Tennessee 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 comfortable with the safety equipment and procedures in case of emergency
• File a float plan for lengthy or unfamiliar trips
• Check local hazards
• Check local weather forecast and conditions

5.1.1 Age Restrictions

Vessel operators under the age of 12 by law may not operate any motorized vessel with a motor over 8.5 horsepower (personal watercraft included) except if:

• They are accompanied and under the direct control of an adult on board the vessel or...
• They are is at least 10 years of age and have a Boating Safety Education Certificate issued by TWRA and the vessel they are operating is more than 14 feet in length with an outboard motor less than 15 horsepower.

5.1.2 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 properly once you get to shore.

5.1.3 No Wake

"No wake" is defined as "The slowest possible speed required in order to maintain steerage and headway."

5.1.4 Slacken Speed

Operators in Tennessee must reduce speed to avoid endangering persons or a person's property from the effect of their vessels 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
• Someone on a surfboard

An example of violating this law would be if your boat runs over, or into, an object because you are traveling too fast to stop in time.

Certain bodies of water in Tennessee 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 Tennessee motorized vessels are required to have a mechanical means of reducing (muffling) the engine exhaust noise level. The noise level must not be greater than 86 decibels from a distance of 50 feet or more. Excessive noise may prevent the operator from hearing noises and voices of those on board. Modifying a muffler is illegal is it results in an increase in noise which is in excess of the legally permitted level.

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 dangerous & illegal while boating in Tennessee.

• Careless Operation. It is illegal to operate a vessel in a manner that endangers the ability to conserve the safety, rights or property of others. The following are a few examples:

• Endangering others or their property, by allowing the wake of your vessel to potentially harm another or their property.
• Jumping the wake of a vessel unnecessarily close to another vessel.
• Failing to conform to boating signage such as posted speeds, indicated 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 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 Tennessee, 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 motorboat 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:

• 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. Naval vessel.
• Observe and avoid all security zones.
• Avoid areas with military, cruise-line, or petroleum facilities. For information in port areas, call 1-800-682-1796 or got to 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 the channel.
• Report suspicious activities.
• 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.
• 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! It means: if you are drinking at all, then you should not be behind the wheel!

Do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of the passengers in your care and other boaters. Your balance, vision, coordination and judgment are all affected adversely with 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.

5.2.2 Serious Penalties

A boater with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more shall be presumed to be under the influence of alcohol. There are some serious penalties if the boat operator is convicted for boating while intoxicated, they may be:

• fined up to $2,500 for the first offense,
• fined up to $2,500 for the second offense,
• fined up to $5,000 for the third offense.

One may also be subject to a jail sentence of up to one year if convicted. A probation period is mandatory for any offense, and the boat operators operating privileges may be suspended from one to ten years. Other federal penalties may also be charged to the impaired operator.

By operating a vessel on Tennessee waters, you have consented to an alcohol test if asked by a law enforcement officer. Refusal to undergo testing is an offense in itself and may lead to a loss of operating privileges for up to six months.

5.3 Carbon Monoxide: Protect yourself from this silent killer

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

5.3.1 Avoid these Death Zones!

Swimming 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.

	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 generator or 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 operating the boat at a high bow angle, with improper or heavy loading or if there is an opening which 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.
	Sitting on the rear swim step while the engine is running, should not be permitted.

5.3.2 What to do

• The best precaution against carbon monoxide poisoning is to keep air flowing through the vessel
• Educate family and friends about carbon monoxide so they are aware of what the early poisoning signs are
• If your boat has 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 swimming or playing 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 on board 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

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 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.

5.3.5 Prevention Checklist

All carbon monoxide poisonings are preventable!