Boating Safety
Outer Banks Center for
Dolphin Research
General Safety
 Bring Plenty of Water
 If you can’t swim well, wear a life vest or keep one nearby
(sit on it, etc.)
 Be prepared for shifting boat at all times
 Wear Sunscreen
Rule #1 – Be Prepared!
 Knowing a few rules about boating is your best bet for safety
 Know how to use a fire extinguisher
 Know how to use a life vest
 Know where the emergency equipment is located BEFORE
you go out on the water
• Fire extinguisher on boat is located at port (left) rear
Rule #2 –Know Basic Boating Rules
 Be aware of your SURROUNDINGS!!!
 Rule of Tonnage – unspoken rule of boating
 Working & Sailing Vessels have R-O-W
 If another vessel is in need, help them.
 Stay in the boat at all times!
Rule #3 – Know Your Boat
The Lili’i Nai’a
2016 Update!
The Lili’i Nai’a
 Boat has a 2 stroke 90 hp outboard engine. Gas tank is internal,
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below center console. We will refuel BEFORE every trip with
ethanol free gas. When fueling, be sure fuel is going into the fuel
tank!
Oil is in a separate compartment in the engine. We will check oil
level before every trip.
Life Vests located under front seat/deck as well as under seat in
front of console
Throwable PFD (personal flotation device) located under the
captain’s seat
Whistle, flares, first aid kit are located in orange box
Fire extinguisher in port side rear container of boat
Pre-launch Checklist
 Research vessel is on a trailer and will be trailered to the dock
before every survey, and trailered back.
 Before launching boat:
 Make sure boat plugs are properly installed and tight
 Dock lines attached and in correct position
 Motor is tilted up completely before backing down ramp
 While launching boat:
Back trailer down ramp to appropriate level
Set truck parking brake
Loosen winch strap and disconnect safety from boat
Back trailer down ramp until boat is in the water; disconnect
boat from trailer
 Pull boat off trailer using dock lines and tie to dock
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How to Tie a Cleat Hitch
Launching the Boat
 Research Equipment:
 Research camera (Canon EOS 60D digital SLR)
 Datasheet box with datasheets (event log and sighting sheet) and pens
 Environmentals (white bucket, thermometer, specific gravity meter)
 Binoculars
 Catalog
 2 GPS Units
 Safety Equipment
 Life jackets, orange box, throw cushion, seat cushions
 Lunches, snacks, water in ice box
 Personal gear (ie. Sunglasses, layers, jackets, sunblock, hat)
Setting Up the Research Vessel
 Tilt engine down into water.
 Pump fuel primer ball until full.
 Push in key and turn partway until 3 lights come on.
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Continue turning to start engine. Let engine warm up for a
few minutes.
Unpack GPS units, turn on and attach to console.
Turn on depth finder.
Set up Event Log and first Sighting Data Sheet.
Attach seat cushions, raise bimini top, if needed.
Make sure all lines are disconnected from dock before
departing. Check surroundings and safely depart.
Returning to Dock and Loading
 Approach dock, keeping wind direction in mind.
 One person jumps off to tie bow line, then stern line to dock.
 Once boat is secured, complete Event Log.
 Turn off engine, GPS equipment, depth finder, radio.
 Trim up completely up out of water. Lower bimini top.
 Back trailer down ramp to appropriate level and set parking brake in
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truck.
Use docking lines to walk boat up onto center of trailer.
Attach winch strap and crank winch until boat is up on trailer.
Attach safety chain.
Disengage parking brake and pull boat out of water and away from
the ramp. Unload boat. Pull drain plugs.
No Booze or Drugs
 Obviously – no alcoholic beverages during a survey
 More likely – please let us know if you are taking a
medication for the first time before you go out on a survey.
Better yet, don’t begin new medications near a time when
you may go out on a survey if at all possible
If in Trouble!
 1) Get out of the main channel
 2) Put out an anchor (located under the deck) with plenty of
rode if the wind is blowing to prevent drifting
 3) If nature of the problem is boat motor related, call Boat
US (Jess has number)
 4) If the nature of the problem is medical, call 911/Coast
Guard to have help waiting when you get to the dock or to
expedite your travel time to the dock.
If the Motor Suddenly Stops:
 Get out of the channel if other boats coming
 Turn off engine (even if not running)
 Make sure you aren’t out of gasoline or oil; if you add gasoline
(spare tank on boat), pump the ball to increase gas flow to the
engine.
 Check to make sure you are not aground (boat will have stopped
suddenly); if so, tilt engine up
 Check to make sure prop is not fouled (entangled). If prop
becomes entangled in crab pot, small bolt cutters are in orange box
If the Boat Start Sinking:
 Quick Check: Turn off the engine and check the plug(s)
 If Not Plug Problems: Run the boat aground as soon as
possible to prevent the engine from being flooded with
water. You may have to pull the boat up on the shore a little
bit; Then call Tow Boat US
Anything Else???