Did you know…
Canadian Boating Safety Facts from the Canadian
Safe Boating Council website
Inspect and Maintain
your diesel fuel systems
CSBC's key safety messages:
Wear your Lifejacket – If everyone wore their lifejackets while in small open boats we predict
there could be an instant 50% reduction in boating deaths.
A diesel’s fuel system produces more problems than any other part of the engine.
Regular fuel system inspection and maintenance will keep your fuel clean and your
engine running reliably.
Don't Drink & Boat – It is dangerous and socially unacceptable to drink and drive a vehicle.
The same holds true for drinking and boating.
Take a Boating Course – Like any activity, more knowledge brings more competence and
pleasure. Boating is no different.
Even a small amount of dirt or water in a
diesel’s fuel system can seize or corrode the
injectors or injection pump. For this reason,
marine diesel engines have both primary
and secondary fuel filter systems.
Be Prepared – Mechanical breakdowns account for approximately 50% of the calls for help.
Most of these embarrassing incidents are preventable by ensuring your vessel is serviceable and
you have sufficient gas. Part of being prepared is also making sure that the weather and water
conditions are suitable for your day out on the water.
Cold Water Immersion – Cold water is an environmental factor that all boaters should understand and prepare for.
Inspect your primary filter’s sediment bowl
daily and drain any sediment and water. If
the sediment bowl fills and requires draining more than once every 100 hours, the
fuel tank is contaminated and must be
cleaned. Replace the primary fuel filter element at the first sign of discoloration.
How big is boating in Canada?
49% of Canadians participate at least occasionally in recreational boating activities - this is over
16 million Canadians. 9% of the public or 3 million people are operators of a power boat. 19%
of the public or 6 million are passengers but do not drive a power boat.
Boating fatalities are on the Decline
The Lifesaving Society and the Canadian Red Cross water fatality studies for the period 1994
through 2003 have demonstrated that 16% fewer boating fatalities occurred in the last five
years which means 53 fewer deaths over 5 years the downward trend of boating fatalities continues according to data complied since 1991.
Secondary fuel filters stop the contaminants
that escape the primary filter. Although they
stay clean longer, secondary filters should
be replaced with every other primary filter
change.
Boating Risk Factors
83% of boating fatality victims were males. An estimated 60% of boating fatalities occur in very
cold water (under 10 degree C) with most fatalities in water under 20 degrees C. The colder the
water, the higher the death rates.
If the engine isn’t getting fuel, either the
supply or injection pump is broken or the
injectors are clogged. Air trapped in the fuel
system prevents fuel from flowing and must
be bled out.
Most Boating Fatalities are Preventable
In 5% of boating fatalities the victim was not wearing or not properly wearing a lifejacket. If
everyone on the water wore a lifejacket, we predict that more lives would be saved annually.
Alcohol is involved in about 40% of all boating fatalities.
– www.smartboater.ca
Diesel fuel stored for a long time without
being treated can grow bacteria that can
clog the fuel-filtering system and cause the
engine to lose power. If this happens, clean
or change the filters and bleed the system
to eliminate air.
–USPS Compass
Passing situation
When passing a small boat engaged in fishing, slow down and pass at the bow. Give the boat a wide berth—it may be at anchor. Be especially careful
if you see children on board. Be courteous, and always remember that you are responsible for your wake.
–USPS Ensign
