMMUNITY? OUR ATTITUDE SAYS IT ALL !

Dealing with 3 Distinct Paddling Groups THE INDIVIDUAL PADDLER PADDLING CLUBS LIVERIES & RENTAL LOCATIONS

Dealing with – The Individual Paddler THIS IS NOT YOUR “EVERYDAY” VESSEL SAFETY CHECK: A Paddle Craft VSC is not just a Life Jacket and a whistle Use the time to discuss additional items Safety equipment for different type of paddling Rules of the Road Possibly taking a paddling course for familiarization USE THEIR LANGUAGE: It’s a Paddle Craft, not a boat It’s a voluntary examination, not an inspection FOCUS ON 3 TOPICS: Water Safety & equipment Examination of the Paddle Craft Rules of the Road

Dealing with – The Individual Paddler Make use of the 7012a Form during a Paddle Craft VSC: It was designed to provide the VE “talking points” Follow and discuss the listed “Recommended” items Remember with proactive self study you will know what these items are before you conduct the VSC Life Jackets Sound producing device Overall vessel condition Hatch covers Bulkheads /air bags / floatation Serviceable paddle VDS (as required) Navigation lights (as required) State and local requirements

Dealing with – The Individual Paddler Additional “talking points”: LIFE JACKETS - The most important piece of safety equipment Comfort is important Life jackets work only when worn Look for quality and quick drying material Type III lifejackets are often recommended Wear bright clothing: Paddle craft are often difficult to see Large vessels often are not looking for paddle craft and in rough water a white paddle craft is nearly invisible When operating in large bodies of water, rough water, high traffic areas, opt for high visibility paddle craft, clothing and accessories Speaking of clothing – make certain to take into account the weather and water temperature

Dealing with – The Individual Paddler Additional “talking points”: CARRY AN I.D. ON YOUR PERSON The reasons are obvious PLACE AN “IF FOUND” DECAL ON YOUR BOAT: Unoccupied vessels can cause needless SAR cases LEAVE A “FLOAT PLAN” WITH A FRIEND OR RELATIVE A simple note of where you’re going, when you’ll return, who you are traveling with and a description of your boat will help determine if you require assistance SPRAY SKIRTS (sometimes called spray decks) Designed to keep water from flooding into the cockpit in rough water Don't waste your money if doesn’t make a watertight seal

Dealing with – The Individual Paddler Additional “talking points”: PADDLES (It’s only an oar if used in a row boat) Different styles. Can be made of many different materials Personal choice HELMETS Suggested use in whitewater, surf, tide races, breaking waves etc. Different helmets should be tried Comfort and full head protection are equally important decision factors THE LIST OF EQUIPMENT COULD GO ON AND ON…….. Our responsibility is to help the boater to THINK about what they need to carry, depending on their type of boating

PADDLE FLOAT LED FLASHLIGHT STROBE LIGHT RESCUE THROW ROPE DECK COMPASS DECK DRY BAG SEA ANCHOR SPRAY SKIRT DEWATERING PUMP WATERPROOF GEAR BAGS PADDLE LEASH SCUPPER PLUGS PERSONAL LOCATOR MARINE BAND RADIO INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETS

Emphasizing Paddler Safety Remember your initial interaction with this paddler may be their first and only exposure to paddle craft safety: Explain the importance of taking a formal paddling course Stress the importance of having an “If Found” decal Explain why they should have a Vessel Safety Check conducted on their paddle craft Discuss how they are expected to follow the same rules of the road as other vessels Make sure that you are familiar with and can identify and explain how to use additional recommended safety equipment Remember, as a Vessel Examiner, YOU are expected to be knowledgeable in all aspects of paddling. This means that you may have to take the time and initiative to self educate yourself prior to going out and conducting paddle craft VSC’s.

Expanding our reach PADDLE CRAFT CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS: Good place to reach paddlers of all experience types Develop relationships with organizers – Start with a friendly talk, not a presentation Let them know that you are here to help educate paddlers and are not a law enforcement entity Ask to be invited to their events to conduct Vessel Safety Check’s Can be located in the yellow pages or on the internet Think outside the box… Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local and state recreation programs These all have and use paddle craft Approach these locations with these things in mind: Don’t come off as an expert in paddle craft if you are not Their willingness to cooperate /participate depends on your first impression You are a representative of the Coast Guard

Expanding our reach LIVERIES & RENTAL FACILITIES: Great places to reach a large number of new inexperienced paddlers Build friendship with owner/management & make a new RBS Partner Large groups of paddles in a local area Provide up to date paddling materials Can be located in the local yellow pages or on the internet Approach these locations with these things in mind: Understand your dealing with a money making business Their willingness to cooperate /participate depends on your first impression You are a representative of the Coast Guard You are there to help them develop good safety practices Ensure that they have the knowledge and resources to relate the boating safety message to their customers

Examining Paddle Craft Rental Equipment KEEP YOUR STANDARDS HIGH: Someone’s life may depend on it EXAMINE EACH PADDLE CRAFT CAREFULLY: Know how to identify problems/issues Report problems to management, and explain the issue DON’T FORGET TO EXAMINE THE RENTAL LIFE JACKETS: Quality Quantity Available sizes – Do they have infant, children, and youth sizes too?

The Paperwork  Complete a 7012-A for every examination Be sure to sign and date each form  Summarize your examinations on a ANSC 7038  REMEMBER: The job’s not done until the paperwork is submitted

Reflection…

Questions?

Presented by: National Directorate of Vessel Examination and Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Programs