Boating Safety
Wear your Personal Flotation Device, WE DO!
Children under 12 boating in Oregon waters are generally required to wear a properly sized PFD. In Washington similar rules apply for vessels under 19 feet. It's common sense and it's the law.
Oregon Rules:
Children aged 12 and under are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD at all times while on an open deck or cockpit of vessels that are underway or being towed. PFDs must be securely fastened and be size appropriate for the wearer.
Every person on board a personal watercraft (PWC) or being towed must wear a Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not intended for use while participating in tow sports or other high impact sports, and do not meet the wear requirements for PWC operation.
Washington Rules:
All vessels must carry one Type I, II, or III USCG–approved PFD for each person on board.
In addition to the above requirement, vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one Type IV USCG–approved PFD on board and immediately accessible.
All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition and readily accessible. The PFDs must be of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.
Children 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG–approved life jacket at all times when underway in a vessel less than 19 feet in length, unless in a fully enclosed area.
Each person on board a personal watercraft must wear a USCG–approved PFD.
Each person being towed behind a vessel must wear a USCG–approved PFD.
Life Jackets aren't just for kids!
The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims. As a boat operator, you're in command of the safety of your passengers. But accidents can, and do happen with terrifying speed on the water. There's rarely time to reach stowed life jackets.
The U.S. Coast Guard challenges you and your passengers to wear your life jacket all the time while underway. Parents and guardians check out this information on fitting life jackets for infants and children...
“You’re in Command”
“You’re in Command” is the U.S. Coast Guard’s new public safe boating outreach initiative, which encourages all recreational boaters to take responsibility for their actions on the water. As a boat owner or operator, you are responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers. That’s why we say: “You’re in Command. Boat Safely!”
Mandatory Boater Education in Oregon
If you are 40 or younger you will need a Boater Education Card to operate your 10 hp+ powerboat in 2004. This program is phased-in and the requirement will include boaters 45 and younger in 2005, 50 and younger in 2006, 60 and younger in 2007, etc. Details here.
One of the requirements for obtaining the card is successful completion of a boater education class. Take your class with us! Our Boating Safely (BSC) and Boating Skills & Seamanship (BS&S) meet the requirement.
Mandatory Boater Education in Washington
Washington does not currently require education to operate a boat in the state. In 2003 the State Legislature passed SB 5898 directing the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to prepare a recommendation on how to reduce boating fatalities in Washington. The Commission has submitted a report to the legislature with a number of recommendations, one of which is: "Make boating safety education mandatory for all operators of motor driven vessels of 10 hp or more. " Legislative action is expected in 2004.
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Carbon Monoxide
Are you aware of this silent but deadly killer. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless and mixes evenly with the air. It enters your bloodstream through the lungs and displaces the oxygen your body needs. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning - irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness - are often confused with seasickness or intoxication. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very short exposure to high concentrations can lead to death. More information...
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Boating Under the Influence
BUI is just as deadly as drinking and driving!
Every boater needs to understand the risks of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BUI). It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. The Coast Guard also enforces a federal law that prohibits BUI. This law pertains to ALL boats (from canoes and rowboats to the largest ships) – and includes foreign vessels that operate in U.S. waters, as well as U.S. vessels on the high seas. More information...
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Take the time to prepare a Float Plan
The Float Plan is the world's only life-saving device on paper.
Why should you take the time to prepare a float plan? The answer is simple... there are just too many facts that need to be accurately remembered and ultimately conveyed. You are counting on someone else, a friend, neighbor, or family member to remember detailed information that rescue personnel need in order to find you. Information that can make a difference in the outcome. Find out more at Float Plan Central. |