New York Safe Boating - 2020 - 22

Toolkit

to 911 may be misdirected to shore-based police or fire
departments, thus delaying rescue. Rescue boats and
aircraft cannot answer your cell phone call. If you must
rely exclusively on a cell phone, be certain to enter the US
Coast Guard and marine police phone numbers in your
phone before you sail. When placing a distress call, give
your position, your cell phone number, the nature of the
emergency and the number of people on board.

EQUIPMENT

Keep a toolkit on your boat and in your vehicle to handle
small repairs. Your kit should include standard tools like
pliers, a ratchet set, screwdrivers, etc, and some important
spare parts (spark plugs, drive belt, shear pins). If your boat
uses a trailer, the toolbox should also keep trailer specific
items (bearing grease, electrical tape, scissors, tire pressure
gauge) and replacement parts (bearings, pins, light bulbs,
boat plug, etc).

USE YOUR CELL PHONE TO SUPPLEMENT
YOUR MARINE RADIO, NOT REPLACE IT!

Safety requires proper parts

EPIRB

To reduce the danger of explosion aboard boats, many
marine engine components are required to be ignitionprotected. Your boat must have appropriate ignition
protection to minimize the risk of explosions, so it's critical to
always use marine parts in your boat. You may be tempted
to replace a failed part with an automobile part, because
marine engine parts may be more expensive. However,
there are major differences especially when it comes
to ignition protection. Using auto parts may reduce or
eliminate the ignition protection available in your boat, and
increase the chances of an explosion or fire.

EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicator Radio
Beacon, a type of signaling device. These devices are
required equipment on some commercial boats and are
recommended for offshore recreational boaters. If the
boat needs assistance, the EPIRB is activated and sends
out a signal to a satellite, which transfers the signal back
to a transponder on land. The signal is relayed to search
and rescue teams and gives them the location within one
square mile. If you plan to travel offshore for more than a
day or two, an EPIRB is a good investment for safety.

NEVER USE AUTO PARTS IN A BOAT!

Marine Parts

Auto Parts

Alternators have sealed electrical contacts to prevent
igniting vapors

Alternators have exposed contacts

Distributors: ignition-protected and vent has a flame
arrestor to prevent fire causing sparks.

Distributors: create internal high energy sparks

Carburetors: vented to allow overflow to be consumed
by engine

Carburetors: leak gas into engine spaces if fuel
pump diaphragm fails

Fuel pumps: will not leak if the primary fuel pump
diaphragm fails

Fuel pumps: overflow goes into engine space

Fuel tank: must meet the US Coast Guard fuel system
standard

Fuel tank: doesn't meet US Coast Guard fuel
system standards

Fuel hose must meet UGSG standards

Fuel hose: not meant for enclosed spaces.

Be cautious when selecting a battery for your boat. Maintenance free batteries can be used with some outboard motors, but
don't use them with outboards equipped with unregulated or partially regulated alternators. Before you shop for a battery, talk
to the person who will service your boat to find out what sort of battery is best for you.

New York Safe Boating - 2020

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