What Should You Do Before Letting Someone Else Operate Your Boat?

What should you do before letting someone else operate your PWC? The sun glistening on the water, the sound of waves lapping against the side of your boat, the feeling of freedom as you cruise across the open sea – these are all joys of boat ownership.

But there comes a time when you might consider letting someone else take the helm, whether it’s a friend wanting to experience the thrill or a family member eager to share the responsibility.

And the inevitable question arises:

What should you do before letting someone else operate your boat?

Before allowing others to operate your boat, check their boating license and experience level, provide thorough instructions and demonstrations on proper handling, ensure their understanding of safety protocols, familiarize them with the waterway, and start their operation under close supervision. Gradually allow independence once skills are demonstrated.

This article will delve into these essential pre-boarding steps to ensure both the safety of your boat and the people onboard.

What should you do before letting someone else operate your boat?

Here are the 10 things you do before letting someone else operate your boat:

1) Check The Age And Boater Education Requirements:

Check that they meet the minimum age and boater education requirements for operation in your state.

The minimum age and boater education requirements for operating a boat vary by state. It’s important to check the specific requirements for your state before operating a boat. Passing a boating safety course will increase your water safety skills.

Minimum Age And Boater Education Requirements For Operating A Boat

The requirements for operating a boat, including minimum age and boater education, vary significantly from state to state.

Here is the minimum age requirements for operating a boat in US:

State	Minimum Age to Operate a Boat
Alaska	14 years old or older to operate alone
Arizona	12 years old or older under supervision, 16 unsupervised
Kansas	12 years old for any vessel
Kentucky	12 years old for 10 horsepower or greater
Louisiana	16 with a boating certification
Maine	12 years old for over 10 hp, under 12 must be supervised
Texas	16 for vessels over 15 horsepower
Washington	12 years old for over 15 hp with education card, 16 without

In order to operate a power motorboat on tidal waters in New Jersey, you must successfully complete a boating safety course approved by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP). To find a boating safety course approved by the NJSP, you can visit the NJSP Marine Service Bureau website. This will earn you a New Jersey Boating Safety Course Certificate. The minimum age for this is 16 years old.

In New York, all operators of motorized boats and personal watercraft are required to pass a boater safety course and carry a New York boater card by January 1, 2025.

In Connecticut, a person who is at least 14 years of age, but under 16 years of age, can only operate a motorboat if they have successfully completed an approved boating safety course. This requirement is set forth in Connecticut General Statutes Section 15-141b.

2) Educate Them On Basic Boating Safety And Navigation Rules

Make sure they know basic boating safety and navigation rules. Educate them on pre-departure checklists, navigation rules, designated assistant skipper, and marine safety measures.

3) Show Them How To Use The Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS)

Show them how to use the lanyard with the engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and require them to use it. Explain the importance of obeying “idle speed,” “headway speed,” and “slow, no wake” restrictions to ensure their safety and that of others on the water.

4) Stress The Need To Keep A Proper Lookout

Stress the need to keep a proper lookout for other boaters and hazards. Keep a lookout for buoys and other navigational aids.

Designate an assistant skipper who is familiar with all aspects of the boat’s handling, operations, and general boating safety, in case the primary operator is incapacitated.

5) Use A Pre-Departure Checklist

Use a pre-departure checklist to make sure you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions. Check the weather, have enough life jackets for everyone on board, and make sure your boat and equipment are in good condition.

6) Have A Safety Discussion And Review Safety Procedures

Before departing, have a safety discussion with everyone on board. Point out the locations of emergency equipment, such as personal flotation devices (PFDs), fire extinguisher(s), visual distress signals, first-aid kit, and bilge pump.

Emphasize the need for all passengers to wear a PFD, especially during times of high vessel traffic, severe weather, or any other dangerous boating conditions.

7) Discuss laws about reckless operation, required equipment, and waste disposal

Review safety procedures for responding to a fire or someone falling overboard. Explain how to signal for help or use the VHF radio to make a MAYDAY call. Teach how to anchor the vessel and handle lines (ropes). Conduct emergency drills with your passengers so that everyone knows what to do in case of a.

8) Ensure They Are Not Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Drugs

Make sure they are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs which may impair their sailing skills.

9) Require Them To Get Insurance

Require them to get insurance for accidental injury and the total loss of your vessel.

10) Impart the Significance of Complying with Water Traffic Rules

Impart the significance of complying with water traffic rules such as “idle speed,” “headway speed,” and “slow, no wake” restrictions.

When you allow someone else to operate your boat, it’s paramount to stress the importance of adhering to water traffic rules.

Just like roads have speed limits and traffic regulations to ensure the safety of all, waterways have guidelines designed to minimize risks.

Three of the most common restrictions that boaters might encounter are “idle speed,” “headway speed,” and “slow, no wake.”

Here’s a breakdown of their significance:

Idle Speed: Just as the name suggests, “idle speed” is the slowest speed at which the boat can move and still maintain steerage. It’s akin to a car idling at a stoplight. This speed is especially crucial in busy waterways, marinas, or near shorelines. Adhering to this rule minimizes the risk of collisions and ensures the safety of swimmers, divers, and others in the vicinity.
Headway Speed: This is a slightly ambiguous term but generally refers to a speed where the boat is fully off-plane and settled in the water. The boat should not be producing a substantive wake. It’s faster than idle speed but not as fast as typical cruising speed. This speed is vital in areas where there’s a lot of boat traffic, near bridges, or in narrow channels. Maintaining headway speed ensures you have enough time to react to potential hazards while also being mindful of the impact of your wake on others.
Slow, No Wake: When a zone is marked as “slow, no wake,” it’s imperative to operate the boat at a speed where no wake is produced. This ensures the tranquility and safety of the area, especially in zones with moored boats, fishermen, or sensitive ecosystems. Disruptive wakes can lead to boat collisions, endanger swimmers, or even cause erosion along shorelines.

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There are some states with no educational requirements for boaters, while others have specific age limits for operating a boat. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the specific requirements of your state before operating a boat.

Completing a boating safety course comes with several benefits. For instance, it may provide a discount on boat insurance. Furthermore, such courses enhance your water safety skills, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.

Remember to always verify the most current regulations and requirements with your state’s boating department or maritime authority.

So, What should you do before letting someone else operate your PWC?

Before letting someone else operate your personal watercraft (PWC), check they meet age and boater education requirements, ensure they know basic rules and safety procedures, require the use of the engine cut-off switch, and impart the need to keep a proper lookout and avoid reckless operation.

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