Boating Safety Flashcards

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• PFD Type I: Designed to turn an unconscious person face up in water.
• Selecting a PFD for Children: Match the child's weight to the capacity of the PFD.

Fire Extinguishers

• Class B Fire Extinguisher: Extinguishes flammable liquid fires, such as gasoline, oil, and grease (remember “B - burn”).
• Class C Fire Extinguisher: Used for electrical fires (think "C - current").
• Class A Fire Extinguisher: For fires involving wood, paper, rubber, plastic, and textiles, leaving ash residue (think “A - Ash”).

Fire Extinguisher Requirements by Boat Size

• Boats under 26': One B-I fire extinguisher required if no fixed system; none needed if a fixed system is present.
• Boats 26' to under 40': Two B-I or one B-II extinguisher required if no fixed system; one B-I if a fixed system is present.
• Boats 40' to 65': Three B-I or one B-II plus one B-I extinguisher required if no fixed system; two B-I or one B-II required if a fixed system is present.

Safety Practices

• Pre-departure Briefing: Skipper should inform everyone on board about emergency equipment locations.
• Float Plan: Leave with a responsible person; should include planned stops and expected return time/date.
• Check Weather Forecast: Always check the weather before heading out for safety.
• Response to Wind Increase: Ensure everyone puts on a USCG approved PFD.
• Portable Gas Tank Filling: Fill at the fuel dock, not on the boat.

Fire Safety Techniques

• PASS Technique for Extinguishing Fire:
  • PULL the pin
  • AIM at the base of the fire
  • SQUEEZE the handle continuously or in short bursts
  • SWEEP at the fire with a sweeping motion.

General Boat Safety

• Gasoline Vapors: Tend to accumulate in the bilge, posing a safety risk.
• Oil Rags in Bilge: Increase the risk of fire.
• Weather Advisory: Get up-to-date NOAA weather advisory on VHF weather channel for reliable forecasts.
• Docking Rule: Always plan your approach considering wind and current.

Loading and Balance

• Loading a Boat: Load passengers and equipment alternately and check trim frequently to maintain balance.

Storage for Distress Signals

• Visual Distress Signals: Store in a cool, dry place in a red or orange watertight container marked “Distress Signals.”

Steering Considerations

• Boat Steering: Unlike cars, boats pivot around a point near the bow when moving ahead.

Miscellaneous

• Oily Rags in Bilge Risk: Increased fire risk due to the presence of combustible materials.
• Pyrotechnic Signals vs. Hand-held Flares: Aerial pyrotechnics are visible for a longer distance than hand-held flares.