2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook - (Page 16)
squeezing the bags and listening for escaping air. If a PFD leaks air, discard it. Inspect PFDs carefully to make sure all the straps are securely attached and all the buckles and zippers work. A PFD will not work properly unless you are properly strapped into it. Look carefully for tears in the fabric; buoyant material may fall out of a tear and a torn device may become water-logged. Discard torn or ripped devices. If you are using a fully inflatable PFD, check the cylinder and lanyard before each use. You should also review the manufacturer’s instructions for establishing a maintenance schedule. Periodically—at least once in the beginning of the season and once at the end—test a PFD in shallow water. To determine whether it has sufficient buoyancy to keep you safely afloat, keep arms and legs below the water’s surface and assume a relaxed position. Your head and chin should be above the water’s surface. If the device cannot keep you in this position, replace it.
have to wear your PFD in a certain situation doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. There are many times that it makes good safety sense to put on your PFD. For example, it’s always best to wear your PFD if:
You want to set a good example for children You’re loading or unloading from a dock You’re boating in rain, fog, sleet, snow, darkness, or You’re boating when air or water temperatures are You’re boating in a congested area You’re proceeding at high speed You’re boating alone You’re tired or sleepy You’re swimming off your boat or entering the water You’re standing in a small boat for any reason You’re not an expert swimmer or are afraid of the
water The US Coast Guard recommends that infants should not be on board watercraft until they are of a size that they can wear an appropriate PFD. While there are several vest-type PFDs approved for infants, they may not be suitable for very small infants. Because of varying body types, and individual temperament and comfort in the water, it is difficult to make a PFD that is satisfactory for all infants. An infant PFD should be tested on the child in a pool before boarding a boat. If an infant is on board, an adult with a PFD on, ready to assist, should also be aboard. In the event of an emergency, there may not be time for an adult to get and put on a PFD while taking care of an infant. REMEMBER, ANYTIME IS THE RIGHT TIME TO WEAR YOUR PFD! for any reason colder than 60°F experiencing high winds or rough waters
Wear Requirements for Personal Flotation Devices
Although every boat must have a PFD for every passenger on board, not everyone is required to wear a PFD all the time. Some people are required to wear a PFD at all times. If a person is required to wear a PFD, it must be the proper size and all straps, zippers, and buckles must be fastened in order to meet that requirement.
Here are the legal requirements for wearing PFDs:
Children under the age of twelve must wear a USCG approved PFD onboard a pleasure boat under 65 feet, rowboat, canoe, or kayak while underway unless they are in a fully enclosed cabin. The PFD must be the appropriate size for the child. Anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft (Jet Ski, Wave Runner, or similar craft) must wear a USCG approved PFD. Anyone being towed behind a boat, such as water skiers, tubers, parasailers, etc., must wear PFD. If you are in a disabled boat being towed by another boat, it is a good idea for everyone on board to wear their PFD (although in this case it is not a legal requirement). Everyone on board any vessel of less than 21 feet, including rowboats, canoes and kayaks, between November first and May first must wear a USCG approved PFD while underway.
Visual Distress Signals (VDS)
You need to be properly prepared for an emergency, which means you must know how to get help, and when to offer help. All boaters should learn to how to signal others when they are in trouble on the water, and should know how to recognize the visual distress signals of others. When boaters use visual distress signals properly, searchers can locate a boat in difficulty more quickly, reducing the possibility of a minor emergency becoming a tragedy. NEVER display visual distress signals on the water under any circumstances except when you need assistance to prevent immediate or potential danger to persons on board. Some examples are your boat is disabled, a medical emergency on board, taking on water, or a fire. Visual Distress Signals are classified in two categories “day signals” and “night signals.” Some VDS are approved for both. The signals must be in serviceable condition and readily accessible onboard the boat. The visual distress signals must comply with US Coast Guard requirements. Some visual distress signals become less effective over time; any devices that are marked with a service life must not have expired. Visual distress signals may be either pyrotechnic or nonpyrotechnic. Pyrotechnic means a device that burns with 16
Best Practices for Personal Floatation Devices
Consider wearing your PFD whenever you’re on or near the water. It doesn’t matter if you’re an excellent swimmer, because even the best swimmers can run into trouble in the water. A PFD is a lifesaver—literally. Just because you don’t
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
Contents
Introduction
Boats and Motors
Registration of Boats
Equipment
Fueling and Ventilation
Safe Loading and Powering
Preparation for Getting Underway
The Marine Environment
Rules of the Road
Boat Operations
Seamanship
Navigation
Personal Watercraft
Boating Related Activities
Accidents and Emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter Review Questions Answers
2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
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