Safety Tips and Helpful Hints

Home   |  Marinas   |  Events

REFUELING

During the boating season, accidents happen around the fuel docks. Almost all can be avoided by using a little common sense. Don’t use automotive parts to replace items such as starters, carburetors, fuel pumps, distributors, alternators, generators, etc. These may be less expensive, but are not ignition protected and could cause a fire or explosion. Below is a chart to use as a guideline for refueling.

Before Fueling

During Fueling

After Fueling and
Before Starting Engine
  • Stop all engines and auxiliaries.
  • Shut off all electricity, open flames, and heat sources.
  • Check bilge for fuel vapors.
  • Extinguish all smoking materials.
  • Close all openings that could allow fuel vapors into the boats enclosed spaces.
  • Have everyone leave the boat except the person fueling the boat.
  • Maintain nozzle contact with the fill pipe.
  • Don’t leave the nozzle unattended anytime.
  • Avoid overfilling.
  • Wipe up fuel spills immediately.
  • Open bilge hatch, inspect for any leakage or fuel odors.
  • Ventilate the bilge until all fuel odors are removed.

 

TRAILERING

Take the time to perform maintenance on your trailer. Check the condition of the safety chains, the line or cable on your winch, replace if needed, and don’t forget the tires. Check for dry rot, or worn out tires. A good time to replace any worn or damaged items is when the boat is off the trailer. Make sure to grease the wheel bearings. Use caution when fueling your boat at the gas station.

FLOAT PLAN

Plan ahead for emergencies! Before each boating trip, fill out a float plan and leave it with a reliable relative or neighbor. Have that individual notify the Coast Guard or other rescue organization if you do not return as scheduled. Be sure to notify that person when you return, or if there is a change in your plans.


A Sample Float Plan

1. Skipper's Name_____________________________________________________
    Phone No._________________________________________________________
2. Boat Name_________________________Registration No.___________________
    Boat Type___Power___Sail____Make___________________________________
3. Engine Type(s)________________________________________HP____________
    No.of Engines______Fuel Capacity in Gallons__________Extra Fuel in Gallons_____
4. SURVIVAL EQUIPTMENT ABOARD (Mark as Appropriate)

PFDs flares audio devices flashlight food
anchor paddles raft or dinghy water EPIRB






    VHF Radio____(YES)___(NO)___Type________________Freqs.______________
    Cellular Phone__(YES)___(NO)___Number_________________________________
5. Auto License No._____________________Make____________________________
    Color_______________________Where Parked_____________________________
    Trailer_______(YES)___(NO)___License Number____________________________
6. PASSENGERS

Name______________________ Age_______________________ Phone_____________________
Name______________________ Age_______________________ Phone_____________________
Name______________________ Age_______________________ Phone_____________________
Name______________________ Age_______________________ Phone_____________________
Name______________________ Age_______________________ Phone_____________________
Name______________________ Age_______________________ Phone_____________________

7. Does anyone aboard have a medical problem?______(YES)____(NO)______
If YES, Describe_________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
8. TRIP EXPECTATIONS
    Leaving From_________________________________Leaving At (Time)______________
    Destination___________________________________Approximate Arrival Time_________
    Plan to Return No Later Than__________________________________________________
9. In Case of Emergency, Notify__________________________________________________
    Relationship_______________________________________Phone (_____)_____________
10. Any Other Pertinent Information________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________________________

Home   |  Marinas   |  Events

djmacomber1@msn.com