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