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Watercraft Safety checks…
Watercraft today is lighter and faster which can lead to serious injury and destruction of property if not treated with proper respect and maintenance.
A complete safety inspection of the engine, hull and other systems can make your boating season safer and more enjoyable.
When it comes to maintenance, there are many variables due to the size and type of boat. Just a few checkpoints before you start out may be:
- check the hull for blisters, gouges, cracks
- check shaft, strut and prop
- clean and grease winches
- check condition of hoses and clamps
- check bilges pumps for automatic and manual operation
- check battery water level
- check/recharge batteries
- check battery terminal for corrosion
- inspect wiring for wear
- check all lighting fixtures
- be sure you have a sound signaling device
- check Personal Floatation Devices
- check fire extinguishers and recharge, if needed
- if inboard, change oil and filters, check: cooling system, bilge blower, impeller, transmission fluid
- if outboard, replace spark plugs, check:
plug wires for wear, props for nicks and bends, change/fill gear lube, inspect fuel lines and tank for leaks, lubricate moveable parts
- check trailer for current registration
- test trailer lights and electrical connections
- check trailer tire pressure and condition
Before you start out on your boating trip, some of the supplies you should have with you:
- proper Coast Guard approved PFDs (proper size and in good condition) for each person on board – boats over 16 feet require an additional throwable device
- approved, fully charged fire extinguishers for motorboats
- paddles or oars
- anchor and anchor line
- visual distress signaling device
- bail bucket and flashlight
- full fuel tank
and, be sure
- passengers are seated with the PFDs checked for proper fit
- operator is alert and sober
Each year approximately 700 people die in boating-related accidents - nine out of ten victims were not wearing a life jacket.
“Wear Your Life Jacket! Boat Smart from the Start".
Americans are increasingly heading to the water for recreation and relaxation as the opportunities for on-the-water activities increase each year. With this
growth comes additional responsibility. It is essential that both novice and experienced boaters alike practice safe boating habits, such as wearing a life jacket. Boating safety begins long before the boat leaves the dock.
Recent year averages indicate approximately 88 percent of the people who died in boat accidents were not wearing life jackets.
Excerpts from a few Maine Boat Laws…..
Age Requirements
When operating a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower, a person under the age of 12 must be under the immediate supervision of a person located in the boat
who is at least 16 years of age. A person under 16 years of age may not operate personal watercraft, which includes jet-skis.
Watercraft Speed Regulations
The operator of any watercraft must operate at a reasonable and prudent speed for existing conditions and regulate the speed of a watercraft so as to avoid
danger, injury or unnecessary inconvenience in any manner to other watercraft and their occupants, whether anchored or under way.
The operator must consider the effect of the wash or wave created by their watercraft to waterfront piers, floats or other property or shorelines.
Boating & Alcohol
Any person who operates or attempts to operate any watercraft while under the influence of intoxicating drugs or liquor or a combination of drugs and liquor; or
while having 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in that person’s blood is guilty of a criminal violation. The operator of any watercraft must complete a blood-alcohol test when requested to do so by a law enforcement
officer who has probable cause.
Imprudent Operation of Watercraft
A person is guilty of imprudent operation of a watercraft if that person, while operating a watercraft on the inland or coastal waters of the State, engages in
prolonged circling, informal racing, wake jumping or other types of continued and repeated activities that harass another person. This subsection may be enforced by a law enforcement officer or a person may bring a
private nuisance action.
Reckless Operation of a Watercraft
It is illegal to operate any watercraft, water ski, surfboard, or similar device in such a way as to recklessly create a substantial risk of serious bodily
injury to another person.
Unlawfully Permitting Operation
It is unlawful for the owner of a watercraft to negligently permit another person to operate a watercraft in violation of law.
Swimming Area
A motorboat cannot be operated in an area marked or buoyed for swimming.
Boating Accidents
As the operator of a watercraft you are required by law to file a formal, written report of any collision, accident, or other casualty or
damage to any watercraft or other property of more than $300, by the quickest means of communication, to the nearest available law enforcement officer:
within 24 hours of the occurrence if a person dies, disappears, loses consciousness, receives medical treatment, or is disabled for more that 24 hours, or, within 5 days of the occurrence if the accident involved property damage only.
Mandatory Wearing of Your PFD
While wearing your PFD is not normally required by law, there are four exceptions:
- children 10 years of age and under (Type I, II, or III)
- anyone canoeing or kayaking on the Saco River between Hiram Dam and the Atlantic Ocean between January 1st and June 1st (Type I, II, or III)
- anyone operating or riding a personal watercraft (jet-ski, etc.) (Type I, II, or III)
- any person being towed on water-skis, surfboards, or similar devices must wear a life jacket, life belt, or similar lifesaving device.
Click here for more Maine boat laws
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