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