Beautiful weather for boating has returned and before you cast off make sure that you, your family and your boat are ready for a safe boating season. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) our state historically has the highest number of reported boating accidents, injuries and fatalities in the nation. Because of the year-round boating environment and the sheer numbers of people who enjoy it - whether canoeing or kayaking, using their personal watercraft (jet skies), motorboats or sailboats, there is bound to be some accident activity. However, the goal of the U.S. Coast Guard and all state and local marine regulatory agencies is to reduce that number of incidents through boater education, and enforcement in order to make the state waterways safer for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few checklist items to review before getting underway: Check your boat registration documents and decals - make sure they are current and correctly applied to the vessel. Make sure to carry the registration on board - just like your automobile. State law requires that any vessel operator born on and after January 1, 1988 take an approved Boater education course through the FWC or any of the approved providers. You can even take it on line. Upon course completion you must apply for a Boater education identification Card with the FWC's Division of law enforcement. The web site of MyFWC.com will have all the details. Anyone operating a vessel with 10-horse power or more must carry this card and a photo ID card with them while operating the boat. All vessels are required to have onboard a wearable USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person. The PFDs must be of the appropriate size for the intended wearer, be in serviceable condition, and within easy access. The State of Florida urges all people onboard a boat to wear a life jacket. Vessels 16 feet in length or longer must also have at least one USCG-approved throwable Type IV PFD that is immediately available in case of a fall overboard. A child under the age of 6 must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III personal flotation device while onboard a vessel under 26 feet in length while the vessel is under way. "Under way" is defined as anytime except when the vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore or aground. Vessels with built-in fuel tanks or enclosed compartments where gasoline fumes can accumulate are required to carry at least one fire extinguisher (depending upon vessel length), which is approved for marine use. All vessels are required to carry an efficient sound-producing device, such as a referee's whistle. Vessels less than 16 feet in length are required to carry at least 3 visual distress signals approved for nighttime use when on coastal waters from sunset to sunrise. Vessels 16 feet or longer must carry at least 3 daytime and three nighttime visual distress signals (or 3 combination daytime/nighttime signals) at all times when on coastal waters. Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.) The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules specify lighting requirements for every description of watercraft. File a float plan - make sure some one knows when you are leaving - where you are going and when you plan to return. Make sure you make emergency contact numbers available. Operating a boat and alcohol do not mix and the penalties for boating while intoxicated could end your boating season quickly. Watch the weather and use common sense. Know the limits if your boating expertise and don't take on weather your boat may not handle. Return to Home Page Return to Current Edition Contact us