RBS Ready: Federal Requirements & Safety Tips

Shipmates,
As we execute the Recreational Boating Safety mission there are a few key pieces of material we use. Understanding of these materials, what they contain, where they come from, and how they are used in different circumstances helps each of us be prepared to promote boating safety effectively -- to be RBS Ready.

One of our key tools is the publication Federal Requirements & Safety Tips for Recreational Boats. This 4 inch by 8 1/2 inch, 56 page publication has six major sections:

• Registration, Numbering & Documentation
• Law Enforcement
• Equipment Requirements
• Vessels Operating Offshore
• Operating Procedures
• Safety and Survival Tips

When supplemented with Oregon or Washington boaters guides for local information this publication contains all the basic requirements for our RBS audience. Be sure to review the center of the publication, pages 26-28, which contains a Quick Reference Chart of requirements based on vessel length.

Guidance

Members new to the RBS mission: Consider this publication one of your key resources and carry multiple copies whenever conduction RBS missions - one for yourself and other copies to give to boaters. Familiarize yourself with the key sections and the major requirements. There is nothing wrong with referring to the Federal Requirements to answer boater questions. We always emphasize correct answers over potentially imperfect memorization. It helps a great deal to give a boater a copy with the pages relevant to their questions marked in some manner. Pointing out the section and then folding down the corner of the page is effective. Familiarization with the Requirements will come with time and your need to reference the publication regularly will diminish.

Vessel Examiners: Many examiners leave a copy with every boat on which they conduct an exam.

Public Education: Most, if not all, of the material in the Federal Requirements is contained in both the ABS and BS&S books. Nevertheless it is a good idea to provide a copy of the Requirements for students to put aboard their boats for reference.

Program Visitors: The Federal Requirements should be stocked at all program partners. This publication is one of our highest demand items.

Public Affairs: The Federal Requirements should be available at all PA events to hand out and to use to answer boater questions.

Operations: Copies should be carried aboard operational facilities where possible to be used to answer boater questions durning underway RBS activities and if approached by boaters underway or while at a stop.

Availability

The publication is ordered via your Flotilla Materials Officer (FSO-MA) from the Auxiliary National Supply Center (ANSC) with stock number 3006. The maximum quantity in each order is 200.

3006 PAMPHLET, FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL BOATS (BR) - Contains information about Federal boating laws, equipment requirements, and safety recommendations for recreational vessels. Loaded with charts, graphics, and diagrams, this brochure covers navigational rules, cold water survival and life jacket requirements. (You’re in Command Boat Safely) (MAX 200) (REV. 2007)