In order to efficiently operate an airboat a variety of safety and registration rules need to be abided by. Regulations are likely to vary from state to state, but in general the guidelines are in place to ensure an airboat is operated in an effective and safe manner. Safety equipment in place is likely to be a high requirement.
Having the right safety gear and equipment for operating an airboat
A fun and versatile airboat is highly enjoyable to ride, but if not operated in a safe and efficient manner they are susceptible to sinking or capsizing; often as a result of lacking flotation and ease in which they are able to lose balance. In addition, the air boats aren’t designed to operate in reverse; as a consequence it can be more difficult to avoid a potential situation in the water.
It is also crucial for the air boat operator to be mindful of the debris, sand, or water which might pass through the propeller and in the direction of other motor-driven boats. A high level of boat safety is highly desirable for all boats, including the air boats, and might include:
Life Jackets — a first requirement to boat safety is likely to relate to wearing a lifejacket, which is mandatory in many states for the person under 18 years of age. Even if not a requirement by law to wear a lifejacket for the adults, it is often highly recommended that a lifejacket is worn by all on board to ensure the full safety and protection at all times. A lifejacket must be able to fit appropriately for the size of person.
Fire extinguisher — a fully functional manual or semi-automatic fire extinction system is highly desirable on all makes and models of water craft that are equipped with inboard or outboard machinery. In the event of an engine fire you want to have access to an extinguisher for putting out the flames as soon as possible.
Navigational lights — in order to operate in complete safety in low light conditions you want to make certain that the navigation lights are mounted on board the vessel. Beyond just having the ability to operate in a safe manner, navigational lights are also ideal to alert other boat owners of the presence of the air boat.
Flags — a further great safety aspect relates to having the right complement of flags on board the air boat. A key flag is likely to relate to the diver down flag, which is required in those situations where the diver is in the water for a variety of reasons. A flag needs to be at a height of 10-ft above the air boat, and sized in the region of 10″ x 12″.
Sound distress device — lastly, you might want to make certain you have access to a distress signal or sound device is highly desirable to have onboard the air boats in the event of an emergency situation. A sound device is highly effective at attracting the attention of other boats in the local area and the distress alert signal is needed to give an instant indication that help is required.
What registration requirements are needed for operating an airboat?
In order that a full operational airboat can be used in public bodies of water it is necessary to the registered with the local state authorities. If you are planning on using the air boats in private ponds or other bodies of water, registration isn’t likely to be mandatory. Also, the paddle powered vessels, such as the kayaks and canoes aren’t in need of registration.
A registration certificate is a requirement for those situations where you might be stopped by the local police or Coast Guard, and required to clearly indicate the right paperwork for operation and ownership. Registration costs are likely to relate to the state laws and size of water craft.
Is it easy to arrange insurance on an airboat?
If you are looking at the viability of arrange insurance on an airboat, many of the insurance companies are likely to be very restrictive in relation to offering this type of coverage since the airboats can be quite dangerous. It shouldn’t be difficult to arrange a liability only insurance policy, which will make sure you are protected against damage to a third party, person or property. In the states that have a large number of waterways that are used by air boat operators, it is likely to be easier to arrange insurance coverage beyond just the personal liability insurance.
