A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats

As boaters, we are all expected to carry required safety equipment and ensure that our vessel is compliant with federal and state regulations. To help us do this, the US Coast Guard has produced a quick reference called, “A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats”. You can download this guide by clicking the link below.

The guide contains information about federal laws and equipment carriage requirements for recreational vessels of the United States. It is important to understand that federal equipment requirements are minimum requirements and do not guarantee the safety of your vessel or its passengers. The guide includes recommendations for additional safety equipment you may wish to have on board. In addition to the requirements stated in this pamphlet, we as boaters, may be required to comply with additional regulations and/or laws specific to the state in which the vessel is registered or operated. To ensure compliance with state boating laws, you should contact the appropriate boating agency in your area. And remember, a vessel in compliance with the laws in one state may not meet the requirements of another state where the vessel is being operated.

Click here to download A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats

Tow Bee Boating Safety Tip: Keep Life Jackets on Hand!

No matter what body of water you call home, it’s required by law to have enough life jackets on-board for each of your boat’s passengers. And, they need to be the correct size for each passenger. This means that if you have children on board, the orange horse-collar life jackets stored under your seats won’t work. First of all, you’ll need to make sure to have child-size life jackets in the correct size for each child. Secondly, you’ll also need to make sure any children under the age of 13 wear their life jackets at all times while underway as this is required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Lastly, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the adults to put on their life jackets, too. Comfortable options including inflatable life jackets are now available and will keep the day on the water safe. After all, 87% of people who drown every year were within reach of a life jacket, but they didn’t have time to put it on.

So, if you’re heading out with new guests, make sure you have properly-fitting life jackets for everyone. If you don’t have enough life jackets or need a specific size to fit a new guest, be sure to stop by one of our many Life Jacket Loaner Stations located at boat ramps, fuel docks and marinas all over the country and borrow one for the day at no charge!

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Tow Bee Boating Safety Tips: Designate a Sober Skipper!

Tow Bee wants all boaters to know that a fun day on the water shouldn’t have to end in tragedy. Did you know that alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents? Even just one drink can impair boaters, especially considering the effects from the sun, wind and movement of the boat.

Boat operators must be clear-headed and able to make quick decisions to avoid collisions while on the water. Consuming alcohol or taking drugs, even some over-the-counter or prescription medicines can decrease reaction time and the ability to think clearly.

That’s why it’s vital that every time you head out on the water, you designate a Sober Skipper to take the helm. You wouldn’t head out for a night on the town without a designated driver, so don’t leave the dock without a Sober Skipper!
Click here to learn more about becoming a Designated Skipper

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Tow Bee Boating Safety Tips: Choose the Right Fuel for Your Boat!

Do you ever pull up to the fuel dock and wonder to yourself what all those numbers mean? Much like your car or truck, your boat has specific needs when it comes to fuel. While your typical fuel pump at the gas station down the street has options for Regular, Mid-Grade and Premium gasoline for your car, the pump down at the local marina is a bit different.

These days, nearly all gas, whether it’s for your car, truck or boat, contains a chemical called ethanol. When mixed with gasoline, these ethanol blends help to reduce carbon emissions and limit environmental impact caused by traditional fuel. In fact, they are often sold for Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV).

The problem comes when introducing ethanol into marine engines in boats. When ethanol comes into contact with water, it will create a corrosive mix that can harm the boat’s engine, which could leave you stranded in the middle of your favorite waterway.

While some areas around the country may still have access to the ethanol-free gasoline that was the norm decades ago, most will have some sort of blend. Keeping the ethanol content at or below 10% is critical when purchasing fuel for your boat.

For example, gas sold as E15 has 15% ethanol whereas E85 is 85% ethanol, so both of these options would provide too much ethanol for your boat’s engine. E10 fuel is right at the 10% mark and would work on most gasoline boat engines, but it is important to check with your boat and engine manufacturer to be sure.

The next time you pull up to the fuel dock, remember to use either an ethanol-free gasoline or an E10 blend in your boat. Making sure you use the correct fuel will save you the headache of having to call your local Sea Tow captain for a tow when your boat’s engine stops working and it will also save you thousands of dollars to repair or replace a damaged motor.

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Tow Bee Safety Tip: Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly!

Carbon monoxide (also known as CO) is a tasteless, colorless, odorless gas that is emitted by engines. In open areas, CO is usually dispersed into the air and there are no problems. However, a situation known as the station wagon effect, which involves the wind carrying the exhaust back into the boat, could mean that the boat’s passengers are being affected by the CO. Another way to become overexposed to CO is by playing in the water near the back of the boat while the engine is idling.

When a person is suffering from CO exposure, the person will likely feel light headed, nauseous, weak and complain of a headache. All of these are also symptoms of someone suffering from the flu, food poisoning or sea sickness however the symptoms should be taken seriously. Over exposure to CO can lead to unconsciousness, death or brain damage. To treat the person, move her to an open area with fresh air and turn off the boat’s engine while you assess her condition. If she doesn’t improve or other people begin to feel ill, call for help on your VHF radio or cell phone and get them to a medical facility as soon as possible.