CHECKING YOUR LIFE JACKET As a sailor, one of your primary responsibilities is safety. First, check that your personal life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved, fits properly, and is buckled or zipped.
Some tips from the National Safe Boating
Council when conducting a life jacket check: n Check the manufacturer’s ratings for your size and weight. nMake sure the life jacket is properly zipped and/or buckled. nCheck for fit by raising your arms above your head while
wearing the life jacket and ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up.
nEnsure your life jacket fits properly with no excess room above the openings and the life jacket does not ride up over your chin or face.
nLife jackets that are too big will cause the flotation device to push up around your face, which could be dangerous.
nLife jackets that are too small may not be able to keep you afloat.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT There are a number of safety requirements specified by the U.S. Coast Guard for sailors operating boats on lakes, rivers, and the open ocean. Specific safety equipment information can be found by referencing the “Federal Requirements for Recreational Boating” -
www.uscgboating.org
The U.S. Coast Guard requires recreational boats to carry safety equipment. This equipment list is a minimum and should be augmented by the boat owner. Recreational boats are bound by both federal, state, and municipal requirements. Any boating accidents must be reported to the nearest state authority per the federal requirements.
Safety Checklist E All boats must be registered in the state of principal
use and have a Certificate Number. This number must be displayed per state requirements. Any change in ownership, address, or boat status must be registered with the state within 15 days.
E The USCG or any law enforcement officials may board the vessel when it is underway and may terminate use of the vessel for negligent operation or violation of federal regulations.
E A USCG approved fire extinguisher must be carried aboard all auxiliary powered vessels (including sailboats with motors). Boats less than 26 feet must have one Type B-1.
E All vessels must carry an efficient sound- producing device.
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E USCG approved life jackets are required for each person aboard the vessel and one Type IV (throwable) for vessels larger than 16 feet in length.
E USCG approved visual distress signals must be carried aboard vessels except: boats less than 16 feet in length, boats in organized events such as regattas, open sailboats less than 26 feet in length without auxiliary power, and manually propelled boats.
E Vessels operating or anchored between sunset and sunrise are required to display navigation lights.
Chapter 1 | Introduction to Keelboat Sailing
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