Pence Insurance Agency, Inc.
Serving Our Clients For Over 50 Years

Every year, serious boating accidents ruin people's vessels, their summer fun - and often their lives. When it comes to "sailing," whether in a runabout or in a powered yacht - in a sailfish or a multiple-masted schooner, there are "rules of the road."

The major causes of serious accidents on waterways are:

• Inapproriate, defective or absent equipment

• Inexperienced "captains" at the helm

• Unfamiliarity with safety rules or waters being navigated

• Mixing alcohol with the water

• Ingoring the potential dangers on waterways

What follows are some very important Maintenance, Equipment, and Common Sense suggestions. Review this checklist, then make certain that all family members (inlcuding "crew" and passengers) know the fundamentals of boating safety - it can save grief and lives.

Maintenance

Equipment & Safety

1. Lights, electronics, fire extinguishers(s), flares, distress flag, basic tools, boat hook, extra line (for towing), and an anchor of sufficient weight for the vessel.
2. A personal flotation device (PFD) for everyone on board and life jackets which fit youngsters. During sailing, they should be worn by all children under 10, and by inexperienced swimmers.
3. Know water and weather conditions at (or en route to) your destination.
4. File your plan or let somebody know your route and expected time of arrival (ETA) at your final port. Include a description of your boat and its registration number.
5. Have charts on board for all waterways you will be sailing - no guesswork. Never leave children unattended - while underway, at anchor or in port.
6. Observe all "rules of the road:" stay inside channel markers (Red-Right-Return) andpass oncoming boats "port-to-port" (the left side of your craft to the left side of oncoming vessels).
7. Keep alert for swimmers, divers, skiers, ski lines and other boats.
8. Slow down when crossing wakes or approaching oncoming or anchored boats, or when the sign says 5 MPH or "No Wake."

Common Sense

1. Power Squadron courses should be mandatory
2. Follow weight capacity regulations
3. Know the "currents."
4. A two-way radio is essential.
5. No alcoholic beverages on board.
6. No "horseplay" or rough-housing.
7. When fueling, follow all regulations (especially no smoking) and use "blowers" long enough for proper ventilation.
8. Never allow children (with or without lifejackets) to the "extremities over the gunwhales." That translates to no bow riding, no arms or legs outside the boat (especially when docking or mooring), no towing in "dinghies" or on surfboards.
9. When towing skiers, there must be a "watcher" who tells the helmsman when a skier is down - and somebody on board who is an experienced swimmer who can effect a rescue!

Finally, every family member, regardless of age, wants to "take the helm." No way! Not any more than you would allow a 10-year old to drive your car. After proper training, let him or her know he or she is the CAPTAIN and has a responsibility not only to pilot the boat, but to keep all hands and passengers safe.

The Role Of Your Independent Agent

• A choice of insurance policies and programs from several different insurance carriers.
• A choice of insurance coverages and limits to suit virtually every protection need.
• Claim service which includes the agent representing the insured's interest, not the company's.
• Assistance in filing a claim and help in collecting a fast, fair settlement following your loss.
• An annual analysis of your insurance needs, so your protection keeps pace with your exposures.

But there's more to the role of your independent insurance agent. We call it loss prevention - information you need to eliminate or at leats reduce risk so you are protected and your insurance remains affordable.