Health, Safety and Emergencies


FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS


The U.S. Coast Guard is the federal law en- forcement agency for boating. When you are sailing and are hailed by a Coast Guard vessel, you are required to heave-to or drop sails so that an inspection officer may board. Other local, state or federal law enforcement agen- cies may also board and examine your boat.


Each U.S. Coast Guard vessel has a distinctive stripe on the hull and the words “U.S. Coast Guard” on the side of the vessel. There are uniformed, armed U.S. Coast Guard person- nel aboard each vessel.


Boarding Inspection


A U.S. Coast Guard boarding officer finding a boat operating in an unsafe condition may require it to return to port immediately. Conditions that may cause termination of use are: • Insufficient U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. • Insufficient fire extinguishers. • Overloaded conditions, i.e. exceeds listing on the capacity plate or obviously inadequate for the number of people on board.


• Improper navigation light display. • Fuel leakage. • Fuel in bilges. • Improper ventilation. • Improper backfire flame control. • Manifestly unsafe voyage, i.e. unsafe vessel, weather conditions, or hazardous situation which could result in injury or death, or require rescue.


Additional Basic Regulations • Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol may result in a civil penalty or a criminal action.


• Negligent or Grossly Negligent Operation of a vessel which endangers lives and property is prohibited by law.


• Improper use of a radiotelephone (VHF) is a criminal offense.


• Boating accidents should be reported to the nearest state authority per the federal requirement.


• You are obligated to render as much assistance as can be safely provided to anyone in danger at sea.


105 The Float Plan


Before you leave for a day of sailing, it is a good idea to tell someone else your plans. Leave a float plan with a friend or relative who can contact the U.S. Coast Guard or other agencies in the event you don’t return on schedule. The following information should be included:


• Name and phone number of the person report- ing: Peter James, 413-5234.


• Complete description of the boat including type, color, registration number, sail number or in- signia, length, etc: sailboat, sloop rig, white hull, light blue deck, CF0067 LK, Sail #4546, 30-foot, “Snoopy.”


• List of people on board including name, age, address & phone: Bob James, 38, Susie James, 35, Eric James, 10, all live at 436 Walnut St, Liver- more, 446-2141.


• Method of communication (i.e. VHF radio, cellular phone, etc.).


• Survival gear aboard: 4 life jackets, 1 Lifesling, 3 smoke flares.


• Trip Plan: Leaving at 0800 from Marina Village, Pier 8 going to Angel Island. Expect to return by 1700 and in no event later than 2000.


• If not returned by 2200 call the U.S. Coast Guard or Police at 911.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129