For regulatory purposes, motorboats are divided into the following
four classifications:
Class A, motorboats shorter than 16 feet.
Class
1, motorboats 16 feet or longer, but shorter than 26 feet
Class 2, motorboats
26 feet or longer, but shorter than 40 feet
Class 3, motorboats 40 feet
or longer, but not longer than 65 feet
Operators
Only trained and qualified
personnel may be licensed to operate power-driven boats. Show qualified
boat classes on the operator�s regional identification card,
a boat operator�s license, or OF-346.
Trainees shall operate boats only under
the immediate supervision of a licensed boat operator.
One licensed person
shall be in charge of the boat at all times. This person is responsible for
the safe operation of the boat and for protecting personnel and Government
property.
Training and Licensing
Potential boat operators must successfully complete
a boating class developed for their unit or attend the U.S. Coast Guard
Boating Skills and Seamanship class.
Training can be developed by a unit
to fit
its particular
needs. At a minimum, the training will cover the
following items:
Float plans
Basic mechanics of boats and engines
Proper loading
Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
Basic U.S. Coast Guard
regulations applicable to
the unit
Tides and currents, if applicable
CPR and first aid
Basic boat
handling and anchoring
Use of USDA Forest Service two-way radios, if
applicable
Survival skills appropriate to the area
U.S. Coast Guard Rules
of the Road
On-the-job training shall consist of a designated minimum
number of hours. A trainee will conduct boat operations under the direct
supervision
of a licensed boat operator. Minimum hours of on-the-job training will
be established and published by each unit based on types of waters and conditions
encountered
locally.
Potential operators will take a practical hands-on field
test
with a licensed operator. Boat licenses are not issued based on need,
but on demonstrated
skill
and prior experience.
A yearly boaters� meeting will be scheduled for all operators. This
is a time to discuss policy/rule changes, additional safety needs, near
misses (potential
accidents), and boating program needs.
Boat operator licenses will
expire every 4 years. Operators must show evidence of boating experience
in the previous
2 years, or repeat the training described above.
Operation
Safety Rules
Be
familiar with and adhere to U.S. Coast Guard, USDA Forest Service,
and State rules and regulations
pertaining to required equipment and boat
operation.
Each boat will have a pretrip checklist. Before
each
trip, the operator is responsible for checking this list
to ensure that all safety equipment is aboard and
that the boat and engine(s) are operating properly.
Check the short-, and if applicable, the long-term
weather forecast for the area. Always respect small-craft
advisories, squall lines, and thunderstorm
activity.
Consider precautions to prevent capsizing, which
can be caused by high-speed turns, overloading and
improper loading, and improper heading in bad
weather. Be sure the boat is ready and that the
operator has the experience to meet any challenge
the weather may present.
Falling overboard has caused many fatalities. Attention
to safety is critical. Here are a few examples of
safe practices:
Ensure that the operator and all passengers are seated. Do not run the
boat at excessive speeds. Do not stand or move around while in progress.
Do not sit
on decks or gunwales.
Ensure that every passenger not in a cabin is wearing
a personal flotation device (PFD).
Make sure the deck is free of oils and items
that
could trip someone.
When boarding a small boat, step into the center, not onto
the side.
Always wear proper footwear.
Do not allow horseplay.
Report
safety and mechanical problems to ensure that they are corrected.
Equipment requirements for the four classes of motor boats are established
by Federal
and State laws. Exhibit 1 lists the minimum Federal equipment requirements
enforced
by the U.S. Coast Guard on
the navigable waters of the United States.
PFDs come in a variety
of shapes, colors, and
materials. Some are more rugged and last longer.
Some protect the wearer from cold water. No matter
which PFD is chosen, be sure to get the one that
is right for the wearer and for the expected water
conditions. Exhibit 2 explains some features of U.S.
Coast Guard-approved PFDs.
Never fill portable fuel tanks while in a boat. Invisible,
heavier-than-air gas vapors that escape from the
tank during refueling can settle into the bilges in
explosive proportions. Gasoline expands, so do not
fill tanks completely if the temperature is likely to rise
before some fuel is consumed.
To refuel boats fitted with permanently installed
tanks, follow these precautionary procedures in this
order:
Moor the boat securely to prevent movement during
the refueling operation.
Do not smoke; extinguish
all lights and fires.
Stop
motors and turn off electrical devices that may
produce sparks.
Remove all passengers from the boat.
Close all cabin and
compartment openings.
Check fuel-tank vents and fuel-line connections.
Determine
the amount of fuel needed.
Keep the hose nozzle in contact with the fuel tank
opening that could create a spark.
Turn off gas flow; allow all fuel to drain
from the line.
Close the fill opening and wipe or flush any spilled fuel with
water.
Open all ports, doors, and hatches, and allow the boat to ventilate
for 5 minutes. Turn on the explosion-
proof bilge blowers, if the boat has them.
Check all compartments for
any odor of gas before starting engines.
Operating Procedures
Each boat
will handle differently.
Operating a boat can be difficult because of wind, tides, currents,
and other boat traffic. Boat characteristics, handling, piloting, and other
topics must be covered in training for operators. The potential operator must
show the ability to handle
these challenges during the field (hands-on) training
and testing.
Boat Trailering
The most critical item when picking a trailer for the
boat is support of the hull. Using an incompatible
trailer will probably damage the hull. The trailer must
be rated to handle the total weight of the boat and
equipment.
The trailer must be loaded so that 5 to 15 percent of
the weight is on the tongue. When the tongue weight
is too low, the trailer�s weight will lighten the rear of the towing vehicle,
which may lead to loss of control.
When the tongue weight is too high, the trailer�s weight will lighten the
front of the towing vehicle, which may make it impossible to steer the vehicle.
The
combined weight of the boat loaded with equipment and the trailer shall
not exceed 75 percent of the GVWR of the towing vehicle. If the combined
weight
of the boat
and trailer exceed 75 percent of the GVWR of the towing vehicle, a larger
vehicle must be used.
Safety chains ensure that the tongue will not
contact the ground
if the trailer comes loose. Make sure chains are crossed under the tongue
and that the length is correct before attaching them to the vehicle frame.
Always
be aware of extra length and weight of the trailer, which will require
much more room when turning and greater distance when stopping. Plan
far ahead
of the turn
or stop.
All trailers shall be equipped with lighting as required by
Federal and State regulations. Trailer brakes controlled from the towing
vehicle will be provided
when the gross trailer weight exceeds the minimum 1,500 pounds requirement
for installation of brakes.
Exhibit 1�Minimum Equipment Requirements
(Class A boat, shorter than 16 ft)
(Class 1 boat, 16 to 26 ft long)
(Class 2 boat, 26 to 40 ft long)
(Class 3
boat, 40 to 65 ft long)
Personal flotation devices (PFD, life jacket)
CLASS A BOAT: One approved Type
I, II, III, IV, or V
PFD for each person onboard
CLASS 1, 2, and 3 BOATS: One approved Type I, II,
III, or V device for each person onboard. In addition, one throwable Type
IV device. Type V recreational hybrid PFDs must be worn when the boat is
being used.
Fire extinguisher*
(Must say Coast Guard Approved)
CLASS A and 1 BOATS: At least one B-1-type*
approved hand portable fire extinguisher. (Not required on outboard motorboats
shorter than 26 feet and not carrying passengers for hire if the construction
of such motorboats will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable
gases or vapors and if fuel tanks are not permanently installed.)
CLASS 2
BOAT: At least two B-1-type approved portable fire extinguishers; OR at least
one
B-11-type approved
portable fire extinguisher.
CLASS 3 BOAT: At least three B-1-type approved
portable fire extinguishers; OR at least one B-1 type plus one B-11-type
approved portable fire extinguisher.
*When a fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery space(s),
it will replace one B-1-type portable fire extinguisher.
Visual distress signals**
(Required
on coastal waters
only)
CLASS A BOAT: Must carry approved visual distress signals for nighttime
use.
CLASS 1, 2, and 3 BOATS: Must carry visual distress signals
approved for both daytime and nighttime use.
**A pamphlet describing visual distress signals is available from the U.S.
Coast Guard.
Bell, whistle
CLASS A and 1 BOATS: Every vessel shorter than 12 meters (39.4
ft) must carry an efficient sound-producing
device.
CLASS 2 and 3 BOATS: Every vessel longer than 12 meters (39.4 ft) but
shorter than 20 meters (65.6 ft) must carry a whistle and a bell. The whistle
must be audible for ½ nautical mile. The mouth of the bell must be at least
200 millimeters (7.87 in) in diameter.
Ventilation
(Boats built before August
1, 1980)
ALL CLASSES: At least two ventilator ducts fitted with cowls or their
equivalent for the purpose of properly and efficiently ventilating the
bilges of every closed engine and fuel-tank compartment of boats constructed
or
decked over after April 25, 1940, using gasoline as fuel or other fuels having
a flashpoint
of less than 110� F.
Ventilation
(Boats built August 1, 1980 or after)
ALL CLASSES: At least two ventilator
ducts for the purpose of efficiently ventilating every closed compartment
that contains a gasoline engine and every closed compartment containing
a gasoline tank, except those having permanently installed tanks that vent
outside
the boat
and which contain no unprotected electrical devices. Also, engine compartments
containing a gasoline engine having a cranking motor must contain power-operated
exhaust blowers that can be controlled from the instrument panel.
Backfire
flame arrestor
ALL CLASSES: One approved device on each carburetor
of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard
motors.
Marine fire extinguisher classification
U.S.
Coast Guard
classes
Foam
(gal)
CO2
(lb)
dry chemical
(lb)
Halon
(lb)
B-1
1.25
4
2
2.5
B-11
2.5
15
10
10
�
�
10
2.5
5
U.S. Coast Guard minimum equipment requirements
vary with the size of the boat, type of propulsion, whether operated at night
or in periods of reduced visibility, and, in some cases, the body of water on
which it is used. For a more thorough discussion and complete details on how
many and what types of equipment you must have aboard your boat, request a copy
of the free pamphlet, Federal Requirements for Recreational
Boats, from the U.S.
Coast Guard. Many states have their own requirements that go beyond U.S. Coast
Guard requirements. Contact your State boating
office to learn what they are.
Exhibit 2�Features Of U.S. Coast Guard-Approved
Personal Flotation Devices
TYPE
I�Offshore life jacket. These
vests are geared for rough or remote waters where rescue may take awhile. They
are excellent for flotation and will turn
most unconscious
persons face up in the water.
TYPE II�Near-shore vest. These vests are good for calm waters and fast rescues.
Type
II vests may lack the capacity
to turn unconscious wearers
face up.
TYPE III�Flotation aid. These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm
waters and fast rescues. They are not for rough waters since they will not turn
a person face up.
TYPE IV�Throwable device. These cushions or ring buoys are designed to be
thrown to someone in trouble. They are not for long hours in rough waters,
nonswimmers, or the unconscious.
TYPE V�Special-use device. These wind-surfing vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs,
and others are designed for specific activities, such as kayaking or water skiing.
To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must
be used in accordance with their label.
Copyright � 1999�2004 by Boat Ed. PFD graphics and text used with permission
by Boat Ed.
USDA Forest Service, Technology and Development Last Modified: 10/15/2016 23:43:27