MENU
Boating is Serious Fun - Safety Topics Boating Wasted is Wasted Boating Accident Reporting is Your Responsibility Life Jackets Save Lives Propeller Strikes are Deadly Cold Water Has Chilling Consequences Know Your Navigation Before You Navigate Safety Training First, Fun Having Second Operator Responsibility Stem to Stern Vessel Safety Check Dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Gas
Create a Safe Boating Culture Safe Boating Beacon Award Download Resources Spread the Word Get On Board Partner Event Planning
Download ResourcesOur VisionContact Boat Live 365Privacy and Legal
Close
Boating is Serious Fun. Click these safety areas and become a smarter, safer boater.
Boating Wasted is Wasted Boating Accident Reporting is Your Responsibility Life Jackets Save Lives Propeller Strikes are Deadly Cold Water Has Chilling Consequences Know Your Navigation Before You Navigate Safety Training First, Fun Having Second Operator Responsibility Stem to Stern Vessel Safety Check Dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Gas
Close
Here’s where you can find and download proven resources and public outreach materials to help spread the word. Thank you for creating a safe boating culture.
Safe Boating Beacon Award Download Resources Spread the Word Get On Board Partner Event Planning

OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY STEM TO STERN

If you’re a boater or have enjoyed a day on the water, you know how amazing it is. Sun, breeze, the smell of sunscreen, smiles, lasting memories. When end the day safely, thank your boat operator, because they have enormous responsibilities as the skipper.

boat operator icon of a ships wheel

THE TOP FIVE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN BOATING ACCIDENTS ARE ALL PREVENTABLE!  1) OPERATOR INATTENTION 2) IMPROPER LOOKOUT 3) OPERATOR INEXPERIENCE 4) EXCESSIVE SPEED and 5) MACHINERY FAILURE *

The boat operator is responsible for the safety of the passengers

As the boat operator you are responsible for the safety of your passengers and to maintain and operate your boat legally and safely. There is a lot going on out there.  Technology continues to vie for our attention and distracted boating is becoming increasingly a problem. Just like driving a car and texting, you shouldn’t be texting while operating your boat either. Just talk with your passengers and stress the importance of boater safety.

Take action for safety

boat operator responsibility It’s the boat operator’s responsibility to know the rules of the road for your safety and everyone else’s. One consistent rule is to have a plan, whether you have a specific destination in mind or just intend to cruise. Be sure to brief your passengers on routine and emergency responsibilities before you leave the dock.

You can have more fun with a few safety rules in place. Arrrggghhh.

  • Everybody wears a life jacket while you are underway, no exceptions
  • Point out locations of fire extinguishers
  • Explain danger areas around the prop
  • Assign lookouts to help you drive the boat safely
  • Last, but certainly not least, save the alcohol for the shore. Of course, as the operator, you should not be drinking, passengers should understand that boats rock, and being on the water creates an unbalance which adds to people tripping and falling. Let’s not make it worse.

Keep in mind, that the more educated our boaters become, the safer and more fun for everyone.

 

Water wave

 

lighthouse graphic

Boating is serious fun. We’ve provided a variety of advocate tools and outreach methods, choose what works best for you and your community.

  • Visit spread the word for easy outreach through personal social media outlets and boating forums.
  • Provide year-round education on all boating safety topics – download pamphlets, flyers, banners, and posters. Great event materials. Search by topic in the resource section.
  • Download our marketing playbook, an advocate’s dream resource for creating change. Find it under the Boat Live 365 topic in our resource section.
  • Don’t know where to start?  Contact us. We’re happy to help.

 

*U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Statistics, 2023

download icon, orange shaped like documentVisit our resource library for downloads, event materials, tips and ideas on how to create a safe boating culture 365 days a year.

america's boating club, united states power squadrons logo

Learn your boat operator responsibility with an in person seminar or course. America’s Boating Club has a wide variety of learning opportunities for everyone.

To truly spread the Boat Live 365 message, please make a concerted effort to discuss and promote all of the “Serious Fun Topics” together, all year long.

Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Coast Guard.