2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook - (Page 27)

SAFE LOADING AND POWERING Most fatal boating accidents occur when someone ends up in the water unexpectedly. All too often, these accidents occur because operators try to carry more passengers and gear than their boat can safely handle. Boats will become unstable, and the risk of an accident will increase, if you fail to follow some simple safety precautions when boarding, loading, or powering. It is especially important to follow safe loading and powering practices when handling small boats. The safe loading regulations were developed to provide guidance to boat operators about their boats’ safe loading capacities. These regulations address two different load capacities of your boat: 1) its maximum person capacity (expressed in both the pounds and the number of persons); and 2) its maximum weight capacity. 6 Other Factors to Consider A capacity plate provides the maximum limits for loading and powering a boat. But these are the limits under normal conditions; you must consider other factors that affect the capacity and stability of a boat in order to make a prudent decision about your boat’s capacity for the prevailing conditions. They include:  State of the sea: If the weather or water conditions are rough, you should carry less weight. This allows the boat to ride higher in the water, thus reducing the chances of water entering the boat. If you plan an activity that requires equipment and movement in the boat, like fishing or water-skiing, you need to balance the number of passengers with the amount of equipment. If there is a lot of equipment and a lot of passengers, you run the risk that someone may trip and be injured. weight, you will not be able to carry as many people safely. Consider the total pounds capacity, including persons, gear, supplies, etc. As a general rule you should remove one person from the boat’s rated capacity for each 150 lbs. you carry.  Activity planned: The Capacity Plate  Other Gear: If you are carrying gear of any substantial Safe Loading All of the gear, equipment and passengers that are aboard your boat count toward its capacity and affect the way the boat handles. If heavy objects aren’t stowed properly, they may shift and that movement can affect your boat’s handling, as well as, Federal law requires manufacturers to install a capacity plate on all single hull motorboats less than 20 feet in length. The capacity plate must be located where it is visible to the operator and should provide the following information: Maximum number of persons and total passenger weight, or Maximum weight capacity of people, gear, and motor, and Maximum engine horsepower on boats designed for outboard motors. Manufacturers of sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats are not required to attach a capacity plate, but many do. If your small boat does not have a capacity plate, you should consult your owner’s manual, contact the boat manufacturer or visit the USCG Boating Safety Resource Center website at www.uscgboating.org. 27 stability. In addition, moving objects on your boat can cause injury. To be sure that your boat handles properly when loaded, follow four simple rules: 1) 1) 2) 2) 3) 3) 4) 4) Distribute the load evenly Keep weight low, especially heavy objects Don’t exceed the limits on the capacity plate Secure objects from shifting, especially larger items like a full cooler Failure to observe these rules may cause your boat to capsize, swamp or sink. http://www.uscgboating.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook

2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
Contents
Introduction
Boats and Motors
Registration of Boats
Equipment
Fueling and Ventilation
Safe Loading and Powering
Preparation for Getting Underway
The Marine Environment
Rules of the Road
Boat Operations
Seamanship
Navigation
Personal Watercraft
Boating Related Activities
Accidents and Emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter Review Questions Answers

2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook

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