Safe Boating Tips
Apr. 25 2022
News
Safe Boating Tips
Photo Courtesy of Yamaha Marine
Learning safe boating practices and prioritizing preventative maintenance can be the defining difference between a calm relaxing day on the water and a stressful disastrous day for you and your family. So, without further ado… here are some boating tips, websites, and best practices you can reference to make this boating season the rewarding time on the water that you dream about.
- Boater Licensing: Did you know… Tennessee has a license requirement to operate a boat with a motor over 8.5hp. If you were born after January 1st, 1989, you are required by TN law to pass an In-Person Exam to receive a license. This requirement is not just for the boat Captain(s) we encourage parents to educate and prioritize this process for their children to start learning and participating in safe boating. Before taking the exam, you will need to purchase a $10, Type 600, boating safety exam permit. You can visit this website for more information. https://www.tn.gov/twra/boating/boating-education.html
- Reporting a Dangerous Boater: The sport of boating has become very popular, and you are going to witness some dumb and dangerous maneuvers out there! There are many new boaters to our waterways and there is an increased amount of rental boat participants. If you see another boater acting or driving dangerously write down their TWRA or State registration number (the Big Numbers on each side of the boat that each State requires) and immediately report them to the TWRA or Coast Guard. It is OUR responsibility to help maintain a safe environment for everyone to enjoy. Contact the TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) dispatch at 615-781-6581 to report a dangerous boater. The TWRA and Coast Guard patrol boat agents are out on the waterways to help all of us. You can flag them down and make your report. Visit the website https://www.tn.gov/twra/contact-us.html
- Awareness of the Law: Be educated and aware of all the items that you are required to keep on board and the procedures that you need to follow: Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), person overboard procedures, fire extinguisher rules, marine sanitation laws, driving while intoxicated, sound decibel laws, boat lighting, and more. It is the responsibility of each boat operator and owner to know all laws and regulations. In Tennessee, all passengers 12 years of age and under are required to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on the open deck of a recreational boat except when anchored, moored or aground. You can find all those regulations and more by visiting: https://www.tn.gov/twra/boating/regulations-and-safety-concerns.html
- Be Courteous: As Patrick Swayze’s character, Dalton, in Road House would say, “Be nice.” Be respectful of homeowners and others when playing music and doing watersports along shorelines and in coves. Apply the golden rule of, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Our waterways have channel markers and some general guidance; however, there are no lines out there like we have on our roads. It is not only courteous to be aware of other boaters it is imperative to your safety that you are paying attention to the 360 degrees of waterways around you and other boats.
- Maintenance Matters: Maintaining your boat, motor, and trailer are crucial steps to keep your investment in top ship shape (see what we did there). It is your responsibility to have written records of all maintenance performed – whether it is completed by you, a mechanic, or an authorized marine service center. Proper preventative maintenance on a routine schedule goes a long way in preventing future headaches. Anderson Marine, Inc. recommends reading your boat, motor, and trailer owner manuals to follow your maintenance schedule for things like: Motor Oil And lower unit oil Changes, water pump impeller changes, sparks plugs, fuel filters, water fuel separator filters, fuses, switches and pumps in your boat, gauge functions, and last but not least - trailer maintenance - wiring, lighting, trailer bunks, hubs, and wheels. While attending the Music City Coastal Conservation Association ccamusiccity.org banquet, our staff got to mingle with members and learn valuable insight from other boaters. A lifetime boater and angler, Lobster Jerry (another article for another day), shared testament that the routine maintenance on his boat and Yamaha Outboard helped provide him with over 15 years of worry free boating and fishing in the harshest saltwater conditions. That can be your story too. The following list of websites will help you understand just how important regular maintenance is to reap years of enjoyment from your investment.
- https://maintenance.yamahaoutboards.com/
- https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/landing/maintenance-how-to/
- https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/landing/sterndrive-and-inboard-care/
- http://www.suzukimarine.com/FAQ/Maintenance.aspx
Through education and following safe boating tips, rules of the water, and proper maintenance you will increase the relaxation time on your boat all year long. For more information regarding maintenance, safe boating, and any other questions you might have, call or text Anderson Marine at 615-865-7885 and we would be happy to assist you!
Sign-up to for our newsletter that will keep you in the know here.