• Eliminate water from equipment before
transporting
• Clean and dry anything that contacted
water (boats, trailers, equipment, clothing,
dogs, etc.)
• Never release plants, fish or animals into
a body of water unless they came out of
that body of water
Become Informed and Take Action. History
shows recreational users take action
if informed. All users can help protect
the environment. Learn more about the
aquatic hitchhiker issue:
• Get the latest news
• Learn detailed procedures to prevent the
transport of nuisance species
• Study the impacts caused by nuisance
species
• Get facts about some common hitch-
hikers
• Acquire resources and ideas for individuals
and groups to get involved with prevention
efforts
• Browse support materials to understand
and get involved with the Aquatic Hitchhiker
campaign
AGE AND EDUCATION
REQUIREMENTS
As you learned in the section on Federal
Requirements, there are rules and regulations
for life jackets, fire extinguishers,
visual distress signaling devices, sound
devices lights and ventilation. States
require these items and provide additional
rules and regulations. Many states
additionally specify minimum ages,
usually mid-teens, for operating boats
and require formal basic boating safety
education linked to boat type and type
of power. States are mandating education
and in many cases boating operator
licenses after satisfactory completion of
the safety course. Boat operators usually
are required to carry certification of education
and / or license. A typical variation
is provisional licensing of younger boaters
to operate with certified adults in company
and ready to take control.
Minimal education and check-out has
been mandated for boat rentals, legislation
that is making a difference.
SAFE BOAT OPERATIONS
Dangerous operations are prohibited. The
advent of high speed water jet propelled
boats with unsupervised operations has
resulted in accidents and loss of life for too
many boaters. This situation led to mandatory
education and licensing provision in
many states. State laws now include wake
jumping, close passes of skiers and other
boats at high speeds, and similar activity as
reckless operations and cause for suspension
of operations. Clearance distances
for boating operations are typically specified
for marine structures, other vessels and
person in tow.
Wake jumping, passing close astern of
displacement and semi-displacement vessels
with large wake, is specifically prohibited
because of blocked vision of traffic on
the far side of the vessel making wake.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI). BUI is
just as deadly as drinking and driving! Boating
accidents and associated deaths typically
involve excessive use of alcohol. Facts:
• A boat operator is likely to become
impaired more quickly than a driver,
drink for drink.
• The penalties for BUI can include large
fines, revocation of operator privileges
and serious jail terms.
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