2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook - (Page 21)
EQUIPMENT
take on sufficient water over time to do serious damage. Debris can get stuck in the mechanism and keep the float switch from operating properly, so check for debris frequently and keep the area clean. Be aware that a bilge pump will distribute spilled fuel into the water. DON’T RELY ON A BILGE PUMP IF YOUR BOAT HAS A LEAK!
Fish finders display a representation of what is below the boat, including the bottom, fish, vegetation and structures, to help you locate fish and navigate safely. Unlike depth sounders, which show you only a number to indicate the depth of the water, fish finders show you a picture of the bottom.
GPS
Modern electronic positioning devices can be life-savers. If you sail long distances or far from shore, consider installing a GPS on your boat. Not only can these devices keep you heading in the right direction, but also in the event you ever need emergency assistance, the device will allow you to direct searchers to your exact location.
Extra Lines
Always keep extra line aboard. You never know when you will need to be towed in, or when you may need to tow someone else. Lines are inexpensive and they don’t take up a lot of space. Don’t let the lack of a line turn a small problem into a serious emergency.
Compass
Even if you have an electronic navigation aid, keep a compass on board and learn to use it. In an emergency, your electronic devices may fail, and the compass may be your only means of determining how to get back to shore. It’s difficult to read a hand-held compass on a boat, and they can easily drop and break or go overboard, so consider a model that you mount near the steering console. Mount your compass away from iron, magnets or electrical wiring and equipment. Get comfortable steering by your compass in good weather before you have to rely on it in darkness or in fog. Learning to sail with your compass, together with your charts, is an excellent piloting skill to develop and enables you to have more fun on the water.
Boat Hook
Boat hooks are useful items. The main use of a boat hook is to fend a boat off a dock or another boat. A boat hook can make it easier to pass lines to a dock and you can use a boat hook to retrieve something you drop overboard.
Oar/Paddle
Carrying at least one oar or paddle is a good practice if you operate a small motor boat. You can use the oar or paddle to row to shore if you have engine trouble. It may not be possible to propel a larger boat this way, so oars and paddles are less practical for operators of larger boats.
Marine Radio-VHF
A marine radio is a wise investment for the recreational boater planning to venture any distance from shore or to any area where there are not a lot of other boaters in the immediate vicinity. Should you need to request help during your voyage, your marine radio will allow you to broadcast a mayday message to request assistance. Rescue units and other boats listen in on marine radio frequencies, so your chances of getting quick assistance are much better if you have a marine radio.
Depth Sounder/Fish Finder
If you often operate in shallow inland waters, grounding your boat and perhaps damaging it is a risk. In that case an instrument to help you navigate shallows may be a good investment. A depth sounder will display the water’s depth on the steering console, so you can avoid areas that are too shallow for your boat. Depth sounders transmit a burst of energy down to the bottom of the body of water, and measure the time that the energy takes to return (the echo). The depth sounder translates this information into water depth. 21
Cell Phones
Many recreational boaters rely on cell phones as their primary means of marine communication. This is a dangerous practice! Cell phones can be useful in many situations, but a cell phone cannot replace your marine (VHF) radio. In emergency situations your cell phone call to 911 may be misdirected to shore-based police or fire
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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