Responsibility to Your Passengers

As the operator of a vessel, you are responsible for ensuring that your passengers understand basic safety practices and laws.

• Use a pre-departure checklist to make sure you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions.
• Before departing, have a safety discussion with everyone on board. Some of the things you should point out are:
  • Locations of emergency equipment—personal flotation devices (PFDs), fire extinguisher(s), visual distress signals, first-aid kit, and bilge pump
  • The need for all passengers to wear a PFD, especially during times of high vessel traffic, severe weather, or any other dangerous boating conditions
  • Laws about reckless operation, required equipment, and waste disposal
  • Safety procedures for responding to a fire or someone falling overboard
  • How to signal for help or use the VHF radio to make a MAYDAY call
  • How to anchor the vessel and handle lines (ropes)
• Conduct emergency drills with your passengers so that everyone knows what to do in case of a boating emergency.