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.
- 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.
- I understand that using alcohol, illegal drugs, and some prescription medications may make me unable to operate this boat safely.
- I will not operate this boat or allow anyone else to operate this boat while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- 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.
- I understand that my passengers and I should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when boating.
- I have assigned one responsible adult to keep track of the whereabouts and safety of each child on board.
- 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.
- 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.
- I will not operate this boat at speeds that are unsafe for the conditions.
- I understand that this boat has no brakes, so that stopping quickly is difficult or impossible – especially if I am going too fast.
- I understand that if there is the threat of a collision, it is my responsibility to slow down, stop, and/or steer away.
- I understand that when I meet another boat head-on, I should steer to the right (starboard).
- 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.
- I understand that when I cross the path of another boat, I should yield (give way) to a boat on my right (starboard).
- I understand that I should yield (give way) to all boats under sail.
- 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.
- 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.
- I will take a head count to make sure all passengers are present and accounted for before starting the motor.
- I understand that it is best for all passengers to remain seated whenever this boat is in motion.
- 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.
- I will instruct my passengers to stay seated and have a firm grip on the boat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- I understand that overloading this boat is unsafe and against the law.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- I understand that five short blasts of a horn or whistle signal danger or need for assistance.
- 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.
Rental Agent Name: Carol Jacobs Date: Thu Mar 28, 2024
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