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Safety on the water and the prevention of boating accidents is
something the U.S. Coast Guard takes very seriously. Many of
the factors that cause boating accidents and jet ski accidents
can be controlled. Whether recreational vessel operators
exercise caution, in terms of everything from not boating
under the influence of alcohol to ensuring that all safety
equipment such as life jackets are in working order.
Because of the additional recreational vessel and jet ski traffic
expected for the holiday weekend, the Coast Guard issued an
announcement. It wants boaters to keep an eye on the
weather and have proper safety equipment aboard. It
mentions the importance of life jackets and VHF-FM radios.
When offshore, cell phones may not work because they are
not within range of microwave towers.
The Coast Guard also recommends providing a friend or
relative with a float plan. The plan provides vessel description,
destination information and an estimated time of arrival. It’s
also important to let others know if you are delayed. Doing this
can prevent others from becoming concerned about an
accident or other incident on the water. To read the article in
its entirety, click boating safety article.
It’s also important to give a boat a good inspection, to identify
the things that could lead to engine breakdown or other
equipment failure. It’s a good idea to pick up the engine cover
and regularly check the health of batteries, belts, heat
exchangers, piping, valves, and wiring. Identifying oil leaking
from an engine is important in terms of preventing pollution, as
well as preemptively spotting a future mechanical problem.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free, no-fault vessel safety
checks. These courtesy examinations are valuable in ensuring
that a vessel is compliant with federal and state regulations.
Naturally, a combination of knowledge, experience, prudent
operation, and proper equipment are the best way to avoid an
accident on the water. This means understanding some of the
fundamentals of navigation, such as how to read a marine
chart. It means having an ability to monitor the skies and seas
for changes in weather, while listening for meteorological
updates on the radio. It means keeping seamanship skills up
to date, so that a safe man overboard rescue could be
effectuated should the need arise.
One of the things that most anyone can do to increase the
probability of a safe voyage is to not consume alcohol on the
water. In recreational boating statistics for 2012, alcohol use
was a contributing factor in 30 accidents. Aside from the
obvious safety factor, alcohol use could lead to an arrest of
boating while intoxicated, or BWI, or boating while under the
influence (depending on how the jurisdiction classifies the
offense). There are also lesser infractions known as boating
while ability impaired, or BWAI. These can have serious
consequences. Convictions can lead to prison sentences and
heavy fines. These offenses can be considered felonies or
misdemeanors, depending on the jurisdiction. (U.S.C.G.)
For additional information, boaters can check the following:
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Vessel Safety Checks
Coast Guard Boating Safety page
National Safe Boating Council
U.S. Power Squadrons
Boating Safety Sidekicks
While a good maritime attorney can handle the legal issues
that arise in a boating accident, sometimes the best course of
action is to follow basic steps in inspecting a vessel and its
equipment, following the rules of the road, familiarization with
local charts, not using of alcohol, and maintaining safe
speeds... thereby avoiding an accident.
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