How to Operate a Boat Safely
Updated January 1, 1 . AmFam Team
You’ve worked hard and found the boat of your dreams — now it’s finally yours. But now what? There’s a lot to learn about boating and just getting a feel for operating a boat can be a challenge. With the waves pushing and pulling and having to account for wind and slowing down, landing your boat safely can seem daunting.
In the end, it’s all about knowing how to handle each of these issues separately, then combining all these skills together. Safe boating involves launching, docking and navigating the waterways, as well as being prepared in advance for any outcome. And understanding the rules of the waterway before you launch will not only make your boating experience more enjoyable, it can help to make it safer for everyone aboard, too!
Review the Rules of the Waterways Before Boating or Yachting
Boating in highly congested areas like marinas, harbors and lakes during a busy holiday weekend requires boat captains to be aware of their surroundings. Additionally, they need to abide by the laws and rules for the class of boat or yacht under their command. Unlike rules of the road, these rules can vary depending on your geographic location local jurisdiction.
What You Need to Know About Beacons and Buoys
On the water, buoys are like floating road signs. The different colors tell you where to go and how to proceed. Buoys and markers often draw an invisible boundary across a body of water. Take a look at the various types of frequently-encountered buoys and markers and their meaning.
Beacons
Beacons are either permanently mounted or fixed-to-the-seabed structures that range from lighthouses to single-pile poles. Most will have aids attached to them, like lights or signage. Unlighted beacons are called Daybeacons, whereas lighted beacons are called Lights.
Buoys
Buoys are floating, anchored objects. Messaging and meaning are dependent on their shape and color. You may also get indications of how to navigate around them by their color. Be aware that floating buoys can drift or be tethered on a long line. As a result, use caution when approaching buoys closely. Use these in conjunction with a fixed point of reference, when possible, to validate navigation.
Red and green buoys
These buoys help to direct boats much like a traffic lane. When heading upstream, the red buoys should be on the boat’s right side (starboard). As you head inland — or upstream — the green buoys should be on the left (port) side of the boat. If you see those buoys across from each other, drive between them. They help to identify a route that’s deep enough to support traffic.
Black and white striped buoys
On inland waters, these buoys require special attention. When the stripes are running up and down (vertical), they indicate an obstruction to navigation. You shouldn’t pass between two striped black and white buoys due to nearby underwater obstacles.
No-wake buoys
Typically found in and around shorelines, boat launches and other congested waterways, no-wake buoys indicate an area where idling in forward gear is mandated. You shouldn’t come screaming up on a no-wake buoy and slow down at such a rapid rate that you create a big wave that rocks nearby anchored or slow-going boats. No wake zones are also designed to reduce beach and shore erosion, so be sure to pay attention to these important markers.
Danger buoys
Positioned along major waterways or even in areas on lakes where underwater materials present great danger to boats, danger buoys are usually black with a red horizontal band. They usually mark an area with an isolated danger that resides directly below or near the buoy. Waters are typically navigable around such buoys, but it’s best to steer clear of these areas.
Know the Right of Way
Boats come in different shapes and sizes and vary in power and maneuverability. This creates certain right-of-way exceptions. For example, generally we drive on the water like we do on the road: driving on the right with oncoming traffic approaching on our left. But unlike cars, a faster boat overtaking a slower boat from behind must steer around the slower vessel.
When passing from behind…
Use your horn to indicate on which side you’ll pass: one toot for starboard, two for port. The safest practice is to wait for a return acknowledgement signal.
When approaching another boat at an angle…
Treat the encounter like an unmarked intersection. If you’re on their left, you should steer out of their path. When coming from the right, they should be the one to yield.
Docking and Launching
Keep in mind that boats don’t drive like cars, and they don’t come to a complete stop. So, it helps to start slowing down long before your destination. Approach the dock at a 30 to 45-degree angle and aim toward the center of where you want to land.
At about one boat length from the dock, turn the wheel away from the pier and bump the motor into gear to swing the bow away from the dock and keep you floating toward it. Have the tie lines and fenders ready to deploy. Bump the boat into reverse to stop your movement when perpendicular. Then, deploy the fenders and tie up.
Keep fenders in position or close at-hand
Be sure to have fenders ready to hang over the side and lines coiled on both the forward and aft sides. If you need to make an unexpected stop — or even pair up with another boat in open water, these will be ready.
Prep docking lines before landing
Making your way out into open water is more than just preparing for your time out on the water. By focusing on what you’ll need to land safely at a pier or docking slip, you’ll be better prepared when that time comes.
Launching the boat is pretty simple
After everyone’s got their life vests on, and you’ve rolled through your safety checklist, it’s time to launch the boat. Do this by untying the lines from the moors and have a few hands gently push the boat away from the slip. Engage the motor, steer safely beyond the no wake zone, and have a blast!
Beautiful days on the water are one dream we can all share. Make sure your boat is protected with the right coverage. Reach out to your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) and get a customized quote today. You’ll feel great knowing that you’ve got the right coverage for your big investment.
Related Articles
- Recreational Vehicle Insurance: What’s Covered?
Cruising down the highway on your motorcycle or riding around the lake on your personal watercraft are activities you dream about in the cold winter months. And with warm weather fast approaching, it’s time to get your recreational vehicles tuned up and ready for summer fun. But performing maintenance on your ATV and filling your RV’s gas tank aren’t the only things you need to check off your to-do list — making sure you have the right recreational vehicle insurance coverage is key to protecting the vehicles you work hard for.
Let’s find out if you have the proper coverage in place.
Why Do Your Recreational Vehicles Need Coverage?
Accidents happen — and they can be disruptive and costly. Insurance for your recreational vehicles can help reduce or eliminate your financial burden should the unexpected occur.
Having insurance for your hobby vehicles — like dirt bikes, RVs, jet skis and ATVs — is part of being a responsible recreational vehicle owner. And knowing you’re financially protecting the things you work so hard for gives you peace of mind as you set out on your adventures.
Find coverage for things like:
- Liability protection to help pay expenses associated with things like injuries or property damage
- Collision coverage to protect against loss or damage to your recreational vehicle
- Emergency roadside or waterside service for certain vehicles that breakdown
- So much more!
- How to Buy Recreational Vehicles
You work hard all year long for those precious days in the sun, when you can get outside and enjoy the weather. Maybe you’ve been dreaming about finally buying a recreational vehicle of your own. If you have, you know you’ve got a lot of choices, from campers, travel trailers and ATVs to fishing boats and wave runners.
Whatever you choose, purchasing a recreational vehicle can be a big investment — and it’s one you should take seriously. One of the best ways to buy is to do your homework first and then narrow down your choices to those that retain their value best.
- Renting an RV
When it’s time for your next vacation, you may be thinking about switching things up and renting an RV. Wondering how you can rent an RV? It’s really pretty simple and, in some ways, it works much the same as renting a car. You’ll first fill out an application, either online or at an RV dealer, and they’ll probably need a credit card for a deposit to secure your reservation.
And much like a car rental, you’ll probably need to meet the minimum age requirement to qualify. But because RVs are more complicated and much larger than a car, you may want to find an RV rental group that offers RV training to new customers before you drive off the lot. Try Googling “where to rent an RV” — you’ll likely find a long list of options and rental groups — then, reach out to those that best meet your needs.
Not only can renting an RV save you money, but it offers a whole new perspective on vacation travel. Not sure how to get started? That’s why we’re here! Check out our tips on how to rent an RV, so your first RV adventure goes off without a hitch!
- Snowmobile Buying Guide: What to Look for
As the leaves fall and the temperature follows suit, our minds drift towards wintry outdoor activities. A snowmobile can be your ticket to a flurry of fun this winter.
But before you run out and buy a snowmobile, there are a few factors you should consider first. For example, if this is your first time shredding the snow, then you’ll want to purchase a beginner’s snowmobile.
Here are some tips to help ensure the snowmobile you purchase is the right one for you and your family.
