Hawaii's boaters must follow rules for a safe Fourth

Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources is currently reminding all recreational boaters that during this weekend’s Fourth of July celebrations there are a number of rules that must be followed.

All boats, personal watercraft and kayaks are required by federal and state laws to be equipped with approved, operational safety equipment, the DLNR points out, and the overloading of vessels is prohibited.

The consumption of alcohol and setting off of fireworks is also prohibited within all small boat harbors, it adds, as well as operating a boat anywhere under the influence of intoxicants.

The DLNR also warns that all vessels must remain at least 300 yards (three football fields) away from any floating or land-based fireworks launch sites in locations such as in Kailua on the windward side or Magic Island adjacent to the Ala Wai Harbor.

Along with the DLNR’s advise, the Boat Owners Association of the United States - BoatU.S. – offers boaters five ways to ensure their holiday boating is safe:

1. Plan Ahead: Ensure you have enough fuel; make sure all navigation lights and hand held spotlights are in working order. Check the engine and mechanicals, such as fan belts, battery connections, fuel filters and engine fluids ahead of time. Don’t invite more guests aboard than your vessel can safely handle. Keep an ear to the weather forecast on VHF radio.

2. Avoid Alcohol: Combined with the effects of a hot sunny day, alcohol will leave operators impaired when they can least afford it – navigating at night in heavy boating traffic. It’s okay to party – just save it until you’re back at the dock. The captain is also ultimately responsible for everyone’s safety aboard.

3. Life Jackets: Ensure kids have the right sized life jacket, and it would be wise to have the crew wear life jackets on the way home after the show.

4. Navigation: Know where any security zones exist. Go slow, post extra lookouts, and don’t make sudden course changes unless necessary. Never take a shortcut home after dark.

5. Chill: Don’t let crowded harbors or long boat ramp lines get you down. Simply prepare for a wonderful evening of fireworks, knowing it will take you a while to get safely home. Having lots of patience and giving lots of courtesy will make it memorable.