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Driver-Operator Guide

Chapter 9—BoatsImage of a boat.



Classes

For regulatory purposes, motorboats are divided into the following four classifications:

  1. Class A, motorboats shorter than 16 feet.

  2. Class 1, motorboats 16 feet or longer, but shorter than 26 feet

  3. Class 2, motorboats 26 feet or longer, but shorter than 40 feet

  4. Class 3, motorboats 40 feet or longer, but not longer than 65 feet

Operators

  1. 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.

  2. Trainees shall operate boats only under the immediate supervision of a licensed boat operator.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. Training can be developed by a unit to fit its particular needs. At a minimum, the training will cover the following items:
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Check the short-, and if applicable, the long-term weather forecast for the area. Always respect small-craft advisories, squall lines, and thunderstorm activity.

  4. 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.

  5. Falling overboard has caused many fatalities. Attention to safety is critical. Here are a few examples of safe practices:
  1. Report safety and mechanical problems to ensure that they are corrected.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. To refuel boats fitted with permanently installed tanks, follow these precautionary procedures in this order:

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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

Personal flotation devices (PFD, life jacket)

Fire extinguisher*

(Must say Coast Guard Approved)

*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)

**A pamphlet describing visual distress signals is available from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Bell, whistle

Ventilation

(Boats built before August 1, 1980)

Ventilation

(Boats built August 1, 1980 or after)

Backfire flame arrestor

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

Image of an offshore lifejacketTYPE 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.


Image of a near-shore life vest.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.


Image of flotation aid vests.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.


Image of flotation throwable devices.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.


Image of a special-use device.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.

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