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