Sunday, May 29, 2011

Why Own A Pleasure Craft Operator Card

By Adriana Noton


A pleasure craft operator card is needed in some places when recreational boating. If your marine vehicle is powered by a motor, regardless of its size, the card is needed to go out in the water. Being required to have this is a good thing for everyone.

This card ensures the level of competency of the operators sailing abilities and awareness. It proves that they are well educated in situations that can happen while at sea. It also shows the ability to act accordingly to these situations. It means the owner is fluent in nautical terms and definitions. The terms are very important to know while boating.

There are many rules and regulations that must be known, and followed. You need to know what to do in case of collision, speed limits of areas, specific operations, and restrictions. Knowing the speed limits and following them will keep you and your passengers safe. You must be aware, and abide by, specific restrictions. These restrictions are in your, and other boaters, best interests. Collisions can and do happen, knowing the correct way to act in the event of one is a must.

The operator must know when to proceed with caution and when to stop completely. A large vessel may be near and you are headed into a collision with it. The ability to recognize this happening will tell you to stop and allow the vessel to pass. When visibility is very low, possibly from thick fog, you must know to turn your special lights on that inform other boaters of your location. Fog is dangerous, it makes the risk of collisions high. These special lights are designed to pierce through that fog for others to see.

You must take appropriate safety measures. Notify someone on the shore of your destination and when to expect you back. This way they will know that something is wrong if you do not come back. Do not rely on your radio and other equipment, while out at sea, to send a distress message. Make sure that either a friend or family is fully informed about all of your trip plans.

Knowing the proper way to use safety equipment is also required. You must know the proper way to use floating devices, fire extinguishers, and signal flares. Education in these things will keep your passengers and yourself safe. There are also plans of action that must be known if someone goes overboard, capsizing, or the boat dies in the water due to a malfunction.

The operator should know how to effectively navigate by the use of buoy location. The ability to understand weather reports, how to sail in the conditions of the weather, and recognizing warning signs are important. Bad weather can sink your boat and cause harm to yourself and your passengers. Keep everyone safe by being educated in weather awareness.

A pleasure craft operator card is a good thing for everyone to have. It will ensure that all boaters around you are as aware, and educated, as you are. This helps to keep everyone safe, and ensures a pleasant trip at sea.




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