How to avoid Davy Jones' locker

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jeff Parkinson
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Whether it's a fishing trip, tubing or just a leisurely trip to the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, there are a lot of things to consider when boating.

According to Florida Statute 327.395, anyone born after January 1, 1988, wishing to operate a water vessel powered by a motor with 10 horsepower or greater must complete a boater education course and receive a boating safety identification card.

A free boating safety course is available online at boatus.org and classroom courses are available at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or at the U.S. Power Squadron.

Hurlburt Field's Outdoor Recreation Center requires patrons who plan to rent water vessels from them to have a boating safety ID card and to attend a safety briefing before disembarking.

The facility also offers a first-time boaters course, which teaches the basics of boating to those who have never operated a water vessel.

Since May 2009, the Air Force has lost four individuals due to boating-related mishaps that include personal watercraft, according to the 1st Special Operations Wing Safety Office.

The safety office extends these safety tips for those who want to boat and avoid a trip to Davy Jones' locker. 
 
  • Know your boat and what it can do. 
     
  • Don't overload. Check the boat manufacturer's capacity recommendations.
     
  • Keep a good lookout and situational awareness of other boats and objects. 
     
  • Know and respect the weather, heed weather warnings.
     
  • Learn boating laws and obey them.
     
  • Never operate a boat while intoxicated. 
     
  • Get a list of recommended safety equipment from the Coast Guard and make sure all items are on board and in working condition. You and all your passengers should have a Personal Flotation Device that fits properly.
     
  • Know the depth of the water and what the tide pattern is. Low tide can expose sand bars that might not have been visible at other times during the day. 
     
  • Let someone know your plans and where you plan on going. If something happens, this can give rescue crews/searchers a more fixed location to focus on.
     
  • As the operator, make sure you keep a head count of all your passengers, many times individuals fall off and go unnoticed for several minutes.
     
  • As an operator, watch for swimmers and objects just under the water surface.
For more information or Hurlburt Field's Outdoor Recreation Center services call (850) 884-6939.