Boating is a recreational activity that is mainly focused on the act of traveling. Sail boats, man-powered vessels or powerboats can be used for fishing, water-skiing or other sporting activities. Although this is a fun and relaxing activity, it is important to understand how to properly navigate and dock your boat when you board. If you are not aware of the boating regulations, take the time to understand what you can and cannot do as well as safety tips prior to setting off on the water.
Navigation
It is essential to boating safety that you know how to navigate a boat. For proper conduct and safety on the waters, all boaters should understand Aids to Navigation and abide by the Rules of the Road. Boaters of all levels can take classes online or in the classroom. These classes teach you how to read and understand nautical charts.
Mapping and Charting
Nautical charts represent the geographical outlay of adjacent coastal regions and maritime areas. It may also show the depth of the water and how high the land is depending on the size of the chart itself. Navigational hazards are also outlined on these maps and charts as well as information on local currents and tides. These map and charts are updated daily and should be downloaded on a daily basis.
Docking
When docking your boat, it is important to understand how to prepare. Before you dock, reduce your speed to the minimum speed that is required in order to maintain steering. To bring the boat to a stop away from the dock, put the gear in reverse. Gain more control by considering the way your boat drifts so that you know the current and/or wind direction.
Anchoring
When anchoring the boat, you need to ensure that you do it the right way. Do not throw the anchor over the boat; instead, slowly lower the anchor into the water. It is best to anchor from the bow of the boat; this almost guarantees that the boat stays towards the wind.
Knotting
When knotting while boating, there are four main knots that you need to know. The king of all knots is the bowline, which is very strong and secure. Another know is the eight knot; which is a knot used as a stop knot. The clove hitch is the utility knot; this can be done vertically or flat. The square/reef knot is used to tie lines together or to tie something down.
Boating Terms and What They Mean
Understanding boating terms is extremely useful especially when setting sail with a professional or even when beginning on your own. If you are in a situation where you need to call back for help, it will be helpful to understand the terms that you may need to communicate with. Some terms include an anchor, which is a heavy object used in a body of water to secure the boat; a bailer, which is something that is used to empty water out of the boat such as a pan or a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off. Other terms include an eddy, which is a slow current that occurs beyond an object, such as a rock, and is a good area for paddlers to rest.
Driving/Steering
Driving tips can help you get used to driving and steering a boat easier and more efficiently. For example, if you come into contact with large waves that have the capacity to do some damage to your boat, go at it at a 45-degree angle, and you can minimize the amount of damage that is done to your boat. The way you steer your boat is completely dependent on whether you have an outboard or an inboard motor engine. Keep in mind when steering an inboard engine, it is more sluggish when going in reverse.
Types of Boats
Recreational boats are sometimes referred to as pleasure craft and fall into a number of categories. Some of the more broad categories include dinghies, runabouts, daysailers, cruisers, paddlesports boats and racing and cruising sailboats. Dinghies are boats that are powered by small engines, sail or muscle power and are usually less than 16 feet in length. Runabouts have either sterndrive, inboard or outboard engines and are between 15 to 25 feet in length. Daysailers are sailboats between 14 and 25 feet and most often with a small auxiliary engine. Cruisers have cabins and are between 25 to 65 feet long. Paddlesports boats include canoes, rowing shells and kayaks. Racing and cruising sailboats are sailboats between 25 and 65 feet long and have auxiliary engines. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, there are a total of 32 types of boats.
National and State Boating Regulations
The requirement of a license for boating on inland and coastal waters depends on the continental union or country. Although this is the case, commercial boating on coastal waters generally almost always requires a license to operate. In order to become licensed, most states require a certain level of boating education prior to taking and passing an examination for a boating license. Some of the regulations that are set for boating include a minimum age, the level of noise on your motorboat, marine sanitation devices, blood alcohol content and operating a boat under the influence.
Boating Safety Measures
Although most boating is done on calm waters, safety measures should always be taken as weather conditions can often be unpredictable and change from one condition to the next at a rapid pace. Keeping an inventory for everyone on board of gear for safety is required by the United States Coast Guard as well as other law administrators for boating. You should always keep personal floatation devices on board as well as navigation lights and fire extinguishers. Visual distress signals should also be kept on board as should a copy of the Inland Rules of the Road.
Weather and Weather Safety Information
Although the weather can unexpectedly change from one instance to the next, it is extremely important to do as much research as possible before setting off to sea. Check with the National Weather Service for weather information for boaters. You should begin listening to the five-day weather forecast several days prior to your planned day to set sail. You can decide whether or not to continue or change your plans based on the weather that is forecasted. After setting out, it is important to keep current with the weather changes and proceed with your boating adventure accordingly.