KNOW THE ROPES ׀ Expert Advice from the Coast Guard Auxiliary

When summer storms approach, boaters need to take extra precautions to safeguard their boats, as well as other boats in their area that could present a danger should they come loose during foul weather. If any of the following suggestions for boaters sound like a foreign language, you may want to consider taking a Boating Skills and Seamanship course offered by your local Coast Guard Auxiliary unit.

The America’s Boating Course commonly offered by local units includes a wide variety of instruction covering general information on boats and maintenance, information to make your boating experience safer and more comfortable, tips on how to be a more courteous operator, and state and federal laws and regulations to which you must adhere. Upon successful completion of the course exam you will receive a boating safety card from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary indicating that you successfully completed America’s Boating Course. Depending on your boat insurance company, there is the potential of receiving an insurance premium discount on presentation of the boating safety card.

But back to keeping your boat safe in foul weather…. Whether it’s a summer thunderstorm or a hurricane, boats need to be firmly secured to their moorings to survive hazardous weather. Depending on how you dock or moor your boat, think about adding more lines, specifically spring lines. Make sure your chocks are securely fastened on both your boat, as well as the dock. Add extra chafe gear to protect your lines. And depending on the circumstances, think about relocating your boat to either a more protected area or having the boat pulled from the water altogether.

If you attach your boat to a mushroom anchor, lay on extra scope, as well as chafing gear. Make sure your new arc (swing) doesn't collide with nearby boats. Double check your rode and its connections from and to the shackles. Look for damaged line, as it may part under heavy stress.

Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure your boat is securely anchored or docked. Do not rely on your marina, as they will have other issues to deal with in an unexpected or even an expected foul weather situation.

To find out more about boating safety and seamanship courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary visit http://nws.cgaux.org/visitors/pe_visitor/index.html.The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the United States Coast Guard. These volunteer men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.

For more information on the United States Coast Guard, visit www.cgaux.org. Thanks to Smoke Betts, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Station Emerald Isle, for the above information.

Read more feature articles in the print edition of Waterfront Magazine.