A Houseboat Safety Guide,
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You can be better prepared to handle
the common mishaps and emergencies
that can arise while out on the water.
As a responsible houseboat owner, you can follow simple tips, to easily provide a safer boating environment for you, your family, and your passengers, by being proactive and properly prepared to handle any situation or emergency.
 | Houseboating Safety Guide | |
| Life Jackets are the #1 way to save lives Alcohol-Drugs can be very dangerous Carbon Monoxide the dangers can't be seen Fuel & Fire and how to prevent explosions Collisions and accidents can ruin your day Propane Gas can be safe and efficient Navigating safely in unknown waters Anchoring properly can be easy and simple Docking Tips to make you look like a pro VHF Radios-DSC technology can save lives Modern Equipment has improved safety Sign-up now for our HB Magazine, it's free. |
If you're interested in saving lives, the simplest way to promote safe houseboating is to be an example and wear a Life Jacket, or PFD.You'll find that they have improved greatly since the old life jackets that our grand fathers wore. As you can see below, they are now many models available for a wide variety of activities you're involved in.You can choose models like cool weather jackets, slim inflatable's, children's or pets jackets, canoe-kayak styles, to PWC sport vests.
- Cool weather Life Jackets are great around docks and marinas.
- Modern slim Inflatable's are the utmost in comfort and versatility.
- Children, or you're guests children need proper fitting PFD's.
- Pets that wear life jackets are safer, so fit them with one.
- Canoe-Kayak's are great, but be properly prepared with a PFD.
- PWC, Jet-Ski's, or Sea-Doo's require a personal floatation device.
As a responsible houseboat owner/captain, you know that there are regulations about operating a boat under the influence.Everyone wants to enjoy themselves while out on the water, but consider that many lives on board depend on your proper judgment and decisions.
The wind, sun, and wave action will amplify the bodies reaction to the consumption of alcohol or drugs. Remember that many of the over-the-counter medications when combined with alcohol or drugs can have adverse reactions.If you want to enjoy yourself, wait till you are securely anchored or docked for the evening, this reduces the risk.
- State laws and regulations for alcohol levels.
- You're responsibilities as the captain on board.
- Be proactive with other Captains driving under influence
Carbon Monoxide is a silent, colorless, odorless killer that every responsible houseboat owner should take seriously, and start taking important steps to protect his family, friends, and guests. The steps or precautions are simple, install Carbon Monoxide detectors in all areas where exhaust fumes can accumulate, areas like sleeping quarters, galleys, engine rooms, propane furnaces, and all areas where a fuel is being burned.
When a fuel is burned, carbon monoxide is a by-product released in the air.The detectors are manufactured to sound an alarm when they reach a non-life threatening amount, and alert the occupants to vacate and ventilate the premises. There exists a variety of detectors and systems for different houseboat applications.
- Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide detectors
- 12 volt installed Carbon Monoxide detectors
- Portable Carbon Monoxide detectors
- Carbon Monoxide control panel systems
- Generators & Propane space heaters
*NEW* Learn more about excellent Carbon Monoxide sensors.
When it comes time to fill up the fuel tanks, there are some basic tips to ensure a safe refueling.As captain, you should have everybody leave the boat during the filling process, and close all windows and hatches.Extinguish all flames (ex: fridge, hot water tank if propane), and refrain from smoking. Be sure to ground the fuel nozzle to the fuel inlet ring.
When you're finished fueling, and before going to pay, start the Engine Room Blower for a minimum of 5 minutes to remove any fuel vapors that can have accumulated.The most reliable procedure is to physically open engine hatches and use your nose to sniff for any gas fumes in the engine compartment.Once everything is OK, start the engine(s), and remember to have all your guests re-embark and continue your trip.
- Fuel Vapor & Gas sniffer
- approved Fire Extinguishers
- Fuel Tank grounding
- Smoke & Fire detectors
- Approved Fuel containers
*NEW* Learn more about unique Fuel Vapor sensors.
Collisions can occur for many reasons, and in many different situations, so be prepared to handle your houseboat properly. The waterways are shared by all types of boaters, sailboats, ships, PWC, canoes, kayaks, fisherman, and swimmer to name a few. By being courteous and knowing the Rules of the Road is the easiest way to avoid collisions.
- Keep an Alert Watch while docking and navigating
- Go slow around others, and be courteous
- Know the Rules of the Road and what to avoid
Propane gas is a wonderful product, it easily heats our houseboats, it can create lots of hot water, it can keep our refrigerators ice cold, and provides the flame for our great BBQ's.Since propane has unique characteristics that require special equipment and maintenance needs, get a yearly inspection to ensure safe operation.
When looking at Houseboat Safety & Security, the proper annual preventative maintenance of fuel and propane system is imperative.
- Keep your Propane system properly maintained
- Install propane sensors and alarms
- Be aware of the symptoms and dangers
- Ensure proper storage and use of propane
- Control panels, solenoid shut-off valves
*NEW* Learn more about houseboat Propane Sensors and Alarms.
One of the pleasures of houseboats is the fact that they are excellent for navigating rivers and lakes.If you're a responsible captain you will always have up-to-date charts on board for the waters you're in, and have all the basic navigational tools like compass, binoculars on hand.
You can never be "overly" prepared, since bad weather, fog, or storm conditions can arise at a moments notice and be difficult for the ill-prepared navigator.Review the basic navigation list, and verify the weather forecast before departing from the dock.
- Current marine charts are a necessity, and important
- Basic equipment to have on board and use properly
- Understanding Time, Speed, and Distance calculations
- Adverse weather conditions, and leave a Float Plan
*NEW* Learn more about GPS Navigation software
The peace and tranquility of anchoring in a bay or harbor is one of the pleasures of houseboating, yet many boaters feel uneasy about anchoring for the night. You should look at the bottom conditions, the weather forecast, and wind conditions expected, and plan accordingly.
If you would like to successfully anchor in a variety of conditions, follow some basic tips and guidelines, and enjoy a GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP.
- Different bottom conditions, different Anchors
- Anchor rode, scope, and depth calculations
- How to get a good nights sleep after setting Anchor
*NEW* Learn more about proper Anchoring techniques.
As your returning from a smooth boating trip, the stress and anxiety levels can really climb when you approach the marina, and the wind is blowing hard, and you know that everyone is watching you dock your houseboat, but you can easily improve your docking maneuvers.
With some good communication with your crew, and a dock plan, you can easily master the techniques and maneuvers needed to put your houseboat smoothly into her slip, or at the gas dock.
- Tips & Ideas on how to Dock and Maneuver like a PRO
- Using the wind and current to your advantage
- Effective communication allows for pleasurable trips
- Prepare a PRE-Dock plan to allow for the unexpected
*NEW* Learn more about Docking Tips.
The list of features and benefits of the newer Marine VHF radios are constantly expanding, and since many of the new radios are equipped with DSC (Digital Selective Calling), it allows you to access the digital channel 70 for advanced safety, calling, or emergency features.
The new generation radios are designed with features like Dual Station, Wireless Handhelds, PA & Hailer functions, Weather Scan & Alert, GPS position, and easy Call/Emergency DSC buttons to name a few.There is no better time to upgrade that old radio for one that could possibly save your life, or other's nearby.
- Modern VHF radios and their new emergency features
- Digital Selective Calling DSC and it's benefits for you
- Constant weather conditions and severe weather alerts
- Coast Guard, DSC, and Maydays or emergency buttons
*NEW* Learn more about new Marine VHF DSC radios.
As technology continues to advance, so does the equipment list aboard a houseboat, and knowing how to incorporate and use it is becoming essential for captains everywhere. There's advancements in basically all areas of boating, from bow to stern, from helm to flybridge.
Whether you're looking at a bow thruster for better handling, a GPS for improved electronic navigation, or Wireless Internet to access your office and emails, there's something new and exciting for everyone.
- Computers, Laptops and GPS
- Bow & Stern Thrusters
- Intercoms, PA speakers & Hailers
- Floscan fuel consumption system
- Wifi, Wireless, Satellite, Internet
*NEW* Learn more about modern Equipment.
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