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The Mariner Club & Boat Rental, Inc.

LifeSaverIcon Some Boating Safety Tips LifeSaverIcon 



  1. If you haven't already or recently, take or at least review a Safe Boating Course.  There are some excellent and easy-to-access Websites to take advantage of on our Helpful Links Page.
  2. File a float plan before you leave that includes your destination, expected return time, and all persons on board.
  3. Stay a minimum of 100 feet from all objects on the water when going above idle speed.
  4. Pay close attention to the channel marker numbers and always refer to your chart as a navigational guide.  Straying from a marked channel can potentially spell disaster; you could run aground, damage the boat, and cause injury. 
  5. Always turn off boat motor before letting swimmers board to avoid risk of serious injury.
  6. Listen to VHF Channel 16 for information on navigational hazards or weather conditions which may affect your travel.
  7. Know the location of all life jackets, the fire extinguisher, anchor, and registration papers at all times.  You never know when you may need them in a hurry.
  8. Don't exceed the speed at which you feel comfortable.  Getting there fast is not always the best choice, especially if the speeds at which you use to get there exceed your skill level.
  9. Don't follow the path of other boats or jetskis if you don't know the waters.  Jetskis, jet boats, and flats boats can go many places where your boat would hit bottom.
  10. Make sure all ropes are secured inside the boat and out of the walkways.  A carelessly placed stern line can fall overboard and get tangled in the propeller, or cause someone to trip and fall in.
  11. Observe "no wake" zones. It can be inconvenient sometimes, but they are there for good reasons.  Disregarding them can only cause problems.
  12. Be aware of other boaters around you.  Just because you can see a boat coming toward you, doesn't mean that they can or will see you.  Make sure you allow yourself an "out" in case you need extra room to maneuver around or away from another careless boat operator.
  13. Look out for any swirling motion in the water that might indicate manatee presence; slowly steer clear of it. 
  14. Approach all docks very slowly, you are much less likely to damage a boat or cause possible injury if you approach at an absolute crawl.  Very slow is not 5 mph, which is plenty enough speed to cause boat damage and/or severe injury to a passenger's hands or fingers.  When docking a boat, very slow is defined as a final approach speed of less than 1 mph; slowly enough that if your passenger's fingers were to be accidentally pinched between boat and dock, they wouldn't be smashed.
  15. Never, ever operate a boat while intoxicated.  Florida law does permit open containers on boats, but it is basically 0 tolerance for any intoxication of a boat's driver.  The same alcohol intoxication limitations that apply on Florida roadways, apply to boat operators;  if you've had more than just one single beer or drink, you're not legally permitted to drive a vehicle or a boat.  If you do drink and boat and get caught, you'll also face the same penalties, fines, and legal troubles that apply to getting a DUI on the road.  But even if you don't get caught, never forget that usually when tragic accidents happen on the water, they're almost always alcohol-related.  Research has proven that one-third of the amount of alcohol that it takes to make a person legally intoxicated on land can make a boater equally intoxicated on the water.  Be aware that there are 4 different law enforcement angencies that patrol the ICW, their primary concern is the safety of all boaters.
  16. Again, please also click over to our Helpful Links Page for easy access to some excellent Websites that are very informative and educational for boaters of all experience levels.
 
THE MARINER CLUB & BOAT RENTAL, INC.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A:

MAJOR MEDICAL EMERGENCY
1. Call 911 on your cell phone. It is imperative to know either where on shore you will be able to meet emergency crews, or if you’re not sure or if you’re immobilized, where exactly your current location is. If you’re unsure of your current location, look for channel marker numbers or distinctive landmarks.

2. If possible go directly ashore to a nearby location, but only where an ambulance will have realistic accessibility. If the boat has been damaged beyond use and is adrift, anchor it from the bow (front end) cleat and make sure that it sets hold so that you won’t lose your position.

3. Call The Mariner Club @ (321) 777-4386 by cell phone.


MINOR MEDICAL EMERGENCY
1. If you’re not too far away, if possible, it would be best to return to our location as quickly and safely as you can.

2. Call The Mariner Club @ (321) 777-4386 by cell phone to let us know that you’re coming in. This will allow us to be ready and waiting at the dock to quickly assist you in getting the injured person to the hospital. If necessary, we will call ahead to notify the emergency room to be prepared.
 

PERSON OVERBOARD
1. Cautiously turn the boat around and approach the person slowly.

2. Turn off the engine as soon as you’re within close enough distance to slowly coast up to them.

3. If the person cannot swim or is struggling, toss them the throwable PFD (Personal Flotation Device), and help them aboard.


MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN
1. If boat is adrift, anchor it from the bow (front end) cleat and make sure that it sets hold.

2. DO NOT attempt to fix the problem, you might make the problem worse and/or void the warranty.  WARNING: if you open the motor cover, you will forfeit your deposit!

3. Call The Mariner Club (321) 777-4386 by cell phone and we will tell you if there’s anything that you can try to do.


BOAT DRAGGING ON A SHOAL (Sandbar) OR RUN AGROUND
1. DO NOT attempt to power the boat off of a shallow shoal by using the boat’s motor!! This will very likely cause serious motor damage for which you are responsible, and could possibly force the boat into even shallower water, leaving you thoroughly stuck! (Remember, you are responsible for all towing charges if you run the boat aground).

2. Turn the motor off and remove the ignition key for safety. Then power-tilt the motor up all the way.

3. Get out and push the boat to deeper water until it’s in at least 3 feet of water. (Depending on how shallow you’ve run and how many passengers are on board, it will probably be necessary for more than just one person to get out and push).

4. After everyone is back in the boat, tilt the motor back down just enough to completely submerge the prop. Then start the motor and resume at idle speed back toward the nearest channel.

5. Tilt the motor further down to its normal running position only after you’re certainly away from the shallow areas.


SUDDEN STRONG RAINSTORM
1. IF a safe harbor is within visible distance, approach cautiously. A safe harbor is NOT just any shore or dock; many areas are much too shallow to approach or would be very dangerous to approach in high winds. In order to prevent damage, use care and common sense when tying off the boat in relation to wind and waves. (Remember, you are responsible for any damages, even in the event of a sudden storm).

2. If visibility is less than 100 feet: anchor the boat from the bow (front end) cleat and make sure that it sets hold, turn on the anchor light, and try to wait it out.  DO NOT attempt to continue on in low visibility, you might put yourself at high risk for collision.

3. If the canopy top is down, return it to the upright position.

4. Call The Mariner Club @ (321) 777-4386 by cell phone. 

THE MARINER CLUB & BOAT RENTAL, INC.
1399 Banana River Drive
Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937
At Telemar Bay Marina

Call 321·777·4FUN(4386)

© 1999-2008 The Mariner Club & Boat Rental, Inc.©