Boats are commonly used by wildlife biologists for transportation, management and research activities. After aviation accidents, drowning was the second leading cause of wildlife worker mortality from 1937-2000, accounting for 11% of known deaths.
Boating Safety Education
Everyone operating a boat should at a minimum be required to complete the state boating safety education class offered in all fifty states. Sure, many states have phase-in requirements that may exempt those above a certain age from taking the class, but we, as professionals should be setting the standard for the general public. And if you work for a state fish and wildlife agency there is really no excuse for not having taken this class since your employer most likely not only teaches the class but enforces the rules as well.
The state boating class is akin to the driver’s education class that many of us took in high school in that it will teach you many principles of boating safely as well as the “rules of the road”, but won’t really give you the hands-on experience you need to really become proficient in their use. Before going out on your own, you should spend some time running a boat under the supervision of someone who really knows what they’re doing. In some areas the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron offer advanced boating skills classes that may be helpful to new and experienced boaters alike.
Some boats pose unique challenges that need to be addressed as part of the orientation process. Those using canoes and kayaks should consider taking a course from the American Canoe Association or other organization. Airboats have an entirely different set of operational principles and risks than other motor boats and some agencies will require an airboat training class. If this isn’t offered by your employer, check out the airboat safety manuals available on our Safety Resources page.
Life Jackets
This one is simple — if you’re on a boat deck, you must have your life jacket on. I don’t care whether or not its required of the general public, but those of us that work for public agencies need to be setting the example by wearing the jacket. If you don’t want to do it for them, do it for your family.
If your only experience is with those old bulky orange life jackets you really should check out some of the new models on the market. Inflatable life jackets are great for use in hot and humid environments as are mesh vests with strategically placed floatation materials. For winter use there are jackets or full body suits (similar to a snow suit) that will keep you from sinking in the water while providing some measure of protection from the wind (but not a lot of thermal protection) while on board.
Weight Management
Wildlife biologists don’t just use boats to get from one place to another – sometimes we’re using small boats as cargo vessels to move the supplies and equipment we use for management and research purposes. These small boats weren’t really built for this purpose and we need to pay special attention to how much weight we put in them as overloading can drastically change the handling characteristics of the boat and a lower free board will increase the risk of swamping the boat. Each boat should have a capacity plate that lists the maximum payload. Before launching make sure that the weight of the people and cargo don’t exceed the capabilities of your boat.
Annual Inspections
In addition to pre-trip inspection before every use, it is important that a thorough annual inspection be completed on boats and trailers. In many areas the Coast Guard Auxiliary can provide a free annual boat safety inspection. Annual inspections should ensure that:
1) Registration and hull identification numbers are clearly legible and that all required documentation is up-to-date and available.
2) Life jackets stored on or used by those on the boat are in good condition.
3) Fire extinguisher(s) is fully charged and within its service life.
4) Ventilation system is working on boats with enclosed engines.
5) Horn and navigation lights are working
6) The engine horsepower does not exceed the rated horsepower for the boat as noted on the capacity plate and that the engine kill switch is installed and working.
7) Visual distress signals are on board.
8) Trailer tires tread is serviceable, tires are properly inflated, turn signals and brake lights are working.
9) Battery terminals should be covered to prevent arcing
10) The general condition of the hull, deck, engine, and other parts of the boat is sound
Boats and Prescribed Fire
In certain parts of the country airboats are commonly used to set prescribed burns in shallow marshes. After making a fire line by mashing down grass in the swamp, flamethrowers mounted on the airboat are then used to start the fire. This can be quite risky as you are generally dependent on the boat to get you out of the hazard zone and into a safe area and if the boat fails for any reason other options may not be available. Obviously, all precautions should be taken to remove unnecessary materials from the boat that could catch fire due to a stray ember. Special precautions should be taken to shield extra gasoline needed for boat operation from heat generated from the flamethrower. Communication is essential so that if your boat fails you can request assistance immediately.
Are there other safety issues involving the use of boats for wildlife management and research that I should address?
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