Once underway, your duties as a skipper do not stop. You are still responsible for the safety of all on board, your boat and damage to other boats and personal property caused by collision or damage from your wake. As skipper you should:

  • Be familiar with the safe handling characteristics of your boat. Know its cruising speed, idle speed, how it turns left and right and its stopping distance.
  • Always choose a safe course. Do not take any risks that might endanger yourself or your passengers or crew.
  • Know where you are at all times. Check around you and use landmarks, aides to navigation, charts or any other means possible to pinpoint as accurately as possible your location. If you have an emergency and have to call for help, the first question you will be asked is "Where are you?"
  • Keep an eye on the wind, current and weather. Will any changes affect you and the course to your destination?
  • Follow the rules of the road and obey them. In specially marked or crowded areas, control your speed.
  • You should always render assistance to other boaters in danger or distress. This could be anything from a stalled engine to a life-threatening event.

Boating safety course and boating exam accredited in USA

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