| Florida is the perfect for getting out on the water | | | | coastal waters only Sound Producing Device: |
| with family and friends, but a boating accident | | | | Every vessel less than 12 meters (39.4 ft) in |
| could not only ruin the day, it could cost lives. The | | | | length must carry an efficient sound producing |
| Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) are | | | | device For a safe boating course, check with the |
| encouraging all to be safe year round and here | | | | U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power |
| are a few reminders. - Drinking and boating don't | | | | Squadron. The Florida Marine Industry In Florida, |
| mix, and now you can be arrested for Boating | | | | boating and the marine industry are a large part |
| Under the Influence (BUI) - Don't overload your | | | | of the economy. Not only are boats used by |
| boat with too many people and equipment, most | | | | recreational boaters, large watercraft are also |
| boats are labeled with the maximum weight | | | | used by commercial fishermen, tour operators |
| capacity - Get a weather forecast, and | | | | and transportation industries like shipping and |
| remember that afternoon thunderstorms are a | | | | cruise lines. Watercraft are also used by law |
| daily occurrence in Florida - Learn about | | | | enforcement, search/rescue and homeland |
| navigational markers, get a chart and GPS - | | | | security. The marine industry also provides many |
| Propeller Safety, Educate children and adults alike | | | | jobs in Florida. In fact many cities in Florida are |
| to be careful of propellers and always turn off | | | | famous for their yacht building. Stuart, north of |
| the engine when retrieving a skier or tube riders - | | | | the Palm Beaches is known for sport fishing |
| Always wear a Personal Flotation Device, Type III | | | | yachts. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are also known |
| PFDs are comfortable enough to wear whenever | | | | for Mega Yachts and their annual boat shows. |
| you're on the water - Give your boat a pre-trip | | | | Current international economic conditions and high |
| inspection, salty air corrodes wiring and there is | | | | energy prices have effected the Florida marine |
| nothing worse than staring at a huge | | | | industry. Recreational boating has been hardest hit, |
| thunderstorm and your boat won't start. Also | | | | with layoffs at many builders of fishing boats as |
| check your navigational lighting, the FWC will now | | | | well as specialty boats for skiing and |
| ticket you for non-working lights, even during the | | | | wakeboarding. Other boats such as family |
| daytime. - Take a Boating Course, even if you're | | | | runabouts, pontoon boats and other small boats |
| an experienced boater, we're never to old to | | | | have been impacted. The strongest sales have |
| learn something new Required Safety Equipment | | | | actually been larger yachts and sport fishermen. |
| (Check Regulations for Your Particular Vessel) | | | | The Florida marine industry is very active in |
| Personal Flotation Devices: One approved Type I, | | | | promoting safe boating to the public. Many are |
| II, or III for each person on board or being towed | | | | involved in safe boating programs, education and |
| on waterskis etc., in addition, one throwable Type | | | | training. |
| IV device Fire Extinguisher: Must be USCG | | | | Providing overviews for consumers and industry |
| approved, Must be serviceable condition Visual | | | | executives, Florida Business News is an excellent |
| Distress Signal: Required on the high sea and | | | | source of information. |