What should be done when operating a boat near swimmers?

What should be done when operating a boat near swimmers?

Obey any wake restrictions. Never operate the boat too close to shore—swimmers, floating docks, shallow water and local hazards could be there. Obey posted speed limits—and if a limit is not posted, you always operate at a safe speed.

When you are operating a boat on a lake and the weather turns bad What should you do first?

Severe Weather: Prepare Your Boat and Passengers

1. Slow down, but keep enough power to maintain headway and steering.
2. Close all hatches, windows, and doors to reduce the chance of swamping.
3. Stow any unnecessary gear.
4. Turn on your navigation lights.
5. Keep bilges free of water.

When boating near large vessels you should?

When operating near a shipping lane or in areas of high boat traffic, smaller craft are not easily visible to larger vessels. Always keep a lookout for larger vessels and be prepared to yield the right of way. Specifically, always steer well clear of vessels in tow, docked ferries, or ferries in transit.

What should not be discharged from your boat?

Federal law prohibits the release of waste matter of any kind into U.S. waters. This includes trash, garbage, oil and other liquid pollutants. In addition, these rules apply to all boat types and depend on how far your boat is from shore. Note: It’s ALWAYS illegal to dump plastic into the water.

What behavior should you adopt when operating a boat around other boaters?

Observe and avoid other restricted areas near dams, power plants, etc. Violators will be perceived as a threat, and will face a quick, determined and severe response. Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in the channel. If you do, expect to be boarded by law enforcement officials.

What to do if caught in a storm on a boat?

If you are caught in severe weather, decide whether to go to shore or ride out the storm. If possible, head for the nearest shore or harbour that is safe to approach. If already caught in a storm, it may be best to ride it out in open water rather than try to approach a shore or harbour in heavy wind and high waves.

What side do you pass a red buoy?

The expression “red right returning” has long been used by seafarers as a reminder that the red buoys are kept to the starboard (right) side when proceeding from the open sea into port (upstream). Likewise, green buoys are kept to the port (left) side (see chart below).

What side do you pass an oncoming boat?

You should pass at a safe distance to the port (left) or starboard (right) side of the other boat. If a safe route exists, you should always attempt to pass the boat on the starboard side.

Is driving a boat easy?

Driving a boat is more complicated than driving a car, so it’s not surprising that you’re nervous about your trip. One of the most common causes of boat accidents is speeding. It’s easy to speed when you’re out on the water because there are no stoplights, no lanes and little traffic.

Do you need a license to drive a boat?

Do you need a boating license to drive a boat? Each state regulates boating education and licensing requirements. Some states require all boaters to have a license or certificate, while others have age limits for licensing.

What are the rules for boating on a lake?

While boating, stay on the lookout for, and give a wide berth to, piers, floating and shoreline docks, swim platforms, fixed platforms, boat lifts, mooring buoys, research related devices that may be floating in the water, regulatory markers and utility or irrigation piping. Doing so can help prevent a collision. 4.

What should you do when your boat is in a wave?

So, in general, when operating a boat in large waves and high winds, head into the waves at a slight angle, and reduce your speed. This will help you maintain control, and avoid falling off of a wave, or having a wave break over your stern.

What should I do if I meet a boat head on?

If you meet another boat head-on: Under the boating rules of the road, vessels approaching each other head-on are always supposed to pass each other port to port — or left to left, just like on the road.

Are there right of way rules for boats?

Surprisingly, most recreational boaters aren’t familiar with the boating rules of the road, which causes confusion and makes their boating experience less safe and more stressful. If you master even the basic principles of boat-passing rules, you’ll know how to behave in any situation and keep your cool.