Indiana 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
Life jackets are on

5.1.1 AGE RESTRICTIONS

In the state of Indiana, individuals are required to hold a valid driver's license in order to operate a motorized vessel on public waters, except in the following instances:

Individuals who are at least 15 years of age and do not have a valid driver's license may operate a motorized vessel on Indiana's public waters if they have been issued an identification card by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and hold proof of having successfully completed a Boating Education Course approved by the state of Indiana. The identification card and proof of successful completion must be carried onboard at all times while operating.

No persons under 15 years of age may legally operate a PWC or a motorboat with greater than 10 horsepower.

5.1.2 NO WAKE

When you see buoys or signs indicating Idle- or No-Wake Speed, they indicate a boating restricted area established to protect the safety of the public, protection of ecological resources and property. Idle speed means the slowest possible speed, not exceeding five miles per hour, so as to maintain steerage with minimal wake.

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

Operators in Indiana must reduce speed to avoid endangering persons or property from the effect of their vessel's wake. Reduce speed when approaching or passing the following:

Vessels underway, lying to, at anchor, or made fast to the shore
Piers, docks, or boathouses
Someone in the water
Someone involved in towed water sports or on a surfboard

Certain bodies of water in Indiana may have local restrictions as to type and size of vessel or motor horsepower, restricted use areas, boat speed, and times for use. Check with the local authorities for these additional restrictions.

5.1.5 MUFFLERS AND NOISE LEVELS

In Indiana, a person may not operate a motorized vessel on Indiana waters unless it is equipped with:

A muffler;
An underwater exhaust; or
Other device that muffles or suppresses the sound of the exhaust to prevent excessive and unusual noise at all speeds.

5.1.6 RECKLESS AND CARELESS OPERATION

Operating a boat or PWC in a manner that unnecessarily endangers a person or property of another person is considered dangerous. If you interfere with another person's lawful use of public water or obstruct a legally permitted marine event you may also be charged. Should you be ticketed by a law enforcement officer for one of the crimes listed below, you could have points assessed against your driver's license.

Examples of dangerous operation on a PWC are:

Weaving through congested traffic;
Following a watercraft that is towing other individuals;
Jumping the wake of another watercraft;
Crossing paths with another vessel when vision is obstructed; and
Steering toward an object or person in the water and turning sharply at close range.

Other operating violations include:

Operating a PWC while facing backwards.
Operating a boat at greater than 10 miles per hour at night (from sunset to sunrise).
Loading the boat or PWC beyond the recommended capacity shown on the capacity plate or recommended by the manufacturer.
Causing a hazardous wake or wash from your boat or PWC.
Boating in restricted zones (safety zones and ecological zones) without regard for other boaters or persons, posted speeds, and wake restrictions.
Operating within 150 feet of a Divers-Down flag unless assisting the diver.
Operating in a circular course around another boat engaged in fishing or a person swimming.
Allowing passengers to ride on the gunwale or, if the motorboat is less than 21 feet in length, on the bow.

Lake and channel restrictions vary depending on the size of the waterbody or waterway. You may be restricted to idle speed anywhere from 50 to 200 feet from the shoreline, depending on the size of lake or width of the channel.

5.1.7 UNSAFE PRACTICES

The following acts and maneuvers are considered dangerous & illegal while boating in Indiana:

Operating at an unsafe speed. Boaters must always operate their vessel at a safe speed as discussed earlier in this chapter as well as adhering to any indicated speed limitations.

Failing to maintain adequate distance. Boaters must maintain the designated 'no wake' speed in the circumstances discussed above 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 not be exceeded.
Not maintaining a lookout. All 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 such a manner that it's occupants or others sharing the water are not in any danger. If an officer observes that someone's safety may be endangered, the operator may be forced to head to the closest moorage. Examples of such operation could be: operating without all the required equipment, operating the vessel with more power than recommended, or operating the vessel with a fuel leak.

Not maintaining proper seating regulation aboard your vessel. In Indiana, it is unlawful to allow any person to ride or sit on the bow, gunwales, transom, or on the decking over the bow of the vessel while underway unless such a vessel is provided with adequate guards or railing to prevent passengers from falling overboard. Passengers or other persons aboard a vessel may occupy these areas of the vessel to moor or anchor the vessel, to cast off, or for any other necessary purpose.

For obvious safety reasons it is recommended that boaters do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in a channel.

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

A boater with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more shall be presumed to be under the influence of alcohol. However, in the state of Indiana a boater may still be found to be boating under the influence of alcohol if their BAC is less than 0.08% but more than 0.05%. Penalties for boating under the influence of alcohol will be consistent with those of a Class C misdemeanor.

If a boater is found guilty of boating under the influence and it is either their first conviction, or their first conviction in the past 10 years, they shall have their driving privileges (boat and motor vehicle) revoked for a period of up to 2 years, but not less than 90 days.

If a boater is found guilty of boating under the influence and it is their second conviction in the past 5 years they shall have their driving privileges (boat and motor vehicle) revoked for a period of up to 2 years, but not less than 1 year. In addition, the operator may be subject to fines as well as jail time.

If a boater is found guilty or boating under the influence in a case which resulted in the death or serious injury of any person, he of she will be found guilty of a felony.

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.
Move seated passengers around the boat periodically to prevent any one from continuously being near any fumes.

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: