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.

Test your knowledge of boating safety with these flashcards. Each card covers essential terms and definitions related to personal flotation devices and fire extinguishers used in the maritime environment. Perfect for anyone preparing for boating classes or safety exams.