How
many boating accidents are related to boat rentals? Out of 6,753 boating
accidents reported in 2006 only 211 were related to Boat rentals.
That’s less then 4% of all US boating accidents. (2006 U.S. Coast
Guard Accident Statistics).
Why are there less
boating accidents related to boat rentals? Most boat rental
facilities inspect their safety equipment after every rental. They
review safety procedures and navigation rules to most every renter
before they leave. Regardless of the renters alleged boating
experience. Most facilities today have GPS tracking devices that alert
the facility via cell phone alert when a boat is out of range has
excessive water or possible engine problems.
Boat Rental
Tips
Safety is the key when
renting any boat.
If you follow the
basic tips on this page, you will be more relaxed, and have more fun
and more pleasurable cruise.
Check to make sure it has all the required safety
equipment. This is set in law by the Coast Guard. Boat Rentals
from 8 m to 12 m (26 to 39 feet) in length require life jackets or
PFDs (one each of an appropriate size for each person on board); a
buoyant heaving line of at least 15 m in length; a life buoy with 15 m
of buoyant line; a rebounding device (ie. ladder); an anchor with at
least 30m of cable, rope, or chain; one bailer or one manual pump; a
class 10BC fire extinguisher (if Boat Rental is powered or has cooking
or refrigerating appliances); distress signals (watertight flashlight
and 12 Canadian-approved flares of which six must be either Type A, B,
or C and at least two of Type D; and navigation equipment consisting
of a signaling device and navigation lights that comply with Collision
Regulations. If the Boat Rental is from 12 m to 20 m (39 to 65.5 feet)
in length, then it requires all the above together with the following:
a bilge pump instead of manual bailer, fire extinguishers (class 10BC,
one at each entrance space where a cooking or refrigeration appliance
is located, one at the entrance to the cabin and one at the entrance
of the engine compartment); and two fire buckets.
Check to see what communication equipment it has
on board. If you have a cell phone, make sure to bring it along. Have
a list of local contact numbers (marinas, locks) to carry with you.
Is the boat Rental well maintained - see if the
boat looks like it has been maintained.
Make sure the Boat Rental comes fully equipped with the
most up to date charts of the waterway
Check to make sure the Boat Rental has a good First
Aid Kit, if in doubt, bring your own.
Boating
knowledge - what is your
level of experience? If you are a complete novice, you might want to
consider a safe boating course from your local branch of the sail and
power squadrons. At the very least, make sure the boat renter will
take you out on the water for a familiarization tour of your rental
boat and fully explain all the rules of the road, including how to
read charts and navigate the waterway.