R19, 2020-05-07

NOTE: Aquatic Center Inc. does not accept paper waivers, please submit electronically.

Dockside Safety Checklist for Rented or Leased Boats

The Maryland Natural Resources Police recommends any person, business or organization that offers a motorized vessel for rent or lease to provide the designated boat operator(s) with this Dockside Safety Checklist. Anyone who is authorized to operate such craft, or supervise the operation of such craft (even if they possess a valid certificate of boating safety education) should review and initial each item on the checklist and keep a copy on board while operating. 

Please Read:  RENTAL VESSEL SAFETY SHEET (Note: Hit the Back Button when done.)

  1. I acknowledge that rental company staff have explained to me the local laws and regulations and has provided me with a list of illegal and reckless operation of this vessel. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial1

  2. I understand that using alcohol, illegal drugs, and some prescription medications may make me unable to operate this boat safely. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial2

  3. I will not operate this boat or allow anyone else to operate this boat while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial3

  4. I will make sure everyone on board has a properly fitted and properly adjusted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and know how to put it on. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial4

  5. I understand that my passengers and I should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when boating. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial5

  6. I have assigned one responsible adult to keep track of the whereabouts and safety of each child on board. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial6

  7. I understand that all children under the age of 13 must wear their life jacket and that all children under the age of 4 must wear their life jacket with a grab handle, headrest and crotch strap at all times while underway. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial7

  8. I understand that this boat is powerful, and that it may be easy to lose control if I go too fast, turn too quickly, or encounter the wake of another boat. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial8

  9. I will not operate this boat at speeds that are unsafe for the conditions. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial9

  10.  I understand that this boat has no brakes, so that stopping quickly is difficult or impossible – especially if I am going too fast. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial10

  11. I understand that if there is the threat of a collision, it is my responsibility to slow down, stop, and/or steer away. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial11

  12. I understand that when I meet another boat head-on, I should steer to the right (starboard). 

    Click to Initial
    Initial12

  13. I understand that when I overtake another boat, I should pass on the left (port) side and leave plenty of room, and yield (give way) to that boat. If conditions allow it, I may pass on the right (starboard) side. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial13

  14. I understand that when I cross the path of another boat, I should yield (give way) to a boat on my right (starboard). 

    Click to Initial
    Initial14

  15. I understand that I should yield (give way) to all boats under sail. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial15

  16. I will make sure that there is a lookout other than the boat operator whenever passengers or parts of this boat obstruct the operator’s view. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial16

  17. I understand that there is an awareness zone that includes the front (bow), sides (gunwales), rear (stern) and swim platform, and extends 30 feet around the boat. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial17

  18. I will take a head count to make sure all passengers are present and accounted for before starting the motor.  

    Click to Initial
    Initial18

  19. I understand that it is best for all passengers to remain seated whenever this boat is in motion. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial19

  20. I understand that it is illegal to sit on the front (bow), sides (gunwales), rear (stern), and/or swim platform of the boat while it is moving. A person can fall overboard and be severely or fatally injured by the boat propeller. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial20

  21. I will instruct my passengers to stay seated and have a firm grip on the boat. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial21

  22. I understand that the motor of this boat produces carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and lethal gas that can quickly affect people in the awareness zone. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial22

  23. I will ensure that those engaged in tow sports wear a properly fitted and properly adjusted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Spotters and designated operators must be at least 12 years of age. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial23

  24. I have been informed that this pontoon boat can safely accommodate 1450 pounds or 10 people; whichever is less, or this sport boat can safely accommodate 1160 pounds or 8 people; whichever is less. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial24

  25. I understand that overloading this boat is unsafe and against the law. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial25

  26. I will anchor where it is easy for other boats to see this boat (so long as the area is anchorable). I will never anchor from the rear (stern) of the boat. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial26

  27. I understand that falling into cold water can lead to cold-water shock and hypothermia, which will impede my ability for self-rescue, even if I am a good swimmer. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial27

  28. I have been instructed on how to use the navigation lights and anchor lights on this boat and I will display them properly if operating at night or when visibility is poor. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial28

  29. I confirm that rental company staff has informed me about local hazards, such as shallow water, submerged objects, currents, and weather conditions. A list is attached. Or a map is on the Aquatic Center website.

    Click to Initial
    Initial29

  30. I understand that five short blasts of a horn or whistle signal danger or need for assistance. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial30

  31. I understand that it is recommended that I take a safe boating course approved by the Maryland Natural Resources Police and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, which would help me when I rent or operate boats. 

    Click to Initial
    Initial31

Rental Agent Name: Carol Jacobs   Date: Thu Mar 28, 2024


Click to Sign
Signature

By checking here, you acknowledge you have read and understand the above terms, and are consenting to the use of your electronic signature in lieu of an original signature on paper. You have the right to request that you sign a paper copy instead. By checking here, you are waiving that right. After consent, you may, upon written request to us, obtain a paper copy of an electronic record. No fee will be charged for such copy and no special hardware or software is required to view it. Your agreement to use an electronic signature with us for any documents will continue until such time as you notify us in writing that you no longer wish to use an electronic signature. There is no penalty for withdrawing your consent. You should always make sure that we have a current email address in order to contact you regarding any changes, if necessary.



Be responsible, be safe, have fun and take a boating safety course. Call 410-643-8502 or 800-628-9944, or visit dnr.maryland.gov/nrp for more info. Larry Hogan, Governor | Mark Belton, Secretary