BOWDOIN COLLEGE BOATING SAFETY POLICY

Transcription

1 1.0 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE BOWDOIN COLLEGE BOATING SAFETY POLICY The purpose of the Boating Safety Policy (Policy) is to provide a guideline for students, faculty and staff of Bowdoin College engaged in the use of watercraft for research, recreation, or competitive purposes. Bowdoin College (the College) recognizes all United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Maine Marine Patrol (MMP) rules and regulations regarding safe boating operations. The College supports the use of watercraft by the following Departments and Groups: Geology, Biology, and Environmental Studies Coastal Studies Center Kent Island Scientific Station Crew and Sailing Teams Bowdoin Outing Club Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum Facilities Management It is understood that each Department/Group has already, or will as needed, develop and implement guidelines specific to their own operations, and will incorporate those guidelines into their application of this Policy. A Policy Requirements summary table is attached for reference (Attachment 1). 2.0 DEFINITIONS 2.1 College Watercraft. Includes any watercraft owned, leased, or rented by the College, or a personal watercraft approved for use on College business by the Departments and Groups identified in Section 1.0 above. For the purpose of this Policy, watercraft will be differentiated as Regulated or Recreational, as follows: Regulated watercraft are defined as any passenger vessel, either powered or unpowered, requiring licensing and registration (i.e., motorboats, dinghys, and skiffs), and are subject to the full training, equipment, and operational requirements of both the USCG Under Power/Under Sail rules and this Policy. Regulated craft are primarily classified based on length (< or >16-, 26-, or 40- feet) and whether they operate in coastal waters and/or out of sight of land; for the purpose of this Policy, all Regulated watercraft of the College >16-feet LOA will be assumed to be capable of and intended to operate in coastal waters and/or out of sight of land, unless specified otherwise. Recreational watercraft are defined as small, unpowered sporting craft (i.e., rowing shells, kayaks, canoes, daysailers, and rafts) presumed to be used collectively under the direct supervision of a qualified student, faculty or staff member of the College for a particular event, and are subject only to basic water safety rules as outlined by the USCG, this Policy, and in applicable Department/Group-specific guidelines. 2.2 Boating Safety Coordinator. In this capacity, the Bowdoin College Manager of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for: Implementing and administering the components of the Policy. Scheduling and providing training sessions. Bowdoin College Page 1 of 7 Revised Boating Safety Policy

2 Coordinating efforts, and meeting at least annually with the various Departments/ Groups who oversee the use of College watercraft by faculty, staff and students in the course of their normal activities. In coordination with the Facilities Fleet Manager, maintaining a current inventory of vessels and trailers, arranging for semiannual safety inspections, and reviewing as needed for compliance with this Policy. Reviewing issues of safe operation associated with the use of College s watercraft with the administration. 2.3 Responsible Persons. Each Department/Group will designate at least one Responsible Person (RP), who will represent the interests of their Department or Group and communicate as needed with the Boating Safety Coordinator. For Departments/Groups with multiple Regulated vessels in separate locations, it is recommended that an RP be assigned to each vessel for efficiency. 2.4 Operators and Supervisors. For the purpose of this policy, operators will be differentiated from passengers for Regulated watercraft; and supervisors from participants for Recreational watercraft. Operators and supervisors will be designated by the Department/Group for training in the use of their vessels and safety equipment, and held responsible for the safety of passengers and participants. 2.5 Trip and Event Coordinators. The person(s) organizing the specific use of a Regulated vessel, or a group Recreational event. 3.0 SAFETY EQUIPMENT 3.1 Basic Equipment. Basic USCG safety equipment requirements and recommendations are summarized in Attachment Additional Equipment. Additional safety equipment required by the College for both Regulated and Recreational watercraft is included in the attached Policy Requirements table (Attachment 1), along with the basic USCG requirements. Additional equipment requirements are defined based both on the size of the vessel (< or >16-feet) and whether it is powered. It is understood that each Department/Group will maintain an appropriate type and number of each item listed to adequately equip individual Regulated watercraft and/or each Recreational event, whether that equipment is to be assigned to a particular vessel or maintained in a centralized stock, as best suits their operations. All new vessel purchases by a Department/Group will include all required safety equipment, as specified in Attachments 1 and 2. It is further understood that for events that involve the use of Regulated watercraft to supervise Recreational watercraft (i.e., a motorized chase boat for Crew or Sailing events), the equipment assigned to the former may also serve the safety requirements for the latter at the discretion of the Event Coordinator, so long as the minimum requirements of the USCG and this Policy are met. 3.3 Communications. All operators of Regulated watercraft, or supervisors of saltwater Recreational events, must have at least one of the following for ship-to-shore communications, in declining order of preference: (1) a portable VHF-FM/HF marine radio; (2) a standard UHF or CB radio; or (3) a cellular phone. Regulated vessels >16- Bowdoin College Page 2 of 7 Revised

3 feet LOA must in any case be equipped with a mounted marine VHF radio, per USCG standards. The frequency, channel, and/or telephone number being used and/or monitored will be recorded on the float plan (Section 5.4) prior to departure; a list of standard marine VHF frequencies is attached for reference (Attachment 3). Operators/supervisors will maintain radio communication with a Shore Contact (Trip/Event Coordinator, or other designated person) for the duration of the planned trip. The Department/Group may also designate a particular radio channel to be monitored for information or warnings. 4.0 SAFETY TRAINING 4.1 Operators and Supervisors. Prior to operating Regulated watercraft or supervising the use of Recreational vessels, students, faculty, or staff members must pass a one-time basic boating safety course, and undergo a period of mentored field experience. Persons who have previously completed a nationally-certified boating safety course may submit proof of that training to the Boating Safety Coordinator in lieu of attending the classroom portion of the College training requirement. Designated students, faculty, or staff members to be associated with vessel operations in each Department/Group will also be trained to safely trailer, launch, and recover vessels at applicable facilities. 4.2 Passengers and Participants. Safety training for those students, faculty, staff, or guests who will only be passengers or participants aboard a College watercraft need only consist of a basic event-specific session, conducted by the Trip/Event Coordinator(s) and/or the designated Operators/Supervisors. 4.3 Approved Training Programs. Specific operator/supervisor training programs and content will be reviewed and approved by the Boating Coordinator and representatives of the Department/Group. Open training sessions will be scheduled by the Boating Safety Coordinator, and will typically be conducted annually prior to seasonal activities, based on anticipated field activity dates and estimates of student numbers provided by the Departments/Groups to the Boating Safety Coordinator. A list of readily-accessible, nationally-certified training courses for operators and supervisors is included in the attached Contact List for reference (Attachment 4). Training course(s) and materials compiled for use by each Department/Group will meet the minimum NASBLA National Boating Education Standards, and provide a Certificate of Completion for documentation purposes. NOTE that while the State of Maine requires that operators and supervisors pass a boating safety course prior to operating a passenger watercraft, no specific educational requirements have been outlined; any nationally recognized course conducted by an administrator in a classroom, or self-taught with supervision, is acceptable. Information, policies, and procedures specific to the operations of a Department/Group will be included in their associated classroom training sessions, and demonstrated during the mentored field portion of their training. 4.4 Field Mentoring. All new operators and supervisors, regardless of whether previously certified or initially trained specifically for use of College watercraft, must receive practical field experience intended to cover local navigation rules, familiarization with the specific vessel(s) to be used, and those operations particular to their Department/Group. This mentoring will be conducted by a competent person associated with the Department/ Group and familiar with their operations, and may be completed in a single group session, and/or or over a period of several sessions where the trainee is present as a passenger/participant. Bowdoin College Page 3 of 7 Revised

4 4.5 Recordkeeping. Logs of attendance at the classroom portion of the training, certificates of completion, and updated training course information will be kept on file by the Boating Safety Coordinator. A checklist of required field skills (Attachment 5) will also be signed by the instructor for each trainee, and filed with the Boating Safety Coordinator. 5.0 SAFE BOATING OPERATIONS 5.1 Safe Boating Standards. Applicable USCG safe boating standards are detailed in Attachment General Guidelines. The College specifies the following operational guidelines in addition to those required by USCG: Operators/supervisors of College watercraft will abide by and enforce all rules, regulations, terms and conditions as outlined in the Policy, and must be aware of and obey all applicable local, state and federal marine operations laws, regulations, and ordinances. The operator/supervisor is responsible for the proper use of the watercraft, including but not limited to the use of safe navigation techniques, principles, and practices at all times. Operators/supervisors may not allow passengers/participants to pilot the watercraft unless they are also listed as a certified operator/supervisor on the float plan, and/or is on the list of certified operators/supervisors maintained by the Boating Safety Coordinator. Vessels >26 LOA will be manned by at least two qualified operators. Only those individuals affiliated with the College (i.e. faculty, staff, students, alumni, and guests) are to be transported as passengers or participants in Bowdoin College watercraft. Operators/supervisors are responsible for notifying the Boating Safety Coordinator immediately of any change in their legal status to operate a watercraft, or any violations incurred while using a College watercraft. Any operator/supervisor of college watercraft who has their right to operate suspended or revoked by marine authorities may not use a College watercraft under any circumstances until their right to operate is reinstated, and operators/supervisors will be held personally responsible for violations cited. No hazardous materials, alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs may be transported or consumed on College watercraft. Smoking is not permitted on any College watercraft. Operators/supervisors may not operate a College watercraft under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or while using a prescription medication that has any warning of impairment, including without limitation, a warning for drowsiness or not to use when operating heavy machinery. Children under twelve (12) years old and animals are not allowed on College watercraft without the expressed permission of the Department/Group. Before leaving the mooring or dock, the operator/supervisor must perform a visual inspection of the watercraft and report any existing damage. Operators/supervisors are responsible for returning watercraft in a clean and undamaged condition. If watercraft that are left dirty or in need of repair must be addressed by maintenance staff, the Department or Group that last used the craft will be charged as for a workorder. Bowdoin College Page 4 of 7 Revised

5 Operators/supervisors must return all equipment to the proper Department/Group storage area in clean and useable condition; any needed maintenance, repairs or replacements must be reported to the Trip/Event Coordinator at that time. Operators/supervisors may not take watercraft to unplanned destinations, or outside of the normal operating area, without the expressed approval of the Trip/Event Coordinator. Operators/supervisors must turn the vessel engine off and remove the keys when it is left unattended. Keys are to be held by the Department/Group, and dispensed only when a vessel is signed out under a float plan or for other approved activities (i.e., repairs or maintenance). Vessels will be assigned designated mooring locations within each facility, and secured mechanically when not in use (i.e., by snap-and-ring), for purposes of ready inspection and security. Operators/supervisors must return watercraft to the appropriate mooring or dock after use. Vessels will either be stored ashore, or properly secured at their assigned moorings, in preparation for the winter season. Access to the boating facility will be restricted during the off-season, and the moorings inspected regularly. 5.3 Emergency Guidelines. The College specifies the following emergency guidelines, in addition to those required by USCG: Operators/supervisors are responsible for immediately notifying the authorities (USCG, MMP) by radio or cell phone when an accident or incident occurs, and then notifying the College s Security Communications Center (x3500) as soon as practical (within 24-hours). Accidents are any event resulting in personal injury, disappearance of a person, property damage greater than $300 in value, or death. Provide all requested information to the investigating authorities, including the name and contact number of the Trip/Event Coordinator, but do not admit fault or give any written statements. Operators or supervisors are not authorized to approve tows or repairs to College watercraft without the permission of the Trip/Event Coordinator, or the Communications Center (in an emergency). The College will not reimburse any operator/supervisor who has unauthorized expenses or repairs made to a College watercraft. Arrangements should be made to return the watercraft to its assigned dock or mooring, if possible, and to transport the passengers back to the College as soon as practical. 5.4 Reservations. Reservations of watercraft will be on first-come, first-serve basis, with the following requirements: College watercraft will be reserved by filing a Float Plan (Attachment 7) at least 24 hours prior to departure. A copy of the float plan may be ed to secure@bowdoin.edu or delivered by hand to the Security Communications Center by the Operator/Supervisor who will be using the vessel; the original will be kept by the Trip/Event Coordinator. If the Trip/Event Coordinator will also be aboard the vessel being reserved, a separate Shore Contact must be specified for emergency use. Generic float plans may be prepared in advance for each craft Bowdoin College Page 5 of 7 Revised

6 typically used by a Department/ Group, so as to have the equipment specifications and general information already recorded, so long as the date, time, and other tripspecific information have been properly updated. If the minimal required information (greyed areas on the Float Plan form) is not provided as outlined, Security reserves the right to reject the plan and request more information before the filing is accepted. If the nature of the excursion makes it necessary to file the float plan without proper (24-hour) notice, the Trip/Event Coordinator must inform the Comm Center by phone or in person that it is being submitted currently and await their review and approval before departing. Operators/supervisors must contact Security immediately PRIOR TO their departure to activate the float plan. Security will then log the float plan activation as an Open Call, to be closed only when notice of return is made. Operators/supervisors must contact Security immediately upon their RETURN to close out the float plan. If a return time is missed by more than one hour, the contact numbers given on the plan will be used to confirm status before declaring an emergency. In the event of a change in the return time or other key information, the Communications Center (x3314) must be notified immediately either by the vessel Operator/ Supervisor, Trip/Event Coordinator, or the Shore Contact to update the filed plan and avoid false alarms. Vessels are expected to maintain communication with an onshore contact in any case, per Section 3.3 above. Marine weather forecasts must be obtained from the NOAA/NWS radio or website, or other real-time sources, prior to filing a float plan. The area local to Bowdoin College is served by NOAA Weather Radio KDO-95, frequency MHz. Other real-time sources are included on the attached contact list. 5.5 Liability. Prior to signing out a watercraft or participating in an event for the first time, each operator/supervisor (exclusive of College faculty and staff) must sign a standard Assumption of Risk Statement and Indemnification/Release (Attachment 8), holding the College harmless in the event of accident or incident that results in personal injury, loss of life or limb, or damage to personal property. These release forms will be provided by and filed with the Boating Safety Coordinator during the scheduled training periods or on request. The College holds liability insurance on all watercraft, whether they are owned by the College, rented, leased, private craft driven by their owners on College business, or borrowed craft. Owned, leased, rented and borrowed vessels are covered for physical damages as well, subject to a $1,000 deductible. The College has $1,000,000 in coverage for marine liability. If you are operating a College-owned watercraft with the permission of the College, then you are an insured user under the College's policy. 5.6 Use of Personal/Borrowed Craft and Equipment. Personal watercraft may be used for College business, provided that they are: Sound and in compliance with all state and federal operating regulations; Properly registered and licensed for its size and type; Outfitted with all USCG-required safety equipment; and Is appropriate for the activity planned. Equipment that is loaned to the Department/Group, or borrowed from a source other than within the College, must be provided at no charge, and logged in/out as a loan to the vessel inventory by the Boating Safety Coordinator for the period of its use. Vessel Bowdoin College Page 6 of 7 Revised

7 information must also be made available to the Controller s Office prior to its use, for review of liability and insurance issues. If a personal vehicle is used to tow a vessel, the driver s personal automotive insurance will apply in the event of an accident. 5.7 Loss of Privileges. Any of the following actions may result in the loss of College watercraft use privileges, and may result in prosecution and/or College disciplinary proceedings: Operating a College watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including medications that would impair the user). Failure to file a report with the local authorities of an accident in a timely manner, or to notify the Communications Center of same. Notification by anyone (including police, community members, etc.) of erratic or unsafe operation of a College watercraft. Traveling to a destination other than that approved on the Float Plan. Taking a watercraft earlier than the scheduled departure time, or returning later than the authorized return time, without notifying the Trip/Event Coordinator and the Communications Center. Failure to immediately notify the Communications Center prior to their departure or upon their return, regardless of whether an updated float plan was filed. Repeatedly violating the Policy, as determined by the Department/Group, Boating Safety Coordinator, and/or the Director of Safety and Security. 6.0 REFERENCES USDOT, USCG, COMDTINST M C, Inland/International Navigation Rules. USDOT, USCG Auxiliary, Boating Safety. Maine DIFW, Marine Police Division, Maine Boating Laws and Rules. NASBLA, National Boating Education Standards. USPS, United States Power Squadron Boating Course - BoatSmart. 7.0 ATTACHMENTS USCG Required Safety Equipment USCG Safe Boating Standards Contact Information Bowdoin College Page 7 of 7 Revised

8 USCG REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT Watercraft less than 16-feet length-over-all (LOA) must carry one USCG-approved Type I, II, or III (wearable) personal flotation devices (PFDs) in good serviceable condition and of the proper size for each person on board. Watercraft >16-feet LOA must also carry at least one USCG-approved Type IV (throwable) PFD or person-inwater (PIW) kit in good serviceable condition. PFDs must be worn by all persons aboard at all times. PFDs not in immediate use must be stored and maintained in a readily-accessible location and good condition. All watercraft must carry at least one sound-producing device (SPD) for signaling in low visibility. Vessels <40-feet LOA may utilize a traditional bell or horn, marine signal whistle, or a hand-held air horn. Watercraft operating in coastal waters, or tributaries thereof greater than 2-miles wide, must carry: RED hand or aerial flares; ORANGE smoke canisters or flag; and flashing lights, mirrors, and/or other visual distress devices (VDS), as appropriate. Watercraft operating out of sight of land must utilize Loran, SatNav, GPS, or equivalent electronic navigational aids in addition to standard charts and marine compass. An emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) in the 406 MHz range is also recommended but not required. Motorized craft <26-feet LOA carrying portable fuel cans must carry one marine grade, USCG-approved fire extinguisher of type B-1 or better. Marine fuel must be stored in designated, UL-listed cans and properly maintained and stored to prevent leakage or collection of explosive or asphyxiating vapors. Portable fuel cans must be refilled ashore, and carried aboard closed. Bowdoin College Revised Boating Safety Policy

9 USCG SAFE BOATING STANDARDS All Regulated watercraft that are motorized, or capable of being motorized, must be licensed and registered; the registration decal must be openly displayed, and the registration number clearly marked on both sides of the bow in figures at least 3- inches in height. If the watercraft is >26-feet LOA, the certificate of registration must be kept on the vessel whenever in use. Motorized watercraft >26-feet LOA transporting passengers must be operated by a licensed captain, and carry a copy of the USCG Navigation Rules. Motorized watercraft <16-feet LOA may not carry more than 5 persons. For the purpose of this Policy, it is assumed that no more than 4 persons (including the operator) will typically be aboard a vessel of this size. Headway speed only must be maintained for operations within or near water safety zones (200-feet of shore), marinas or boatyards, moorings or rafts, docks or other structures, and swimmers or other persons. Engines will be cut immediately in the event of collision. Motorized craft <40-feet LOA must display running lights from sunset to sunrise and during reduced visibility. Lights must consist of two bow (port/red, starboard/green) and either a one masthead or one stern (white), depending on vessel configuration (refer to USCG Under Power/Under Sail rules). All watercraft must be equipped with an anchor of appropriate weight and type, paddles or oars, and sufficient mooring and heaving lines. Trailering must be conducted in accordance with state and federal traffic laws. No oil, fuel, or hazardous substances may be discharged overboard; bilge wastes, solids and sanitary wastes may not be discharged within 3-miles of shore or in navigable rivers. Raw sewage may be discharged from a vessel if equipped with a USCG-approved marine sanitation device (MSD). In the following EMERGENCY circumstances, contact the authorities on an emergency frequency (Channel 16 VHF, Channel 9 UHF/CB), provide the information requested by the dispatcher, and follow their instructions: SECURITY announcing your location and intended actions when potential hazards are present (i.e., about to cross an area with known dangerous currents); PANPAN calling for aid in a non-life threatening situation (i.e., out of gas, not sure of position, etc.); MAYDAY in distress; SAY THREE TIMES, and announce: vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of persons on board, type of assistance needed, and activation of EPIRB (if applicable). If in distress, marine flares/smoke, flags, flashing lights, mirrors, or other visual distress signals should be displayed as appropriate to attract rescue efforts. Follow standard lifesaving, first aid, and water survival procedures as needed; the first priority is life safety, property is secondary. Bowdoin College Revised Boating Safety Policy

10 CONTACT INFORMATION Boating Safety Coordinator Mark J. Fisher, CPG Bowdoin College EHS Manager Emergency Contacts US Coast Guard South Portland Station (Channel 16 VHF) Maine Marine Patrol Headquarters Bowdoin College Security Communications Center (3500) SeaTow South Portland Recommended Training Courses *All training courses listed are NASBLA-approved. BoatSafe Online, downloadable, and print courses available; recommended by the Maine Marine Patrol. Cost approximately $15.00 (online), $20.00 (PDF), or $35.00 (print) per course package. US Power Squadron FOR-USPS - Detailed print ( BoatSmart ) and video courses available. Cost approximately $35.00 per course package; live 8-hour sessions conducted by local volunteers, availability and schedules will vary. America s Boating Course USPS or USCG - Associated with USPS, provides online and CD-ROM/manual self-training courses; recommended by the US Coast Guard. Cost approximately $35.00 per course package. BoatUS BOAT - FREE online course available, provides basic safety training. USCG Auxiliary, 1 st District Live 8-hour courses conducted by USCG Auxiliary/Casco Bay Flotilla members in conjunction with SMTC in South Portland, ME; schedules and costs vary. Weather Notifications NOAA Weather Radio KDO-95, frequency MHz National Weather Service website Grey, ME Regional Forecast Center Bowdoin College Revised Boating Safety Policy