By Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit
The Massachusetts State Police remind the boating public of the following safety tips.
Equipment: The State Police urge boaters to conduct a safety check on their vessel prior to getting underway to ensure that they have all the required equipment on board.
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s): Boaters are required by law to have one Coast Guard approved, readily accessible, appropriately sized PFD for every passenger onboard. Children under the age of 12 are required by law to wear PFD’s at all times while on deck. The Massachusetts State Police recommend that all passengers wear PFD’s at all times while underway.
- Fire Extinguishers: Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers are required on boats where a fire hazard could exist.
- Emergency Flares: Boaters are required by law to carry 3 flares that can be used both during the day and at night, or 3 day flares and 3 night flares.
- Emergency Radio: Boaters should maintain a watch on Channel 16 and familiarize themselves with distress call procedures.
- Sound Producing Device: Boaters are required to always have access to a whistle, horn or bell in order to signal their position and intentions in periods of reduced visibility
- Bailing Device: Boaters must always keep a manual bailing device on board for use in the event that the vessel begins to take on water.
- Propeller Safety Device: The State Police strongly recommend that all boaters install a propeller safety device to help protect passengers and swimmers from propeller strikes.
- First Aid Kit: All boat owners should ensure that their vessels are equipped with a first aid kit in order to treat minor injuries that may occur while on the water.
Never Boat Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: “Over the Limit and Under Arrest” applies to boaters as well. Boaters are reminded that if they are found to be boating under the influence this summer, they will be arrested and their license to operate motor vehicles in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be suspended.
Obey Posted Speed and Minimal Wake Signs: Boaters are reminded to obey speed limit and minimal wake zone signs. Speed limits are often posted in congested waterways, but boaters are advised that during inclement weather or periods of reduced visibility they must operate at an even slower speed appropriate for the conditions. In addition, minimal wake zones help assure the safety of other boaters and protect the environment.
Vessel Safety Check: The State Police recommend that all boat owners have yearly vessel safety checks. Vessel Safety Checks are offered free of charge by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons®. Having a yearly Vessel Safety Check is one of the best ways for boat owners to discover unsafe conditions on their vessels and to identify issues that may put them in violation of state and federal laws.
Boating Safety Course: The State Police recommend that all boaters take a boating safety course to more thoroughly familiarize themselves with boating safety and maritime law. Classes are held throughout the year and completion of a course may even earn boaters a discount on their insurance.