New York Safe Boating - 2020 - 34

BEST BOATING PRACTICES

Getting Ready to Launch...

Once you're on the water, always keep an eye to the sky.
Watch for worsening weather conditions, like increasing or
shifting winds, or increasing or darkening clouds. If a storm is
developing, make sure that everyone is wearing a PFD. Stow
or secure all unnecessary gear and turn on the running lights.

Boating Checklists

If a storm catches you on the water, you have two choicesmake for the nearest shore or try to weather the storm on
the water. The best course of action is to head for safety
on shore, if possible. If the shore is too far away and you're
forced to ride out the storm on the water, keep the boat's
bow headed into the waves and wind.

A simple checklist can help you ensure that you have all
of the proper equipment and supplies you need on board.
It's a reminder to confirm that all of your mechanical and
electrical equipment is functioning properly. It's all about
minimizing the risk. If you're well-prepared, you're more
likely to have a safe, enjoyable boating trip and you'll be
ready to respond to an emergency, breakdown, or other
problem. Help is not always readily available on the water.
A good operator should be prepared to help themselves.

Current

Supplies and Equipment

Most bodies of water have a current, and current can affect
the way your boat handles. Current will have an impact
on most boats' ability to maintain course or speed, and
may limit maneuverability during docking or anchoring. A
current is the flow of water moving continuously in a certain
direction. A simple example is the moving water in a stream.
When moving downstream the current adds to the boat's
speed, making the shore pass by more quickly. When going
upstream, the boat's speed will be decreased by the current.

Create your own checklist taking into consideration how you
plan to spend your time on the water (such as fishing, water
skiing, cruising), the conditions you expect to face (check the
weather forecast), and the expected length of your voyage
(hours, all day, overnight). At a minimum, your list should
include all the safety equipment and back-up mechanical
equipment that your boat requires. In addition, your checklist
should include the operations you must complete before
setting out on the water:

 Are the fuel tank(s) and hoses in good condition?
 Do you have enough fuel? (Use the one third rule;

Tides

one third out; one third to return; and one third in
reserve)

In coastal waters there are normally four tides each day.
Tides are movement of water that will affect the depth of
the water and the height of the waterline. Tides will create
currents in ocean inlets and in rivers that empty into an
ocean. The downstream flow of rivers creates a natural
current. As you approach the ocean on a river, the ocean
tide can create either a positive or negative effect on the
downstream current. Many rivers have unique changes in
conditions and unpredictable currents. If you are new to a
river, check with people who may have knowledge of any
possible hazards and the changing conditions. Keep in mind
that the Hudson River up as far as Albany and the waters in
and around New York City and Long Island Sound are subject
to tides.

 Is the oil level OK?
 Are there any leaks apparent in the bilges?
 Did you check the local marine weather forecast?
 Is the electronic equipment (VHF, Radar, G.P.S., etc.)
working properly?

 Are the battery, lights, horn, motor, blower and bilge
pump all in good working order?

 Is the propeller and/or outdrive in good condition and
free of weeds and debris?

 Is the boat plug in? (Remarkably, but people forget to

Inland waters are "non-tidal," but currents can exist. Winddriven waves over an extended period of time on a lake can
create a temporary current which can be very evident when
a boater comes along side a dock or is traversing shallow
water.

check the boat plug all the time!)

 Is gear properly stowed and secure?
 Do you have the correct number and type of PFDs

for all of your passengers? Are they serviceable and
accessible?

When traveling a long distance on open water you need
to be aware of the "set" and "drift" of a current. Set is the
direction the water is flowing and is measured in compass
degrees. Drift is the speed of movement of the water and
is measured in knots. Over time, if you don't take account
of the set and drift, a current will force your boat to fall off
course. You will arrive sooner or later than expected or you
may arrive someplace you didn't intend to go!

 Are all your passengers seated?
 Have you informed all your passengers about basic
emergency procedures?

Make a thorough list and check it twice. If you do, you'll
have a great time on the water, and will be able to handle
most problems that may arise.

New York Safe Boating - 2020

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