Boaters - use caution
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

Franklin Hayes/Gulf Breeze News Pensacola resident Jeb Pickford consults his sea chart before launching his boat from shoreline park south on March 17.

As the sun warms the humid air and salty waterways, many Floridians are remembering why they live in the sunshine state and are returning to the water in droves. However, before launching that brand new Sea-Doo or cranking up that time tested Boston Whaler, there are a few things any boater should know.

According to statistics kept by the US Coast Guard (USCG), roughly 47 percent of boaters in Florida have never taken a boater safety course. In 2005, Florida lead the rest of the country in sheer numbers of registered boats with over 973,000 legal vessels navigating its waters.

For some younger mariners, simply having their vessel registered with the state is not enough. In order to operate a vessel powered by a motor with 10 horsepower or more, including personal watercraft (PWC) like jet skis, anyone 21 years old or younger must complete a nationally approved boater safety course. Additionally, no one under the age of 14 may operate a PWC in Florida - even if they've taken the safety course. It is also illegal for any person under the age of 18 to rent or lease a PWC in Florida.

The USCG is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include always wearing a life jacket and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence; completing a boating safety course; and getting a free vessel safety check annually from local US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

In addition to the free inspection, which checks for visual distress signals, proper ventilation and correct documentation among other things, the auxiliary also offers the boater safety course for $35 on the second Saturday of every month at various boating stores in the area.

"The [course] is an all day seminar class covering boating safety, boating laws, and basic boating skills," said John McKinley with the auxiliary. "Students who pass the exam are eligible to receive the Florida Boaters ID Card, which all persons under 22 years of age need to legally operate a vessel, including Personal Water Craft, alone in Florida Waters."

The USCG would also like to remind the general public not to come within 100 yards of a US naval vessel. If within 500 yards, boaters are reminded to and operate at minimum speed and proceed as directed by the Commanding Officer or the official patrol. Violations of this protection zone are a felony offense, punishable by up to 6 years in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.

For more information about boater safety, visit you local Boater's World Marine Center, tax collector's office, or any of the following websites: www.uscgboating.org, boatsafe. com, www.MyFWC.com or www.pensacolaauxiliary. com.