| Boating Instruction | | | | boating is to always practice good boating |
| | | | safety. The United States Coast Guard says |
| A proffessional can teach you all about this | | | | that almost all boating accidents could have |
| great sport,if you decide to take this up as | | | | been prevented if the captain of the ship had |
| a hobby. Instruction is essential. Boating | | | | taken a boating safety course prior to |
| instruction entails much more than just | | | | getting on the water. Boating safety is |
| showing you how to operate a boat. It also | | | | tantamount to responsible boating and it |
| includes safety together with engin and boat | | | | shouldn't be taken lightly. |
| maintenance. | | | | |
| | | | There's no way we can cover all aspects of |
| | | | boating safety in this short article. What |
| | | | we can do, however, is to give you some |
| There are many places where you can find | | | | basics to go from in your quest to become a |
| reputable boating instruction. Start with a | | | | responsible boater. There's nothing that can |
| local marina. Like a golf pro shop, the | | | | replace a good, certified boating safety |
| marina will have a "boat pro" on staff that | | | | course taught by a qualified individual, but |
| will be happy to help you with your boating | | | | everyone has to start somewhere! |
| education. Many marinas have classes you can | | | | |
| take on site that will teach you everything | | | | * Always know the safest distance to keep |
| you need to know. | | | | away from other boats. If someone is going |
| | | | slower than you are and you want to pass |
| We live in an Internet world. It just goes | | | | them, know how to do so safely and with the |
| to say, then, that there is boating | | | | proper signaling. Boats don't have turn |
| instruction available online. Studying all | | | | signals, but you should know how to alert the |
| aspects of boating from your armnchair is a | | | | other boater you will be passing them. |
| great way to start. However, keep in mind | | | | |
| that you won't have the benefit of a live | | | | * When you are putting your boat in the |
| person to ask questions of. | | | | water, be sure you know how to do this |
| | | | quickly as well as safely. Boating safety |
| What should you look for in choose a boating | | | | has to be present even before you get your |
| instruction class? Here are a few of the | | | | vessel on the water. Knowing how to do this |
| components that the class should include: | | | | the right way can make the difference between |
| | | | friendly and unfriendly boating. |
| * Certified instructors with proper | | | | |
| qualifications | | | | * If alcohol is part of your boating trip, be |
| | | | sure you are very conscious of what alcohol |
| * Boat operation | | | | can do to your body when you are operating a |
| | | | fast-moving vehicle on top of a body of |
| * Boat mechanics and maintenance | | | | water. Alcohol use by the captain should |
| | | | occur in moderation above everything else. |
| * Boating safety | | | | Alcohol today is a contributing factor to |
| | | | virtually all boating accidents today. Be |
| * Navigation rules | | | | smart when it comes to alcohol consumption on |
| | | | the water. |
| * Coast Guard requirements for safe boats | | | | |
| | | | * Make sure that all people on board your |
| * Proper seamanship | | | | boat have access to a life vest. Never let a |
| | | | child be in your boat without wearing a life |
| Another great advantage to taking a boating | | | | vest at all times. The number one cause of |
| instruction course is that it will help to | | | | death on the water is due to drowning. That |
| qualify you for your boating license. Like | | | | is caused by people falling overboard without |
| getting a driver's license, you will have to | | | | a life vest. This is the number one boating |
| take a test to obtain your boat license. | | | | safety rule stressed by all instructors. |
| Having the advantage of a class that can | | | | |
| teach you what you need to know will prepare | | | | * Boating safety depends on everyone |
| you in the best way possible. | | | | following general rules of etiquette when you |
| | | | are out on the water. While you can't |
| Boating instruction will also tell you how to | | | | control what the other boaters do, you sure |
| register your boat, best ways to store your | | | | can control what you do. Always be polite on |
| boat, and how to ramp your boat � all | | | | the water and know that you are doing your |
| things that the responsible skipper should | | | | part to keep the waters safe. |
| know well. You can also get the best | | | | |
| information on proper boat maintenance as | | | | Like we said previously, every boater should |
| well as basic engine repair. | | | | really take a certified boating safety |
| | | | course. Besides making it easier for you to |
| When you decide to captain your own vessel, | | | | get your boating license, you will be a much |
| boating instruction is a big part of becoming | | | | better boater after you take a boating safety |
| a responsible skipper. Get as much as you | | | | course. |
| can as often as you can � even if you | | | | |
| are an experienced boater. A refresher | | | | Learn how to find the right boat for your |
| course along the way never hurts. Boating | | | | needs and find out how to determine what size |
| instruction is your way of telling everyone | | | | motor you need. Discover what you should look |
| "I know what I'm doing, and you can trust | | | | for when buying a used boat. Find out some |
| me!" | | | | important routine maintenance that you might |
| | | | not have thought of. Discover an easy way to |
| Boating Safety | | | | keep your boat looking good, even in |
| | | | winter.Learn some important regulations that |
| The most important part about responsible | | | | you must follow. why safety is so important! |