 |
 |
Safe Boating
A quick reference to information and resources
for safer and more enjoyable boating
SAFE BOATING IS FUN BOATING!
New Hampshire’s lakes are jewels, offering diverse recreational opportunities. Boating is one of the most popular, enjoyed by residents and visitors to the state. To ensure a safe and pleasant experience for everyone, this brochure highlights some elements of New Hampshire’s boating regulations.
Please note:
in addition to state regulations, individual lakes and rivers may have special rules. When visiting a lake or river, be sure to check postings at access sites for additional restrictions. Information can also be obtained from the NH Department of Safety Services by calling (603) 293-2037.
Registration
All powered boats, sailboats and sailboards (12 feet and over in length) must be registered. If your boat is registered in another state, its registration is recognized in New Hampshire for up to 30 consecutive days. Boats can be registered at the NH Department of Motor Vehicles, your city or town hall and at most marine dealers.
At the Dock
Before you start the engine, raise the sails or break out the paddles, check your equipment. New Hampshire law requires that you have on board the following:
Horn or Whistle
All motorboats must carry a recognizable warning or signal horn. Boats over 26 feet in length must also have a bell.
- Fuel Tanks
- Fuel must be carried in properly installed and vented tanks or in standard approved portable tanks. Never use glass or unapproved plastic containers.
- All motorboats must carry fully charged and readily accessible, Type-B, portable fire extinguishers. Boat size determines the number of extinguishers required.Life-saving Equipment
- All boats must have one wearable, Coast Guard-approved, readily accessible personal floatation device for each person on board.
- Additionally, boats 16 feet and greater must have a Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable device such as a life ring or float cushion.
- Lights
- All boats operating after sunset and before sunrise must display lights visible to other boats.
- All power boats (regardless of size) and sailboats over 22 feet must display red and green bow running lights.
- All power boats require a white light visible from all directions. Motorboats and powered sailboats built since 1981 require both stern and masthead lights.
- Smaller sailboats under sail alone and all unpowered craft require at least one lantern-style white light, visible in all directions.
- In addition to required equipment, the NH Marine Patrol recommends the following:
- Magnetic compass and chart
- Tools for emergency repairs
- Spare fuel supply
- Oars or paddles
- Hand pump, built-in bilge pump or bailing bucket
- Anchor and line
- Extra line for towing or rescue
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Boat hook
- Fenders and docking line
- ...and the know how to use it all!
On the Water
When you’re on the water, remember the following:
- Safe Passage or Distance
- Boats (including all skicraft* or personal water craft for 3 or more persons) must stay at
least 150 feet from other boats, swimmers, floats, marked swimming areas and the shore
when traveling above headway speed. When closer than 150 feet a boat must slow to “no
wake” or “headway” speed. Maximum headway speed is 6 miles per hour. Remember,
you are responsible for any damage caused by your wake.
*NH Law requires that ski craft or personal watercraft designed to carry 1-2 persons must
be at least 300 feet from shore when operating at greater than headway speed.
Buoys
Buoys provide guidance to boat operators, indicating shallow or hazardous areas.
- White buoys with black tops direct boats to the east or north — red tops direct the operator to the west or south.
- An all black buoy paired with an all red buoy indicates a channel.
- Lighted buoys are usually accompanied by a spar buoy which marks the danger zone.
- Please note: storms can move buoys — use of navigational charts is always advised.
Right-of-Way
When two boats approach each other head-on, both should move to the right. When boats are approaching at an angle, the boat on the right (starboard) has the right-of-way. Exception: Non-power boats always have the right-of-way, power boats should yield.
An Eye on the Sky...
Sudden storms on the water can be very dangerous and are frequent on hot summer days in New Hampshire. Listen to weather forecasts and marine advisories before leaving. While on the water, be alert to changing weather conditions.
The US Weather Service broadcasts weather information from Concord, NH at 162.4 MHz, Mount Ascutney, VT at 162.475 MHz and Falmouth, ME at 162.450 MHz.
Boater Education
All the laws and equipment cannot provide safeguards if you don’t know how to use and follow them.
Consider boating safety education. Courses are fun, inexpensive and make boating more enjoyable. The knowledge you gain could save your life and those of your loved ones.
|
|
