SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-render-assistance

You see another boat in distress. What does federal law require of you?

Help as far as you safely can.

  1. Help as far as you can do so safely ✔
  2. Nothing, recreational boaters are exempt
  3. Tow them to shore no matter what

Why: The person in charge of a vessel must give help that can be safely provided to anyone in danger. You don't have to risk your own boat or crew, and you are not required to tow another boat.

Huh, didn't know that: Failing to render assistance can bring a fine, imprisonment or both.

The dad joke
Why did the tugboat win an award? It always pulled its weight.
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Sources

  1. USCG, A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
  2. NASBLA ESP TR 103-2022, Technical Report: Basic Boating Knowledge Core + Plus Power https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASBLA/76594a34-f3a1-4916-95ac-1e9c872170cc/UploadedImages/education/national-education-standards/ESP_TR_ESP_103_Core_Plus_Power_2022_06_01FINAL.pdf

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterFederal law requires operators of boats under 26 feet to use the engine cut-off switch link when?Boating & WaterFederal rules say a recreational boat must carry how many wearable life jackets?Boating & WaterAt what boat length does federal law add a throwable flotation device to the wearable ones?

That's stuff everyone should know.