Author: KRP

You’re a boater. You know you have a responsibility to the water and wildlife, but what about the environment? The three Rs are an easy-to-remember acronym for reducing pollution at its source: reduce, reuse, recycle. These simple steps can help keep our waterways clean and healthy, so let’s make it happen.

Boaters have a responsibility to the environment what is one of the 3rs

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Boaters can contribute to the problem of marine debris by improperly disposing of their waste. They may throw cigarette butts, food wrappers, and other garbage overboard without a second thought about the consequences for fish and marine animals who mistake litter for food or eat it directly because of its resemblance to a natural item.

Boaters also dispose of oil, hydraulic fluid, antifreeze, and other pollutants that sink to the seafloor or wash up onshore. They can help keep our oceans clean by following the Three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Boaters also need to take care of their vessels to prevent them from leaking oil, fuel, or other substances into the water. They can help by checking their boat and engine regularly for leaks. They should also clean any spilled fuel before the next boating season.

Boaters should follow the below things to save the environment

1. Carry reusable items like bottles, silverware, cups, cloth bags, and canvas totes.

2. Boaters can also avoid disposable items such as plastic or Styrofoam cups and plates by using reusable containers instead.

3. They should use cloth bags when they shop to avoid using the plastic grocery bags that are thrown away after a single use (some states have banned them).

4. They can also carry their own reusable beverage container when they buy their favorite bottled drinks. Water, juice, and soft drink bottles can be washed out and reused again and again.

5. Boaters can also make sure to recycle all of their used plastic containers by dropping them into recycling bins.

6. Recycle old batteries, motor oil, and car batteries. They can find recycling locations for some types of batteries on the Boating Responsibly website.

7. Boaters can take advantage of many marinas that offer free disposal of boat oil and antifreeze when it is drained from a boat’s engines. They should check with their local marinas. They should never dump oil directly into the water.

8. Fisherman can help keep marine habitats healthy by checking their fishing lines and hooks each time they go out on the water to make sure they are clean before going fishing again. They should educate themselves prior to their trip.

They must obey all speed limits and keep a safe distance from wildlife. They should report any pollution they see on the water. Boaters/Fishermen can avoid operating in shallow water or near shorelines, reefs, or other sensitive areas.

Which is better reduce, reuse or Recycle?

Reusing is better than recycling because when you reuse something, you are not creating any waste that has to be recycled and it also eliminates the energy that is used in recycling. It also significantly reduces waste that is thrown away. You should reuse your water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils.

If waste/Garbage cannot be reduced or reused then you should consider recycling. Recycling can be a good option for Boaters because it reduces pollution by extracting and processing raw materials into new products.

As a boater, you should avoid sensitive areas. You need to know where important fish habitats are, like spawning areas for game fish or nursery grounds for young fish. You should use your charts and navigation equipment to be sure that you are not going anywhere near these areas. You can help protect these habitats by avoiding them altogether.

You can also help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans and waterways by reducing, reusing, and recycling. You should not dispose of food or beverage containers made from plastic materials like soda bottles, milk jugs, water bottles, or take-out containers. These should be recycled instead. You can recycle most types of plastics by dropping them off at local recycling centers. Never ever throw these items into the trash or dump them into rivers, streams, or the ocean.

You can lessen their impact by using the Three Rs. Boaters who practice the Three Rs will find that they need to spend less money on boat parts and equipment over time, as well as having a smaller “carbon footprint”.

Conclusion

It’s our responsibility to the environment to practice the 3Rs. We should reduce, reuse and recycle as much as we can in order to cut down on waste that winds up polluting our world. Boaters have a big responsibility when it comes to keeping things clean because any messes created by boating activities will be left behind while traveling downstream or out into larger bodies of water like lakes and oceans. Have you made an effort this summer to do your part for environmental conservation? One easy way is carrying reusable items with you wherever you go so there’s less waste created overall. What are some other ways that boated responsibly this season?

If you are involved in a boating accident what is the first thing you must do? The first thing you must do is check on the casualty, whichever one it is. Second, check to see if anyone got thrown off. Next is calling out for help.

If you find yourself involved in a boating accident, the first thing that you must do is assess your situation. It’s important to know if anyone is injured and how severe their injuries are. If they’re not too serious, it may be best to wait for emergency assistance because time can be of the essence when it comes to responding to an injury.

Next, make sure everyone on board knows what their role in the boating accident response will be – whether that’s getting help or providing medical attention. Finally, take stock of any equipment onboard (like life jackets) and use whatever resources available onboard (e.g., boat flares) before waiting for emergency assistance so that responders can arrive as quickly as possible.

If you are involved in a boating accident what is the first thing you must do?

Stop engine of your boat

Stop the boat’s engine. If the vessel you are in is sinking, don’t panic. If possible, get everyone into a boat life preserver or onto the raft in case you have to abandon the ship. If your vessel is sinking, make sure everyone gets out and away from the boat as soon as possible. If the situation is not too severe, wait on the boat for emergency assistance.

If small boats are close by and able to come to your aid immediately, try to use a flare or radio for assistance. If you are able to, move your boat out of the way and into position so that small boats can easily get right up next to it. If you are in distress near a coastline or shoreline, stay close to shallow water that is safe for small boats and wait for emergency assistance. If you are in the water, but not near a coastline or shoreline, make sure to stay in the general vicinity of your boat so that you know where it is and emergency responders can locate you as quickly as possible.

Is anyone injured

Make sure no one is injured. If anyone is injured, ensure they receive proper medical attention. If there are no injuries, you have time to wait for emergency assistance. If anyone needs medical attention due to the boating accident, make sure they get it immediately. If they need to be evacuated from a boat or vessel, do not delay. Use VHF radio to contact the appropriate authorities and let them know the situation. Note down casualty’s name and address If anyone is injured, you will need to report it. If someone has minor injuries and will be fine, you will also need to report it.

Report to the proper authority

You should report the accident to a proper authority (e.g., if you are in Canada contact Transport Canada, If you are in the United States report it to the U.S Coast Guard). Do not hesitate to call for assistance. Call the Coast Guard If you feel like there is a life-threatening emergency and your situation will require immediate transportation by a medical services helicopter, call the Coast Guard.

Collect Information

Gather information If there are other people on board, ask them what happened. If other vessels were involved in the accident and you feel someone is responsible for it, get as much information from any witnesses on board or nearby as possible – try to write everything down while things are still fresh in your mind.

If all the boats involved were private craft, each person should keep their own log of important information so that it can be compared later. If the crash was caused by a larger boat, such as a ferry or cruise ship, passengers should note down the name and call sign of the vessel. If there is an investigation later on, this information could be very important to find out what happened. Make evidence If you are in a situation where you feel like your boating accident will need some legal assistance later on, make sure you collect evidence.

If you have a video camera, use it to record footage of everything that happened – if time allows, ask witnesses to give their own accounts and testimony on the videotape as well. If there is an injury or fatality involved in your accident, make sure pictures are taken of any injured persons or bodies with close-ups of any injuries and that it is clearly documented in what condition the body was found, as well as a description of how the person or persons were injured.

If possible, take pictures of what happened in relation to your boat as well – for example, if you collided with another boat, take pictures of where your vessel hit their vessel and try to document any damages. If there are witnesses that can confirm the facts of your accident, take their contact information and names so that you can give it to a lawyer to get their statements later on if needed.

Report it to your insurance carrier

Notify your insurer If you have insurance on your boat or vessel, make sure to notify them of any accidents or incidents that could cost the company money. If you don’t have insurance, it may still be a good idea to contact your insurer anyway.

Make a claim for damages If you feel like someone else is responsible for your accident, or that a third party’s vessel was involved and made the collision unavoidable, it may be necessary to file a claim against them. If there are any injuries involved, make sure to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible so they can help guide you through the legal process.

Conclusion

If you’re on a boat and have an accident, the first thing you need to do is make sure that everyone is safe. But don’t panic. Making sure everyone’s safety comes before anything else. Next, stop your engine immediately in order to prevent further injury or damage.

If a passenger on your boat falls overboard what should you do first? First of all, stop/reduce the boat engine. If the victim is not wearing a lifejacket, toss a PFD. Next, send distress signals nearby.

So you’re cruising on your boat, listening to some tunes, and enjoying the water. Suddenly, a passenger falls overboard. What should you do first? 

Well first of all don’t panic. If you have a life vest then throw it in their direction so they can grab it before they go too far out into the water. You also want to quickly turn around so that there’s less distance between them and your boat. As soon as they grab onto the side of your boat or climb back onboard, call for help if necessary. And finally, steer away from any obstacles that may cause damage to both people or property while bringing them back safely to shore.

A passenger on your boat falls overboard what should you do first?

Throw PFD to an overboard victim

Toss them a throwable type PFD instead of throwing them the other one they are swimming for. A throwable will allow you to pull them back alongside your boat and then someone can reach down and grab it as opposed to having to dive in after it.

Getting tossed the correct PFD could save their lives, so make sure this happens correctly. A throwable PFD, the orange or yellow lifebuoy, is much larger and harder to miss than the traditional wear-it-at-all-times PFD that floats on top of the water.

Send distress signal

Alert everyone immediately of the situation at hand and ask them to call for help. A nearby fishing boat or rescue personnel should always be called immediately in case someone needs to be rescued from the water and they need all the help they can get.

Use VHF channel 16 to call for help. Call out “mayday-mayday-mayday” three times and give all necessary information. A description of the incident should be given along with your name/location, how many people are in the water, their condition, and any other pertinent information that may assist the rescue team in locating you or sending a boat out to help.

Use MOB button

A MOB button is a great tool to have on your boat if you are traveling near any waterways. A MOB button is actually a really simple system to use and will help notify rescuers the moment someone goes overboard. A MOB can be installed on any boat, even if it’s an older model so long as there is access to its wiring. A GPS will help you stay on track so that you can keep an accurate record of the location where your passenger went overboard. Also be sure to note down any obstacles nearby like rocks, docks, and other boats.

Apply speed and/or course

Reduce speed immediately once a passenger goes overboard. A slow boat can help rescuers locate him/her easier and it also reduces the chance of the person falling into a wake. Turn the boat’s bow towards the person in the water so you can approach them from the same side they went overboard.

Approach carefully

When deciding on how to approach the person in the water you must decide whether it’s safer to turn your boat downwind or into the current. A strong current could be dragging the victim underwater and it can be hard for rescuers to locate them. A downwind approach will allow you to still stay in one place while trying to keep the person in your boat’s sight. A downwind approach will also give shelter to the person who went overboard in the event of strong winds.

Post a lookout

Post a lookout or use someone as a lookout so that you don’t miss them in the water. A good option is to use a small binocular at the stern or remove your shades to get an even clearer view of your surroundings. A lookout can help you locate the missing passenger so that they can be brought back on board as soon as possible. Also, keep in mind that if the person is injured, then they may not be able to swim or keep their head above water for a long period of time. A speedy recovery could be life-saving in this situation.

Aware of running propeller

Stop the engine once you figure out the best way to approach the person in the water. A boat can run up on a victim very easily and cause severe injury or death. A running engine can also scare off a panicked individual and he/she will not stick around for help. You must do everything possible to make sure they know you’re there to help so turn the engine off and you can help calm the individual down. A calm person will be easier to rescue so try to keep them from freaking out any more than they already are.

Use buoyant lifebuoy

Use a buoyant heaving line or lifebuoy to pick them up if you don’t have a Reboarding device. A heaving line is a preferred way to bring someone back on board because it can be thrown from a further distance than most lifebuoys. A heaving line also has a clip on the end so that you can loop it around their arm or leg for easy retrieval. A lifebuoy is another alternative and can be used just like a heaving line. A lifebuoy will have the added benefit of keeping their head above water if they begin to drown. A drowning person might be too weak or injured to swim and could go under due to the weight of their clothing, so a buoyant lifebuoy is ideal for this situation.

If the person is too weak to grab onto the line or lifebuoy then send out a second person to help them. A second rescuer can grab onto the victim and pull them up to the boat. A second rescuer can also keep the victim’s head above water while you reach out with a heaving line or lifebuoy. Pull the person back on board over the stern of the boat.

Balance your boat

Keep your boat balanced or make sure there is a stable platform for the victim once he/she steps on board. A good option is to have an extra deckhand to help support the victim’s weight. A person who has fallen overboard will likely be weak and injured, so try not to make them stand on their own two feet for too long and keep them in a stable position. First aid treatment can be performed once the victim has been safely brought back on board the pleasure craft.

Conclusion

When a passenger falls overboard, you should call for help and quickly turn your boat back towards them. The first thing you should do is reduce your boat speed and toss him or her a personal floatation device (PFD). If he or she doesn’t wear one already, then give them yours. The next step is to turn around and slowly approach from downwind or into the sea whichever it stronger. Finally, stop your boat’s engine when close enough so that waves won’t be too big for the victim to stand up in between them if they’re not wearing a PFD. In conclusion, just remember these three steps every time somebody falls off of your boat.

The Float Plan is a required document for any boat. It allows the Coast Guard to know who is on board, where they are going, and when they intend to return. That way if you don’t make it back, they can come looking for you.

There’s also a lot of other information included in a float plan that will help them find your vessel if it ever goes missing while out at sea like the size of your boat or how many people are aboard so they know what kind of resources need to be deployed. 

The best thing about this blog post? You’ll learn how important float plans are and all the things that should go into them.

A float plan should contain the below information

A float plan must have the name, contact number, address, and a physical description of the operator. A copy of the operator’s registration (Boat Title) must be included on a float plan.

A boat’s description should include the boat type, make, model, color, size, vessel identification number, and license plate number.

A cell phone number and a VHF radio channel should be in the “contact information” section of a float plan.

The crew’s age and gender should also be included in the plan.

A boat operator’s route plan should consist of the travel times along with any stops that will be made.

A description of the types and amount of safety equipment must be included on a float plan. A vessel will normally have its location updated every fifteen minutes or so using an AIS device that is attached to the boat and then transmitted to AIS receivers that are located throughout coastal waters. AIS also transmits navigational information, such as your speed, course, heading, and position updates, just in case you need help.

A VHF radio channel that will be monitored while the boat is in operation must be mentioned and a timeframe for the outing should also be included in the document along with specifics on how long a person can stay out and where they should return to.

A departure date, arrival date, and the proposed route must also be included in a float plan.

Boat locations such as latitude and longitude should be included on a float plan.

Do you need a float plan?

A float plan is a document that gives out detailed information about the boat and its voyage. A person can never tell if they will encounter an emergency situation, for instance, boat capsizing or getting lost out at sea due to bad weather conditions and possible injuries. So it’s important to include as much information on a float plan as you possibly can in order to assist the Coast Guard in locating your boat and saving you.

A good float plan does not only ensure the safety of a vessel, but it also saves lives. A float plan can help save money and time when it comes to search rescue operations as well because this document gives out detailed information about the boat so rescuers will know where they are to send help. A float plan is not just for pleasure boating, either. A float plan can also be required in order to travel on ferries, kayaks, or fishing vessels as well so it’s really important that you have one before you head out of the harbor.

Closeout a float plan properly

When you are on the shore, and thus a float plan is no longer needed, be sure to close it out properly. A final position should be left as soon as the boat docks or anchors in a harbor for the last time. A final position on a float plan can be used to establish liability in case of damage or injury.

An official and clean closing-out procedure should always be followed when you’re nearing your destination, taking shelter, anchoring, docking, or any other situation that would require this process to take place.

Never leave a float plan open because this can cause confusion. A float plan should be closed out by the operator and it should never be signed off by someone else.

You can get hardcopy or digital versions of a float plan. An online form is easy to access and can be filled out quickly, but hardcopy versions are more long-lasting. The USCG Auxiliary offers an app for float plan creation. A smartphone device could be very advantageous to use due to the fact that a person can edit and update it whenever necessary as well as store a copy for future use.

Hand over float plan

When you create a float plan you need to be sure that it’s easy for rescuers to read. A good way to make your float plan easily readable is to use short sentences and words. A person should never type out just abbreviations or codes because these are hard to understand for people who aren’t familiar with them.

A friend, family, a neighbor, or anyone else you know who’s on the shore should receive a copy of your float plan if you hand one out. A float plan should be handed out whether or not the operator is in any sort of trouble. A safety-conscious person would give a copy to anyone they meet on the water that might be able to help in case an emergency situation arises.

A person needs to be careful when handling these out since there is no way of knowing who will have access to your information and personal details. A person should always make sure that the information on a float plan is accurate and up to date. If a contact number or other address information needs to be changed, use a new piece of paper and immediately discard the old one when you’re done. A good float plan should also have information about possible hazards present in your area as well in case of an boating accident or emergency situation.

Conclusion

A float plan should contain the following information to help in case of an emergency. What is your boat’s name, how many people are on board, who is driving, and what type of vessel? Is there a radio onboard or any life jackets that can be reached easily if needed? Do you have contact information for all those on board with means to call them back home if necessary?

File your float plan: https://floatplancentral.cgaux.org/

Your boat capsizes and floats away what should you do? In case of capsizing it is imperative that you immediately try to regain control over your boat by making use of emergency equipment which will help you to stop your boat and save yourself and your friends.

There are helpful tips that can help to prevent a capsize: 

1. You should know your boat’s limitations point that is an area of concern.
2. Do not overload your boat, always try to maintain a balanced weight.
3. Pump out the bilges water whenever it is required to do so.
4. Try to maintain a good safety margin.
5. Understand when you must yield to conditions.
6. Avoid riptides areas that are very dangerous for a small boat.
7. Try to avoid abeam long waves.

The question is when your boat capsizes and floats away what should you do?

aa) Swim up under the boat to stay out of the wind

bb) Swim away from the boat and tread water

cc) Hang onto the boat or climb onto it

dd) Remove your life jacket and wave it to signal for help

The answer is actually all four. But the best answer is c) Hang onto the boat or climb onto it.

There are few things as terrifying as seeing your boat spin out of control and capsize in the water. The feeling of helplessness is overwhelming when you have to watch it float away while you’re still in the water, but if this has happened to you, don’t panic. You can use some basic tips for surviving a capsized boat and getting back on dry land.

Your Boat Capsizes and Floats Away What Should You Do?

The good news is that this scenario isn’t as bad as it sounds. Your boat can still provide safety for you while it’s floating away from you, but there are some things to keep in mind. Your biggest risk is hypothermia – your boat will offer protection from wind and rain, but it is still very cold water. Your first priority should be to get out of the water and to your boat as quickly as possible.

Until you can do that, don’t worry about anything else – the less time you’re in the water, the more likely you are to survive. Your first objective should be to swim to the nearest land if you have the strength and are able. If that is not an option, then locate your overturned boat and get as close to it as possible in order to keep warm until help arrives. Your priorities are warmth, shelter, and signaling. Your boat is your best bet for all three of those things.

Your survival suit or life jacket will help keep you afloat but make sure it stays on at all times. Your life jacket will keep your head above water. Your clothing can get heavy when it’s wet, so remove anything that isn’t essential – remember your safety is more important than any possessions you might risk losing in the water. Your PFD has a strobe light and whistle sewn into it – use all these items to attract attention.

Tell your passengers to not take off their life jackets – they will be easier to spot if they are wearing them. Your crew should do a headcount to make sure everyone is still present and accounted for. Your passengers should also know that they should stay with the boat and not swim away to get help unless they are good swimmers. You need everyone together to have a better chance of survival.

Once your boat has floated far enough away from you, it’s time to use other signaling devices to get attention to your need for help. You must have a mirror or a whistle to signal for help – it can be done without them but is much more effective if you have one. Your mirror or whistle will give you the best chance of being spotted by other boats and rescue crews.

Parachute Flare, flashlights, or a flare gun are good ideas if you have them on board. Your flares and flashlight should be easy to find in case of an emergency – don’t leave them stashed away in your cabin or below deck. Your boat’s flag is also very important for signaling – if you haven’t grabbed it during the capsizing, make sure you have it ready to deploy.

Steps That Must Be Taken Before a Boat Capsizes

Check the weather to ensure your trip will be safe. Your boat will provide the best protection in bad weather, but there are other things to consider before you set off. Your trip should be postponed if the weather isn’t good enough for safe passage – don’t take chances, especially if your boat is light and unseaworthy. Your boat may have more protection from the wind and waves, but it’s not supposed to be out on open water in a storm – think about your safety before you go out.

Check your boat anchor and tether it to something secure. Your anchor will help you avoid drifting away when you are out on open water. Your boat’s tether or rope should be inspected for fraying or other damage before you leave.

Avoid drastic turns and quick accelerations. Your turns should be slow and gradual to prevent capsizing – one sudden turn could send your boat right over. Your quick acceleration may also risk an accident if you aren’t prepared. Your engine should be able to handle your boat’s weight and the conditions.

keep your center of gravity low. Your boat is at a higher risk of capsizing when your engine and equipment are positioned too high or when you have passengers on board. Your passengers should sit in the middle of the deck to keep your boat balanced. Don’t allow passengers to lean over the edge of the boat. Your passengers should be prepared for the trip and know what they need to do.

Passengers must know how to swim. Your passengers should be wearing a life jacket at all times when they are on the boat.

Your boat’s equipment should be working and ready to use before you leave. Your safety equipment like your flares, mirror, or whistle may not work if they aren’t in good condition. It’s always better to check them one last time than to suddenly realize they need fixing when you’re out on the water.

Your hull may have been damaged during your last trip – a cracked or broken hull could sink your boat if it gets worse out on open water. Check your hull for signs of damage and repair any problems before you set out.

Your boat’s quick turns and strong movements are more likely to send it right over if other boats or large swells are around. Your focus should be on avoiding dangerous situations – large waves or close boats could pose a problem. Your boat’s speed should be slowed before you make your turns and avoid other boats that are too close to you.

Your craft may not float for much longer if it is overloaded – the weight of your passengers, equipment, and cargo may sink it or cause it to capsize. Your passengers should be limited and your equipment removed before you go out – consider a lighter load or smaller party if you need to leave some things behind.

Conclusion

Boat capsizes and floats away? What should you do? Well, first thing’s first. Stay with the boat. Your swamped pleasure craft is easier to see from a distance. Signal for help using other devices such as visual signals (wearing a lifejacket or PFD), whistle, or mirror. Tell others passengers what they need to do in case of emergency like counting heads and wearing a personal flotation device/life jacket. Reach, Throw, Row, or Go rescue techniques can save lives when there are no boats around to provide assistance.

What Should You Do If Your Small Boat Capsizes?

If your small boat capsizes, remain calm and take the following steps:

1. Assess the situation and ensure that everyone on board is safe. If someone is injured, call for help immediately.

2. If the boat is still floating, try to right it using whatever means you have on hand (pushing from the shore, using a pole or oar, etc.).

3. If the boat cannot be righted, or if it begins to sink, get everyone aboard into the water and away from the vessel as quickly as possible.

4. Swimmers should stay together and head for shore; non-swimmers should cling to anything that will float and wait for rescue.

Should You Stay With the Boat If It Capsizes?

If you’re on a boat that capsizes, staying with the vessel could save your life. Here’s why:

1. The Boat May Right Itself. If your boat capsizes, it may right itself. This is especially true if the vessel is small and lightweight. Once the boat rights itself, you can climb back on board and continue your journey.

2. You May Be Rescued Quicker If you stay with the capsized boat, rescuers will be able to find you more quickly. If you swim away from the vessel, it will be much harder for them to locate you (exact location) in the water. In addition, if there are other people on board the capsized boat, they’ll need your help to survive until rescue arrives.

3. The Boat May Offer Flotation and Protection In some cases, staying with the capsized boat may be your only hope of survival.

The vessel itself can provide flotation and protection from the elements – including sun exposure and hypothermia-inducing cold water temperatures. In addition, many boats are equipped with emergency supplies like flares or radios that can help signal for help.

Should You Swim to Shore If Your Boat Capsizes?

If you are a good swimmer and close to a shore then you can swim towards land. But, If you are far from shore, try to stay with capsized boat and give signal for help. If you are close to shore, focus on getting yourself and any other survivors out of the water as quickly as possible.

Once everyone is out of the water, assess the situation and decide whether it is safe to stay where you are or whether you need to move to a more secure location.