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