The Basics on Boating Safety Equipment and Regulations
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While boating is one of the most enjoyable family activities, being in open water comes with its own rules of etiquette and laws. These rules and regulations make boating fun and enjoyable for everyone and help to ensure the safety of those sharing the waters.
Before leaving the dock, boaters should check their safety equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary requires that each boat have:
- Life jackets
- Registration and numbering
- Navigation lights
- Ventilation
- Fire extinguishers
- Distress signals (flares, horn, etc.)
- Battery cover and connections
These items are mandatory and must be in working condition. One of the best ways to avoid getting a ticket for faulty equipment and/or failure to satisfy the minimum safety requirements is to have the United States Coast Guard inspect the boat. The Vessel Safety Check program is co-sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons. These checks are free and many local marinas will have the closet contact information.
While out in the waters, boating etiquette dictates that boaters are responsible for their own wakes and any damages it causes. When approaching a boat towing an individual behind it, that boat has the right of way and all others must yield. This prevents another wake from interfering with the person being towed. It also helps to ensure that individual will not be run over by another boat, should he or she fall.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife- Law Enforcement Division provides that boaters and persons operating a Personal Watercraft that are towing another individual must have someone else on board who is at least 12 years of age or older supervising the individual being towed. In the absence of such a person, the boat or personal watercraft must have a mirror with a minimum of a 160 degree field of vision.
Kentucky law prohibits Operating Under the Influence (OPI) and has become more stringent throughout the years. In Kentucky, a person operating a boat with Blood Alcohol Content of .08% is considered boating under the influence. It is also prohibited to drink in Kentucky public waterways. Not only does this help reduce boating accidents and fatalities, it helps to ensure a safe and family friendly environment.
Although boating brings with it a lot of responsibility, most can agree that it’s well worth the reward. When boaters act responsibility and take the necessary precautions to help ensure the safety of passengers and of those sharing the waterways, it makes boating great activity for everyone.