The NTSB Most Wanted
Recreational Boating Safety Improvements Proposed by the NTSB for 2006
Discover what the National Transportation Safety Board has identified as critical needs for improving boating safety in the United States
In the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates accidents occurring within its transportation system and then provides recommendations on how to mitigate or prevent them.
Exercising its mandate to reduce transportation related accidents, the NTSB created a program called the NTSB Most Wanted that highlights critical changes that need to occur for reducing transportation related accidents and deaths.
The NTSB focused on three areas to enhance recreational boating safety:
- Require mandatory education of boat operators
- Require use of life jackets by children
- Require safety instruction prior to personal watercraft rental
The NTSB cites a lack of personal floatation device use and poorly educated boaters as the leading cause of death in recreational boating accidents. An estimated 714 boaters die each year, 508 of these deaths are from drowning. Boater use of PFDs can prevent a huge percentage of these drowning incidents. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates the use of PFDs would reduce boater deaths by 84%.
What can the States do to improve boating safety?
Safety education classes are required for boat operators in 35 states and children are required to wear PFDs in 46 states. The NTSB is encouraging States to establish boating safety programs with the following minimum requirements:
- PFDs must be worn by children under 13
- Boaters must complete a boating safety class
- Boaters must obtain a recreational boating operator's license
What can you do to improve boating safety?
Boaters still need to take the lead for their own safety. Parents should insist their children wear PFDs while onboard a boat. Set a good example and wear your PFD. Take a boating safety course and learn more about your avocation. Write your State Legislator and insist on them implementing the NTSB recommendations. Boating safety is all of our business.
