Alaska Water Wise Boating Safety

A collection of flashcards covering Alaska Water Wise boating safety, including fatality risk profiles, maintenance focus areas, fuel rules, and safety procedures for skiers and paddlers.

In what ways do Alaskans use boats as a lifestyle?

Alaskans use boats for Transportation + Substance and Recreation.

How does the number of boats in Alaska compare to other motorized vehicles?

There are more boats than snow machines or ATV'S.

What is the #1 fatality threat to Alaskans reported in the risk profile?

Over half of fatalities involve capsizing or a fall overboard.

What specific size and type of boats are most often involved in Alaskan boating fatalities?

$9$ of $10$ boats were $< 26\,\text{feet}$ and $7$ of $10$ were Powerboats.

What is the distribution of boating fatalities between freshwater and saltwater?

$60\%$ occurred in freshwater and $40\%$ in saltwater.

What are the primary factors contributing to drowning in Alaskan boating accidents?

Most involve cold water immersion drowning and people not wearing life jackets, with $4$ of $5$ victims being males.

What key pieces of information does a capacity plate provide?

Maximum total weight of passengers, gear, and engine; Maximum number of persons the boat can carry; Life Jacket; and Maximum reccomended engine horsepower (for outboard engines).

What are two rules for loading a boat safely?

1. If solo, get into the boat first and retrieve items from the dock. 2. Place gear so the bow is lighter than the Stern.

What are the four focus areas for preventive maintenance on a boat?

1. Fuel (to get there, to get back, and for emergency); 2. Electric (Spark Plugs, Battery, wiring); 3. Hull (making sure there is no marine growth); 4. Engine (keeping maintenance/repair Logs).

What is the quantity fuel rule for planning a boating trip?

The $\frac{1}{3}$ Rule: $\frac{1}{3}$ to get there, $\frac{1}{3}$ to get back, and $\frac{1}{3}$ to Save for emergencies.

What is the correct way to clean battery terminals?

With a wire brush.

How should safety chains be attached once the trailer ball fits snug inside the tongue coupler?

Safety chains are to be attached in an ✓ configuration.

What are two important safety considerations when docking a vessel?

1. Have safety rules such as not getting body parts between the dock and the boat. 2. Approach the dock slowly.

What five steps help control the spread of invasive species after boating?

Remove, Drain, Dispose, Rinse, and Dry.

What is the minimum rode length for a vessel using only line (no chain) in $8\,\text{ft}$ of water?

$\text{Rode} = 10 \times \text{water depth}$ (which would be $80\,\text{ft}$).

From which part of the boat should anchors be lowered?

Anchors should be lowered SLOWLY from the bow.

What are three unique operational characteristics of personal water crafts (PWC)?

1. They may be prohibited on some waters. 2. You must always allow room when approaching Obsticles and do not reverse. 3. Releasing the throddle eliminates Steering.

What three rules apply to pulling water-skiers?

1. Assure towline attachment is Secure and balenced. 2. Maintain a $100\,\text{Foot}$ corridor on each side of the boat and Skier clear of Obsticles. 3. Avoid crossing in front of or closely behind a boat and Skier.

What should a downed skier do to be more visible to other motorists?

Make a lot of noise and ensure clothing is visible and Bright.

How should a boat operator safely approach and pick up a downed skier?

Slow the boat and turn back; approach from the skier's side of the boat to maintain visual contact; and shut the engine down before the skier reboards.

How far must boaters stay away from the two markers signifying a diver in the water?

$100\,\text{ft}$.

What percentage of boating fatalities is accounted for by hunters and anglers?

$30\%$.Header

What is the primary safety rule individuals engaged in hunting and fishing must follow?

Wear a lifejacket.

What specific risk factors do paddlers face on the water?

Instability, Low freeboard, and Low visibility.

What actions can paddlers take to reduce risks?

Use caution when boarding/Loading and don't overload; distribute weight properly; avoid reaching for objects; and keep weight low and gear secure.