What is the most common cause of fatal boating accidents in Florida?

What is the most common cause of fatal boating accidents in Florida?

Alcohol

What is the primary cause of boating fatalities in Florida?

➢ Falling overboard and drowning (due to not wearing a PFD) is the primary cause of boating fatalities. ➢ Consuming alcohol before or during vessel operation is extremely dangerous as it slows your judgement and physical reaction time.

What is the most critical part of boating?

Staying alert

What do the red and green markers indicate Florida?

Red and green channel markers line both sides of the safely navigable water in passes and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Green marks are always square and odd numbered (1, 3, 5, etc.); red marks are always triangular and even numbered.

Which action may cause the loss of steering?

Which action may cause the loss of steering ability in a PWC? letting off the throttle control.

What action may cause the loss of steering in a PWC?

If you allow the engine on a PWC or other jet-propelled vessel to return to idle or shut off during operation, you may lose all steering control. Many PWC will continue in the direction they were headed before the throttle was released or the engine was shut off, no matter which way the steering control is turned.

Which of the following is an example of careless operation?

Examples of careless operation include: Operating in a way that creates an undue hazard to other boats, swimmers, and persons on shore by its wash or wake. Operating at speeds that are unreasonable for the time, place, and surrounding conditions.

What should a vessel operator do to make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency?

What should a vessel operator do to make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency? Conduct an emergency drill with the passengers.

What should passengers be aware of at all times?

Always wear an approved lifejacket or PFD. Be aware of the effects of being on the water including sunlight, motion, waves, wind and sound. Stay close to the centerline and as low as possible when moving around the boat, and keep hands and feet inside the boat at all times. Refrain from consuming alcohol while onboard.

What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water quizlet?

What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water? Reduce speed to the minimum needed to stay on course. Visibility is restricted due to fog.

What is the most important precaution to take in order to ensure you are rescued in an emergency?

Stop the leak or reduce the flow. Empty the boat of water using all means possible including hand bailers, pumps and electric bilge pumps. If you can not stop the flow or reduce it enough to safely get underway to a safe location, prepare to use distress signals to attract assistance.

What does the blue and white International Code Flag A indicate?

A blue-and-white International Code Flag A (or Alpha flag) must be displayed on boats involved in a diving activity.

Is a flare gun required on a boat?

USCG approved flares are required for recreational boats when used on U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes and territorial seas with connected waters, and U.S. owned boats operating on the high seas.

What is the purpose of this buoy?

What is a Buoy? A buoy is a device that floats on the water to help boat operators. The Canadian Coast Guard installs buoys that guide boat operators on the waters; these are a type of navigational aid.

What do black buoys mean?

Boats Keep Out: A white buoy or sign with an orange diamond and cross means that boats must keep out of the area. Black lettering on the buoy or sign gives the reason for the restriction, for example, SWIM AREA. Danger: A white buoy or sign with an orange diamond warns boaters of danger – rocks, dams, rapids, etc.

What side do you pass a red buoy?

right

What does a red and green buoy mean?

These are companion buoys that indicate the boating channel is between them. When facing upstream, or coming from the open sea, the red buoys are located on the right (starboard) side of the channel; the green buoys will be on the left (port) side of the channel.

What color is a marker that indicates safe water?

Safe Water Markers: These are white with red vertical stripes and indicate unobstructed water on all sides. They mark mid-channels or fairways and may be passed on either side.

What do you do when you see a red buoy?

Port Hand and Starboard Hand Buoys Red buoys must be kept on the right side of a craft when proceeding in the upstream direction. A simple rule is red to the right when returning, or the three “R’s”: red, right, return. In many places, the direction of the current is determined by consensus or by the tide.

What does 3 short blasts of a boat horn mean?

I am operating astern propulsion

Why do boats pass on the right?

Sailors began calling the right side the steering side, which soon became “starboard” by combining two Old English words: stéor (meaning “steer”) and bord (meaning “the side of a boat”). As the size of boats grew, so did the steering oar, making it much easier to tie a boat up to a dock on the side opposite the oar.

What does a single white light mean on a boat?

Powerboat A: When only a white light is visible, you may be overtaking another vessel. Give way to either side. Powerboat B: You are being overtaken.

What do two short blasts of a horn mean?

tell other boaters

When should anchor light be on?

Anchor lights must be placed higher than any other navigational lights, which is the reason that many are placed on a steel pole. Vessels under 50 meters must display one white all-around anchor light on the highest point of the boat, which must be visible for two miles when visibility is clear.

What color light goes on the front of a boat?

A masthead light is a white light at the front of the boat. The masthead light needs to be visible across 225 degrees and from two miles away. A stern light, which is a white light at the rear of the boat. The stern light needs to be visible across 135 degrees and from two miles away.