Power Boat Safety and You

When you are operating a power boat, the last thing you want is to be involved in a collision with another boat or to put someone in another vessel at risk. Take the time to learn some basic safety rules and operate your power boat in a responsible manner at all times.

No Alcohol While Power Boating

If you think that DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) laws don't apply when operating a power boat, then you are mistaken. You can be stopped by police on the water and charged with an offense if your BAC (blood alcohol content) is thought to be over the legal limit.

Power Boat Rules for Avoiding Collisions with Other Vessels

You will want to stay away from fishing boats that are using nets or lines, as well as boats measuring more than 65 feet in length.

If you see another power boat coming toward you from the port (left) side, you should maintain your course and keep your speed steady. In a situation where your vessel is being approached from the starboard (right) side, then you should alter your course to keep out of the way.

Power boats and sail boats should not pass too closely to each other. If you are on the water and come across a sail boat, alter your course to avoid it, since the wake from your vessel can literally knock the wind out of the sail boat's sails. This will cause the sail boat to change direction suddenly.

Keep Your Belongings Safe and Dry While Power Boating: Watertight Cases

When you are out for a day on the water, you will want to keep your clothing and other items safe and dry. Anything you take on board can be sprayed with water, and you would be well advised to put it in a waterproof case. Watertight cases are not just for small items; you can put extra clothes in a waterproof backpack or duffel bag.

A piece of safety equipment you will not want to be without on the water is a two-way radio. Store it in a specially designed watertight sports case that attaches to your body so that it is close at hand if you need it. Other waterproof sport cases can be used to keep your cellular phone or blackberry safe and secure.

Take your iPod or Mp3 with you when you are enjoying the water and leave your worries about it getting damaged by water at home by placing it in a watertight sports case. You can keep your iPod close by putting it in a watertight case attached to a handy armband or choose a belt-style waterproof sport case for your Mp3. These items can be operated while inside the waterproof cases, so spray from the power boat's wake will not be a concern.

With the variety of waterproof cases available, you can enjoy your time spent in the power boat without getting your clothes or your electronic equipment wet.