Boater Safety

We want you to bring your watercraft back to Holmes Creek Boat Storage safe and sound. Here are some simple Boaters' Safety tips to keep your time on the water safe and enjoyable.

Things to remember

Life Preservers
Watercraft must have one easily accessible Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person in the watercraft. The PFD must be in good condition, of appropriate size, and Coast Guard Approved. Don't forget, all passengers 12 years old and under must wear a PFD while on the open deck of a watercraft. If your boat is more than 16 feet long, a throwable PFD is also required.
Lights
Whenever boating at night or in restricted visibility you must display appropriate lights.
Take it slow and easy.
Always use idol speed in harbors and other No Wake areas. Don't make sharp turns at high speed. Watch your wake! It can cause damage or injury. Use caution in rough water and cross waves at a slight angle.
Don't overload your boat.
And don't rock your boat either! No horseplay on deck, remain seated in small boats, and balance your passengers and gear.
Don't drink and drive a watercraft!
Just like when driving a car, operating any watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
Common Sense Safety
Always let someone know where you will be boating and when you plan to return. Check the weather report. Make sure you have navigation charts, bail buckets, anchor and line, and other safety equipment. Watch for fishermen, swimmers, debris, low hanging power lines, and potential hazards.
Fire extinguisher
If your fuel tank or engine is enclosed, make certain to have a fire extinguiser.
Registration
All mechanically powered vessels and all sailboats must be registered in Tennessee. Juat complete a registration form, available through a County Clerk's office or from your watercraft dealer. You will receive a pocket-size certificate and decals showing the vessel number and expiration date. The certificate must be on board any time the watercraft is in use and the vessel's number must be painted or permanently attached to each side of the bow.
Boating Safety Education Certificate
Tennessee residents born after after Jan. 1, 1989 must complete Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Boating Safety exam and be able to show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate
However,if there is an adult on board that can take immediate control of the vessel this certificate
is not required.

Navigation Rules
Be a safe and courteous boater and always observe the boaters' rules of the road.
When two vessels are in sight of one another and there is the potential for collision, one vessel must have the right-of-way. This is the stand-on vessel. The other vessel is considered the give-way vessel and is required to take action to keep away from the stand-on vessel.
Who has right-of-way? In order of priority:

  1. Vessels being passed by other vessels
  2. Any vessel that is not under command like an anchored or disabled vessel
  3. Vessels with restricted maneuverability like a vessel towing
  4. Ailing or non-powered vessels
  5. Then finally power-driven vessels not restricted in maneuverability

When vessels meet head-on:

  • Meeting vessels usually turn slightly to starboard and pass port to port.
  • At least one vessel should signal its intentions.
  • The vessel that has the right-of-way and is the stand-on vessel should hold its course and speed until the other vessel is clear.

When one vessel passes another:

  • The passing vessel is the give-way vessel and should signal its intention.
  • The vessel being passed has the right-of-way and is the stand-on vessel.
  • The vessel being passed should maintain course and speed.

When crossing with another vessel:

  • The vessel on the right has the right-of-way and is the stand-on vessel unless other vessels have the right-of-way based on the priorities outlined above.

How to signal your intentions:

  • One whistle blast: Pass port to port.
  • Two whistle blasts: Pass starboard to starboard.
  • Three whistle blasts: Reverse.
  • Five or more rapid whistle blasts: Danger! or I don’t understand your intention.