Boating Safety

 
WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION
All vessels operated on the waters of North Carolina must be numbered except:
  • Vessels documented by the United States Bureau of Customs or any federal agency successor thereto
  • Foreign vessels using North Carolina waters temporarily
  • Vessels owned by the United States Government or by a state, county or municipality
  • Vessels used exclusively as life boats
  • Sailboats not over 14 feet in length at the load waterline
  • Vessels with no means of propulsion other than drifting or manual paddling, poling or rowing
  • Vessels with a current number from another state or country temporarily using North Carolina waters. (Less than 90 consecutive says.)
The Certificate of Vessel Number must be current and on board when the vessel is in use.
Vessel numbers must be painted or permanently affixed on the forward half of each side of the vessel.

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD'S)

All recreational vessels must have one Type I, II, or III PFD of a suitable size for each person aboard and each skier being towed. In addition, recreational vessels 16 feet and over must also have one throwable Type IV PFD.

PFD's must be readily accessible, correct size and one per person.

VENTILATION

  • Check for fuel smells.
  • Check for bilge for gas or oil. Correct all flammable liquid problems before starting your engine or operating electrical devices.
  • Run your ventilation blower 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 fuels.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, Required when carrying flammable liquids or fuel on board.

  • U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers or approved fixed (permanently installed) fire extinguishing systems are required on boats where a fire hazard may be expected from the motors or fuel system.
  • Must be carried in a readily accessible position and away from any fire source.
  • 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).
  • Vessels less than 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.
  • Extinguishers that are not good and serviceable will not meet inspection standards.

ACCIDENT REPORTING

Any accident involving death, disappearance or personal injury beyond first aid, or damage greater than $500 must be reported. Death, disappearance and injury cases must be reported within 48 hours. Other accidents must be reported within 10 days. Accidents should be reported within 10 days. Accidents should be reported to the Wildlife Resources Commission on a form provided by them.
 
BOATING WHILE INTOXICATED
No person shall operate any motorboat or vessel, or manipulate any water skis, surfboard or similar device while under the influence of an impairing substance, nor operate any motor vessel after consuming alcohol sufficient to cause a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater.
 
WEATHER AND WATER CONDITIONS
Be weather wise. Check the weather forecast and file a float plan with a friend

More information review Basic Boating Safety tips or directly reference the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for the most current rules and regulations.