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