District Of Columbia Safe Boating Course

CHAPTER 5: Safe Boat Operation

5.1 OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Ultimately, the boat operator is responsible for the safety and activity of all passengers. Additionally, the boat operator must respect other boaters and property. Before casting off, the operator should:

Complete a pre-departure checklist to avoid emergencies later
Ensure the vessel is cared for, is in good working order, and is seaworthy
Ensure all passengers are properly seated and comfortable with the safety equipment and procedures in case of emergency
File a float plan, particularly for lengthy trips or those in unfamiliar waters
Check local hazards
Check local weather forecast and conditions

5.1.1 AGE RESTRICTIONS

Any person who is operating or navigating any vessel shall have in his or her possession satisfactory evidence of having completed an approved boating safety course, or the person shall make evidence of having completed a boating safety course available to the Harbor Master at the vessel's launching or berthing point on the shore adjacent to District of Columbia waters.

No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall operate or navigate any vessel sixteen feet (16 ft.) or more in length of any kind in District of Columbia waters, unless the person has successfully completed a boating safety course approved by the Harbor Master, or unless the person under eighteen (18) years of age is under the direct supervision of a person who has reached eighteen (18) years of age and who has successfully complete a boating safety course.

In the District of Columbia there is a minimum age requirement of 18 years for operating a vessel that is 16 feet in length or more. Operators under the age of 18 are exempt from this requirement if:

They have successfully completed an approved state boating course, or,
They are under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 18 years of age that has completed an approved boating safety course themselves.

5.1.2 NO WAKE

"No wake" is defined as "The slowest possible speed required in order to maintain steerage and headway." It is unlawful to create dangerous wakes, and the boat operator is responsible for personal injury or damage caused by dangerous wakes.

5.1.3 COURTESY

Other boaters and property owners wish to enjoy the water as well. As a courtesy to other boaters, swimmers and property owners, be sure to monitor your wake, noise level and boat speed around other boats and shoreline properties. You are responsible for any damage caused by your wake. Be sure to take the time to review proper safety and operation procedures if you let someone else operate your boat. Be particularly mindful of your boat noise in the early morning and late evening. Leave the water as you found it: clean up any waste you encounter and be sure to collect any of your own waste in a garbage bag and dispose of it properly once you get to shore.

5.1.4 SLACKEN SPEED

All vessels should be operated at a speed that allows time and distance to take necessary action to avoid a collision. Obviously, different conditions and levels of expertise will warrant different speeds. Certain areas in the District of Columbia enforce local speed limits. Check with your local boating authority before heading out on the water to determine speed limits (if any) in your area.

To determine a 'safe speed' for your boat, take into account the following factors:

The visibility conditions (fog, mist, rain, darkness)
The wind, waterconditions and currents
Traffic density, types of vessels in the area and their proximity
Vessel responsiveness (larger, lore powerful boats require a larger turning radius and have a higher top-end speed which requires more time and distance to stop)
The proximity of any navigational hazards

Lastly, your wake can cause damage to property and other vessels. Always take into account the effects your wake might create when adjusting your speed.

5.1.5 MUFFLERS AND NOISE LEVELS

Although the District of Columbia does not mandate the use of mufflers, it is still recommended that vessels propelled by a motor have some sort of adequate sound muffling device. Excessive noise may be a distraction for the operator as it may inhibit them from properly hearing important signals or sounds.

5.1.6 NEGLIGENCE

Any type of boating vessel demands an operator's respect and attention. Careless or reckless behavior aboard any vessel can result in dangerous consequences. A boat is not a toy. Enjoy your boating experience, but be mindful of the power of many vessels and the inherent dangers that water presents.

5.1.7 UNSAFE PRACTICES

The following acts and maneuvers are considered illegal while boating in District of Columbia.

Careless Operation. It is illegal to operate a vessel in any way that endangers your ability to stay safe and not endanger rights or property of others. The following are a couple of examples.

Endangering others or their property, such as allowing the wake of your vessel to harm another or their property or to even potentially do so,
Jumping the wake of a vessel too close to another vessel.
Failing to follow posted speeds, and signs which indicate restricted entry zones, diver or skier down flags, etc.

Operating at an unsafe speed. Boaters must always operate their vessel at a safe speed as they must also follow all indicated speed limitations
Failing to keep an adequate distance. Boaters must keep the designated no wake speed in certain circumstances as well as keeping their distance from water skiers or vessels towing someone on another device
Exceeding maximum capacity. The recommended capacity indicated on the boats capacity plate should never be exceeded.
Not maintaining a lookout. All pleasure craft operators are required to keep a constant lookout for other vessels and/or people in the water.
Dangerous operation. Boaters must make sure that the vessel is being operated in a safe manner so that all its occupants or anyone sharing the water are not in any danger

Never permit under age operation of a boat.

5.1.8 HOMELAND SECURITY MEASURES

Federal, state and local governments have enacted specific measures since the events of September 11, 2001, to help deter unlawful or dangerous operations on our nation's waterways. Homeland Security Measures violations can result in severe consequences. Please be aware of the following Homeland Security Measures, and act accordingly to keep our waterways safe and secure:

Keep your distance from military vessels

Do not approach closer than 100 yards from all military, cruise-line, or commercial shipping vessels.
Slow to "no wake" speed within 500 yards of any large U.S. Navy vessel
Observe and avoid all security zones.
Avoid areas with military, cruise-line, or petroleum facilities.

FOR INFORMATION in port areas, you can call 1-800-682-1796, visit http://www.uscg.mil/safeports/, or check with local authorities.

Observe other restricted areas near dams, power plants, etc.
Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in channels.
Report any suspicious activity immediately to local authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard, or marine security personnel, or call the National Response Center's Terrorist Hotline at 1-800-424-8802.
Do not approach or challenge those acting in a suspicious manner, and never confront the suspicious party.
Ensure your boat is always locked and secured when unattended, and always take the boat keys with you.

5.2 INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ON BOAT OPERATION

5.2.1 DRIVE SOBER

Because of the fatiguing effects of the sun, wind and the motion of the boat, one drink on board is like three on shore! This means if you are drinking at all, then you should not be operating a boat or PWC. Do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of other boaters or the passengers in your care. Your balance, vision, coordination and judgment are all affected adversely by the consumption of even one alcoholic drink. Coupled with environmental elements (sun, glare, wind, motion), alcohol can have very serious consequences on the water. Please be responsible when operating your boat. If you are operating a vessel, you should avoid alcohol consumption.

MYTHS	REALITY
"A few beers won't hurt."	Even in small amounts, alcohol affects coordination and judgment. A bottle of beer, a glass of wine, or a drink of liquor all produce the same effect.
"Most drowning accidents result from swimming."	More than 60% of drowning accidents occur after the victim accidentally falls off a dock, shoreline or vessel into the water. Autopsies show that more than one-third of the victims of such falls (mostly men) were impaired by alcohol at the time of the accident.
"Drinking alcohol while operating a boat is not a serious offence."	Operating a boat while intoxicated is just as dangerous as operating a car in that condition. The marine authorities are equipped with Breathalyzers. If the results are positive, the police may lay charges.
"There's no harm in drinking alcohol on the beach before swimming."	Alcohol affects judgment. The person drinking can easily overestimate their abilities or misjudge a risk they would not take under normal circumstances. Furthermore, it is illegal to drink in some public places, such as a beach or a dock.
Source: "Water and alcohol—myths and realities." Red Cross Society"

5.2.2 SERIOUS PENALTIES

In the District of Columbia it is illegal to operate a vessel or be towed on a device (water-ski/tube/wakeboard), while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

A boat operator with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more shall be presumed to be under the influence of alcohol. If an operator of a vessel is found to have a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher the privilege to operate a motorized vessel may be removed and they may also face other penalties.

"Zero Tolerance" prohibits persons younger than 21 from consuming alcohol and operating a vessel with any measurable alcohol level.

5.3 CARBON MONOXIDE: PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THIS SILENT KILLER

Carbon monoxide can collect within, alongside or behind a boat in minutes and in a variety of ways.

5.3.1 AVOID THESE DEATH ZONES!

Do not swim near or under the back deck or swim platform. Carbon monoxide from exhaust pipes of inboard engines, outboard engines and generators build up inside and outside the boat in areas near exhaust vents. STAY AWAY from these exhaust vent areas and DO NOT swim in these areas when the motor or generator is operating.

On calm days, wait at least 15 minutes after the motor or generator has been shut off before entering these areas. NEVER enter an enclosed area under a swim platform where exhaust is vented, not even for a second. It only takes one or two breaths of the air in this "death chamber" for it to be fatal.

EXHAUST FUME DANGERS

Blockage of exhaust outlets can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate in the cabin and cockpit area—even when hatches, windows, portholes and doors are closed.

Exhaust from another vessel that is docked, beached, or anchored alongside your boat can emit poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the cabin and cockpit of your boat. Even with properly vented exhaust, your boat should be a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest boat that is running a generatoror engine.

Slow speeds or idling in the water can cause carbon monoxide gas to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, even in an open area. A tailwind (force of wind entering from aft section of the motorboat) can also increase accumulation.

The "station wagon effect," or backdrafting, can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit and bridge when the boat is operating at a high bow angle, with improper or heavy loading, or if there is an opening that draws in exhaust. This effect can also cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit, aft deck, and bridge when protective coverings are used and the boat is underway.

Teak surfing, dragging and water skiing within 20 feet of a moving watercraft can be fatal.

5.3.2 WHAT TO DO

The best precaution against carbon monoxide poisoning is to keep air flowing through the vessel.
Educate your passengers about carbon monoxide so they are aware of what the early poisoning signs are.
If your boat has a rear-vented generator exhaust, check with the boat manufacturer for possible recall, or reroute the exhaust to a safe area.
Assign an adult to watch when anyone is in the water.
Schedule regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by experienced and trained technicians.

Keep forward-facing hatches open, even in inclement weather, to allow fresh air circulation in living spaces. When possible, run the boat so that prevailing winds will help dissipate the exhaust.

Do not confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness, intoxication or heat stress.
If someone aboard complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness, immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause, and take corrective action. Seek medical attention, if necessary.
Install a carbon monoxide detector in each accommodation space on your boat. Check detectors before each trip to be sure they are functioning properly. If the detector goes off, believe it!

5.3.3 FACTS ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly gas produced any time a carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal or oil, burns. Sources on your boat include gasoline engines, generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters. Cold or poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm, properly tuned engines.

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless, and it 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.

Each year, boaters are injured or killed by carbon monoxide. Most incidents occur on older boats and within the cabin or other enclosed areas. Exhaust leaks, the leading cause of death by carbon monoxide, can allow carbon monoxide to migrate throughout the boat and into enclosed areas. New areas of concern are the rear deck near the swim platform with the generator or engines running, and teak surfing or dragging behind a slow-moving boat. Regular maintenance and proper boat operation can reduce the risk of injury from carbon monoxide.

5.3.4 PREVENTION CHECKLISTS

ALL CARBON MONOXIDE POISONINGS ARE PREVENTABLE!

CHECKLIST: EACH TRIP

Educate all passengers about carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure all exhaust clamps are in place and secure.
Look for exhaust leaking from exhaust system components, indicated by rust and/or black streaking, water leaks, or corroded or cracked fittings.
Inspect rubber exhaust hoses for burned or cracked sections. All rubber hoses should be pliable and free of kinks.
Confirm that water flows from the exhaust outlet when the engine and generator are started.
Listen for any change in exhaust sound that could indicate an exhaust component failure.
Test the operation of each carbon monoxide detector by pressing the test button. Make sure the battery is installed properly and is in good condition. Never remove the battery unless you are replacing it with a new battery.

CHECKLIST: AT LEAST ANNUALLY

Replace exhaust hoses if you see any evidence of cracking, charring or deterioration.
Inspect each water pump impeller and the water pump housing, and replace them if they are worn. Make sure cooling systems are in proper working condition to prevent overheating and possible burning of the exhaust system. (Refer to the engine and generator manuals for further information.)
Inspect each of the metallic exhaust components for cracking, rusting, leaking or loosening. Pay particular attention to the cylinder head, exhaust manifold, water injection elbow, and threaded adapter nipple between the manifold and the elbow.
Clean, inspect and confirm proper operation of the generator cooling water anti-siphon valve (if equipped).

THE ANNUAL CHECKLIST TEST MUST BE PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED MARINE TECHNICIAN.

5.4 PROPELLER INTERVENTION AND AWARENESS

Rotating at great speeds and with a lot of power, the potential danger posed by boat engine propellers should not be overlooked. Each year hundreds of Americans accidentally come into contact with moving propeller blades. In 2006 alone, the US Coast Guard reported, 234 people struck by propellers with 28 fatalities.

Since the propeller is located below the waterline and may be difficult to see, it is important that people are at all times aware of the propeller. This is most important when in the water near the rear of a vessel or on the swim platform. As a precaution, operators should shut off the engine whenever a person is in the water within close proximity to their vessel.

Safety equipment is available and when used properly can significantly decrease the probability of a propeller strike. Common examples of equipment are: