Sunday, May 29, 2011

Owning A Pleasure Craft Operator Card

By Adriana Noton


In some places, when operating a motorized marine vehicle, a pleasure craft operator card is required. It does not matter how large or small the boat is. If it is used for recreational purposes, the operator of the vehicle must have this card. Requirements for it are a good thing for everyone out on the water. It will ensure that the operator is educated in safety and knowledgeable of what to do in any event while sailing.

This card ensures the level of competency of the operators sailing abilities and awareness. It proves that they are well educated in situations that can happen while at sea. It also shows the ability to act accordingly to these situations. It means the owner is fluent in nautical terms and definitions. The terms are very important to know while boating.

There are many rules and regulations that must be known, and followed. You need to know what to do in case of collision, speed limits of areas, specific operations, and restrictions. Knowing the speed limits and following them will keep you and your passengers safe. You must be aware, and abide by, specific restrictions. These restrictions are in your, and other boaters, best interests. Collisions can and do happen, knowing the correct way to act in the event of one is a must.

Steering and sailing rules must be followed. You need to know when to proceed with caution and when to stay out of the way of other vessels. When light and visibility are low, specific colored lights must be turned on to avoid collision. These specific lights are designed to pierce through the low visibility, and they will alert others in the water of your location.

Informing someone on shore of when you will be expected to return from your voyage is a good idea. Your equipment and radio could fail, preventing you from alerting anyone about where you are stranded. Take the time to tell a friend or family member the specifics of your trip. This method of safety measures could save the lives of you and your passengers.

Education in safety equipment and how to properly use them is also required. There is a proper and specific way to effectively use each item. Other safety knowledge like what to do in the event of a man overboard, your boat starts to sink, or your engine dies, is also expected.

You must know how to navigate by buoy locations. Depending on where they are, and on which side of your boat, you should be able to navigate effectively. Knowledge of reading weather reports, and how to sail in that weather, is very important. Owners of the card must know the warning signs, and the lingo used, when referring to weather. It is very important to your own safety and the safety of your passengers. Rough weather is dangerous and you must know how to deal with, and recognize it.

A pleasure craft operator card ensures safety for everyone that enjoys being out on the water. You will be comfortable knowing that the other boaters around you are just as educated in the same things you are. Knowing what do in case of an emergency, and being prepared for it, will save lives while out at sea.




About the Author:



No comments: