Bunny Run Country News & Announcements

BOAT SAFETY CHECK LIST

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD'S)

• PFD's must be readily accessible, correct size, & one per person.
• Children under the age of 6 must wear a Type I or Type II while on the open deck of a vessel.
• Persons operating, riding on, or being towed behind PWC must wear a Type I, II, or III PFD.
• Vessels 16' or longer in length must have a Type IV throwable PFD in addition to jacket type PFD's on board.
• Use of Type III inflatable PFD's is illegal when operating, riding on, ob being towed by a PWC.
• Type III inflatable PFD's are legal on watercraft (other than PWC's for persons 16 years of age or older.

WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION

• Watercraft registration must be current and on board.
• Where required by law, ensure that the operator has State of Michigan Boater Safety Certificate on board.
• Properly display MC numbers and current validation decal, e.g. both sides of the hull, forward half of vessel, above waterline, 3 inch block letters and numbers of contrasting colors to the watercraft's hull.

VENTILATION

• Check for fuel smells.
• Check for bilge for gas or oil.  Correct all flammable liquid problems before stating your engine or operating electrical devices.
• Run your ventilation blower before initially starting the engine.
• Before fueling, close all compartments.  After fueling is completed, open all compartments to ventilate and run the blower for at least 4 minutes to purge all trapped fumes.

FIRE EXTINGUSHERS. Required when carrying flammable liquids or fuel on board.

• Must be fully charged.  Check the gauge or use of small test button to check the pressure.
• Must be a type "B" fire extinguisher (for flammable liquids).
• Must be U.S. Coast Guard approved for marine use.
• Vessels less than 26 feet, one size 1 extinguisher is required.
• Vessels 26 feet & less than 40 feet, two size 1 extinguishers, or one size 2 extinguisher are required.
• Vessels 40 feet to less than 65 feet, three size 1 extinguishers, or one size 1 and one size 2 extinguisher are required.

SOUND PRODUCING DEVICE

• Horn or portable device, e.g. whistle or air horn capable of producing a 4 second blast that can be heard for at least 1/2 mile.

LIGHTS.  Required between the hours of sunset & sunrise.

• Red and green navigation lights.
• White stern and/or anchor light.

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS.  Required on Federal waters.

• Accessible flares and day signals stored in a dry location.

FUEL AND OIL.

• Be sure to have enough fuel to provide a reasonable margin for safe return.
• Check the oil to make sure it is at the proper level.

TRAILERS.

• Safety chains must be used when towing.
• Trailer must be equipped with working brake lights and tail lights.
• Make sure tires are in good condition with proper pressure.
• Maintain wheel bearings.
• Ensure that trailer hitch size matches the towing ball size.

SAFETY CONCERSN, TOOLS AND SPARE EQUIPMENT.

• Consider carrying "tools" you may need such as a cell phone.
• Spare light bulbs, spare keys, flashlights, etc.
• Anchor & line.
• Dock lines.
• Boat fenders / bumpers.
• First-Aid kit.

WEATHER AND WATER CONDITIONS

• Check the weather forecast and file a float plan with a friend.

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