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Archive for the ‘Boating Safety Tips’ Category
Inflatable boating responsibilities for safe boating
posted by The Captain @ 1:52 PM
Friday, May 25, 2012
Responsible boating begins with you
With your inflatable boat, you can discover the richness of the marine environment. Help keep it beautiful.
Enjoying some time on the water is great, but it comes with some responsibility for us all to work to ensure that the world around us remains a strong healthy environment for living and play.
Please, respect your environment by applying the following basic safety rules:
- Avoid creating excessive wash
- Keep out of designated swimming areas
- Respect all animal life. Respect the laws for bag limits and practice catch and release sportsmanship.
- Use non-polluting antifouling paint and non-polluting cleaning agents.
- Don’t make unnecessary noise. Excessive noise should be avoided, particularly around launching ramps and populated areas.
- Don’t discharge oil or fuels into the water. In most areas this is illegal and in all areas it causes pollution and harms plant and animal life.
- Don’t litter. Dispose of garbage and trash properly. if there is no appropriate refuse disposal, bring back your trash.
- Don’t make excessive wake. Remember that the wake your boat trails behind can be destructive to the shore, as well as to other boaters. A boat wake crashing on the shore can cause and accelerate erosion and damage the environment.
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Check-list before starting:
- Check weather, local currents and wind conditions
- Do not forget to advise someone on land of the time you plan to be back
- Explain basic boat operations to all passengers
- Make sure that one of your passengers can handle the boat in case of emergency.
- Be sure inflation pressure is correct
- Inspect the valve caps. Remove the self-bailer cap
- Retighten the motor clamps. If it is not bolted, make sure you secure your engine with a safety lanyard attached to the bracket and the motor plate
- Be sure safety stop switch lanyard operates correctly
- Top off fuel and oil levels
- If your outboard has a separate oil tank do not forget to fill it up
- Install your fuel tank at the spot provided. Check its fittings.
- Safety equipment (check local regulations) :
- Personal flotation devices (PFD’s) per person
- The foot-pump, the paddles/oars, repair kit and tool kit
- The other mandatory equipment
- The boat papers and your boating license
ENSURE YOUR FUEL SYSTEM IS IN A GOOD ORDER AND MAINTAIN IT PROPERLY TO AVOID THE RISKS OF EXPLOSION OR FIRE HAZARDS.
DON’T OPERATE A BOAT IF HORSEPOWER OF MOTOR EXCEEDS HORSEPOWER RATING.On the water:
Check that the load is evenly distributed
- In normal conditions, the load must be distributed along the centerline of the boat, preferably at the rear
- For single-handed operation, remain on the starboard side to compensate the torque of the propeller
- In a “head on” sea, load the bow – the tilt pin should be in the 2nd or even in the 1st hole position. In a “following” sea, load the stern – the tilt pin should be in the 3rd or the 4th position.
Under way:
Respect the local regulations and practices. Do not make a sudden change in direction without advising the passengers Inspect the tightness of the engine clamps several minutes after starting the engine. Make your passengers sit on the wooden seat (standard equipment) or inside the boat.In case of incident:
An inflatable boat is practically unsinkable, even full of water. If after an accident, a compartment deflates, bring it inside the boat and return at reduced speed. In case of a collision or an impact with a floating object, stop to examine the hull, the buoyancy tubes, the motor and its attachments and return to shore at a low speed. Take your boat to your dealer for inspection before using it again.NEGLECTING INSPECTIONS AND REPAIRS COULD REDUCE THE LIFE OF YOUR BOAT AND MAY BE DANGEROUS
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- When boating: learn and respect the local regulations and practices. Do not neglect the safety rules, this could jeopardize your life and the lives of others.
- Before setting off, make sure you are thoroughly briefed and feel comfortable with operating the boat. You will be responsible not only for its safe and correct operation but also for the behavior and safety of yourself and your passengers.
- Never leave port without the essential safety equipment: lifejackets (PDFs), foot-pump, repair kit, paddles/oars, maps, license and the other necessary equipment required by law in your area.
- Do not exceed the authorized number of persons or weight.
No alcohol or drugs: Do not drink alcohol or take drugs before or while operating your boat. Maintain passengers sobriety. - Always use the stop switch lanyard: Your outboard comes equipped with a stop switch safety lanyard to prevent a runaway boat in case the operator falls overboard. Attach it to the operator, it could save a life.
- Ensure you know the distance you can cover on your supply of fuel. Fuel usage varies with sea conditions. Always keep enough fuel to enable you to reach land.
- The propeller is dangerous. Always keeps hands away from the propeller.
- Use personal flotation devices (PFD’s): PFD’s are required equipment. Wear them.
- Make sure your passengers remain seated: sitting on the buoyancy tubes may be comfortable at rest or at low speeds provided your passengers use the grab line. At planning speeds, in rough water or during sharp turns, all passengers should position themselves in seats or on the floor. We will take no responsibility if this warning is disregarded.
- No bow riding: Bow riding is illegal in most areas and is extremely dangerous.
- Be especially careful when docking: Arms and legs may be injured if they are outside the boat.
- Keep clear of swimmers and divers: Always avoid areas where divers/swimmers are in the water. Keep a sharp lookout especially when operating near beaches and launch sites. Shut off the motor when operating near someone in the water.
- OBSERVE THE RULES OF THE SEA. LEARN TO CONTROL YOUR BOAT CORRECTLY AND TO RESPECT THE NAVIGATION RULES. TAKE A BOATING SAFETY COURSE TO IMPROVE YOUR KNOWLEDGE. ALWAYS OPERATE WITH COURTESY AND RESPECT.
- Mooring and towing:
For mooring: use the lateral D-rings - NOTE : WHEN MOORED, THE SELF BAILERS SHOULD REMAIN OPEN TO DRAIN THE RAIN WATER.
- For towing:
Inflatables should always be towed using a bridle; never use a single line attached to the bow handle. Use the 2 lateral D-rings made for this purpose. - Lifting – Davits:
WHEN BEING HOISTED OR PLACED ON DAVITS, THE BOAT MUST BE EMPTY (NO PASSENGER, NO EQUIPMENT) AND TIPPED TOWARD THE REAR. SELF BAILERS SHOULD REMAIN OPEN TO DRAIN THE RAIN WATER. - Hauling on trailer:
The boat must be properly inflated. Adjust the rollers (or supports) of the trailer to fit the shape of the boat. Haul the boat onto the trailer using the lateral D rings. The bottom of the transom must rest on the trailer bunks. Place the motor in the down position so that it can rest on the support provided on the trailer. The self bailer should remain open. Tie down the straps and ensure the buoyancy tubes are protected against chafing.
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Security, stability, buoyancy, unsinkabililty. Compared to traditional kayaks, an inflatable kayak offers some important advantages: it is safer, lighter, more practical and more economical.
Reassuring stability
The stability of an inflatable kayak, thanks to its large buoyancy tubes and resulting low center of gravity, is such that under normal circumstances it is practically impossible to capsize. This quality, which is essential to safe confident navigating, is especially appreciated by divers and fisherman.
Exceptional load capacity
Inflatable kayaks are capable of carrying more or maneuvering, without taking on water. This is because the buoyancy of an inflatable kayak is far greater than that of a traditional kayak giving it a higher loading capacity.
Security, buoyancy, unsinkabililty
The buoyancy tubes of an inflatable kayak include several compartments sealed one from the other by conical bulkheads. Because of its large air reserve, the boat will stay stable and unsinkable, even with one of the independent air chambers deflated.
View inflatable kayak products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.
Inflatable kayaking responsibilities for safe kayaking
posted by The Captain @ 1:12 PM
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Responsible kayaking begins with you. With your inflatable kayak, you can discover the richness of the marine environment. Help keep it beautiful. Enjoying some time on the water is great, but it comes with some responsibility for us all to work to ensure that the world around us remains a strong healthy environment for living and play.
Please, respect your environment by applying the following basic kayaking safety rules:
- Avoid creating excessive wash
- Keep out of designated swimming areas
- Respect all animal life. Respect the laws for bag limits and practice catch and release sportsmanship.
- Use non-polluting antifouling paint and non-polluting cleaning agents.
- Don’t make unnecessary noise. Excessive noise should be avoided, particularly around launching ramps and populated areas.
- Don’t discharge pollutants into the water. In most areas this is illegal and in all areas it causes pollution and harms plant and animal life.
- Don’t litter. Dispose of garbage and trash properly. if there is no appropriate refuse disposal, bring back your trash.
View inflatable kayak products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.