Boating Safety on NH Water Bodies
 

One common complaint that keeps coming up regarding Lake Winnipesaukee and boating safety is the 150’ safe passage rule. This seems to be one of the most heavily committed offenses on the lake. I do believe that things have gotten better since the requirement of boating certificates, but there is certainly room for improvement.

How is an out of state boater or even a New Hampshire resident supposed to know about this and the other safety laws? Does a NH resident get information while registering their vessel?

When we drove by the ramp in Alton Bay, we looked at the sign next to the ramp and there didn’t seem to be any information regarding the 150’ safe passage rule or the requirement for boaters to have a certificate. Wouldn’t the public ramps be an excellent place to post the 150’ safe passage rule as well as the requirement of a boating certificate? This could make the lake a safer place to be.

RG,

I do believe you bring up a valid point. How does one know when visiting an out of state body of water for the first time. And now lets add a further thing into the mix, the speed limit which is only applicable to Winnipesaukee.

I think the problem with posting at the ramps is that not all ramps have good posting facilities. And even then you have to hope people read the information posted. I not saying this doesn't work because I believe it does, I just don't know to what degree. And then there is the issue that not all ramps have a posting area.

Now personally I like some aspects of what Maine has done. They make you get a "use decal" if you come in from out of state. I have no idea how much these cost but I can't believe it is a huge charge. When you get the decal they have the opportunity to inform you of the Maine specific laws(whether they do or not I don't know). Now as far as getting the word out about needing the decal, I know there is a sign on 95 and I believe also on other major routes bringing people into the state and especially to the major inland water areas.

But when it comes right down to it, this all comes back to how much people prepare for there vacations. Not that long ago, you didn't think to much about hauling your boat to another state and dropping it the lake. However now with safe boating certificates etc. More people are starting to realize how different the boating laws are state to state. So you are left with your capt. Boneheads, that are just going to do what they want and not look into the laws for where they are headed. And the "Good Skippers" that will take a few minutes and look online to see what a different state has for special laws when they take their boat to visit.

I'd agree, having a prominently-displayed sign would be a great idea. It's a pretty basic rule, along with NWZ's, which are also frequently violated around the country.

In addition to that, education on the water is a great thing. Without resorting to tickets/warnings, the MP could pick several weekends this summer (busier the better), to pull over those that violate these two rules. Have a nice, Friendly/civil discussion one on one with the boaters. Explain the rules, how they broke them, and why they are in place.

I know it takes time, but in the end, the MP is the Department of Safety. There is no better way to build good rapport & understanding than to meet a well-meaning LEO who's job is to inform first, enforce second.

I was stopped by a Vt. State policeman once here on a secondary highway. I honestly didn't see the 40 mph sign entering a small town, so the blue lights went on. He and I talked, and he mentioned that three people had been injured near this area in the past few months. I told him I didn't see the sign at all, and the area didn't even look inhabited.

He asked if I would write him a letter concerning my experience there, and how they could best calm down traffic and better prepare people for the upcoming intersection. He gave me his name and home address to send it in. Bid me a good day and off we went.

I left that stop with not only greater awareness, but with a great feeling about what part of the LEO's job should be. I'll never forget it, and it's probably changed the way I look at all LEO's, although not all are that courteous. Interactions like that one on the lake would go a long way over time towards educating people as to what the rules are, and Why they are rules.

Afterthought. This would be a great message via public gatherings for SBONH to endorse. A real public service, that would promote good will and education.

I think the Lakes Region Power Squadron placed markers 150 feet off the docks and did some type of posting. Maybe the markers are not in yet?

150' Markers
 

The former NHRBA have placed 150' markers off the major public docks on the lake. I don't know who is maintaining them, or maybe that is the problem? NHRBA also posted no wake signs along the Weirs Channel.

The problem is education. Getting a temporary certificate when you rent a boat is a joke. Those that vacation for a week or two may bring their boat in and had the required safety course in their respective state does not mean they are aware of our 150' rule. I think taking the basic NH safety course and receiving a sticker to display on the boat is an excellent idea!

The sticker you describe is unoffically known as the "milfoil sticker". It costs $20 and comes with a pamphlet that educates how to stop the spread of invasive plant species, but does not include any instruction on any other Maine marine laws. I buy mine at the town hall where I own my vacation property. Public ramps on lakes that don't yet have invasive species issues are often attended by invasive plant inspectors. Sadly, these inpectors do not sell said stickers, which I think is really dumb. I think it's silly to have an inspector that can turn you away for not having a sticker, but can't help you get one on a Sunday morning...

There aren't that many launch sites on Winni, so having a sign the size of the infamous Braun Bay NR sign would be pretty basic. Instead of some silly sticker, use some of the Public Service announcements on TV to get the basic message across. I think it's had a positive impact on early season fishing/PFD awareness. The new NY law for PFD's got widespread coverage on television and radio.

But there's really no replacement for first hand communication. One of my jobs is to point out things I think are obvious, but most do not. Last year on Winni had some stops for speeding in a NWZ, 41 warnings were issued, 9 were cited with a summons. Not astounding data by any measure, but accidents throughout NH waters were up. With limited resources and budget trouble, I would try to limit stops to those that are so obviously breaking one of these two rules. Cut down on courtesy inspections, or charge a fee. Directly focus on the problem areas.

Now is an excellent time to do the courtesy inspections, since summer is a way's off, and so are the busiest weekends. Perhaps they have already moved in this direction, I don't know. But I'd gladly give up random inspections and boarding to concentrate on the troublemakers. Note: As I stated above, some people just don;t know the rules, and need a freindly instruction from a happy to share LEO:D I don't consider them boneheads nor trouble makers just to be clear.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse!

It is not the responsibility of society to tell you what you CAN'T do on the water. It is the responsibility of the boater to know what he CAN do on the water.

Boat Ramp Signs
 

I agree with you BI. There are still so many boaters out there that do not seem to know or understand about the 150' safe passage rule. Signs would help, wouldn't it?

It wouldn't even be so bad if they would stay more than 20' away, let alone the required 150'! I agree there are way too many people who don't obey this rule. I don't see what harm a sign would do. But as I have said before, I know people who took the course and didn't obey it. For some reason people don't get it.

Signs will help
 

If a RESPONSIBLE boater is not aware of the 150' rule. it's the IRRESPONSIBLE boater that needs to be caught before something serious happens. No matter what laws are on the books, irresponsible boaters will do what they want to do. These are the ones that are giving boating a bad name. This reality is not limited to boating. Look around you!

As the boating population increases, so does the irresponsible population. And visa versa. It would be nice if this was not the case.

BI, this goes beyond ignorance of the law! This is more about an issue of OUR safety on the water. This is the one law that actually has contributed to keeping NH one of the safest in the country. I could CARE LESS if some idiot is stopped for violating the law. I hope they are stopped for it. My concern isn't about educating them so they don't get a ticket???? My concern is the safety of my family, yours and anyone else using the lake.

So yes EXCELLENT point raised here, what are we doing to educate the casual users of NH waterways?

If you live in the State of Maine -or- register your boat here, they actually have started tacking on the "milfoil education" fee onto the registration.

If anyone thinks Winni is unsafe, they need to boat on Sebago on a busy weekend. There is no safe passage rule/law and open exhausts are permitted in Maine as well. I like the 150 rule personally, but I think the violations being wide-spread are not some huge problem on Winni with the exception of the Weirs area on Sat/Sun.

I always thought it would be helpful to have MP at different ramps during the summer to gently remind or educate boaters on some of the basic rules of the water. The 150' rule, speed limit, and right of way would be good starting points. It would also be good PR work for the officers.

An effective way to educate is to include things on the registration paperwork or a pamplet along with it as you can get multiple points made.

As far as visiting boaters, the State could print out pamplets that the lauch ramp operators could pass out.

Speed limit debate is taboo so I'll bite my tongue.

150 foot markers
 

I was at the docks in Alton Bay and watched the Marine Patrol deploy the markers. I believe it was actually Lt. Dunlevy who was wielding the measuring device, which looked like the laser distance measuring device I have for golf.

And RG, I would respectfully disagree that this rule is being adhered to better. I find it to be no better and probably worse than when I first got my boat in 2003. And I do not see very many people reading the signs at the Alton Boat ramp. They simply pull in and launch their boat and leave.

Originally posted by BIWhile you are correct doesn't it make sense as a boater on Lake Winnipesaukee to try to make sure that out of staters that come from places without a Safe Passage law are aware of the law before heading out onto NH waters and endanger your life and mine?

Or we could just put on your tombstone...
Originally posted by KDL
While that would be a good idea, they are operated the entire statewide department with 60 some odd officers last summer, a number that has dropped from over 100 in recent years. If they are standing on the boat ramps they aren't doing the other things that have up until 2009 kept NH the safest waterways in New England. Perhaps the Marine Patrol Aux, if they are still in operation, could do something like that, but I doubt they have many members either.

judging the distance
 

Ok, with all the talk about 150 feet, can anyone really judge the distance correctly. :confused:
I try and stay as far away as possible, but i am sure one can not judge the difference between 100 and 150 feet when you are out on the water.

any thoughts?

I have a 22 foot boat on Winnipesaukee, so I try to keep at least 10 of my boat lengths away from everything so that I know I am beyond the 150' with some margin of error.

golf helps
 

150 feet equals a 3/4 lob wedge, 50 yard shot. Of course, I just hope I don't put it (the boat) in the sand like I do the golf ball. :rolleye1:

Seriously, I think I tend to add 20-30 yards to the distance on the water...my 150 is probably closer to 200 feet than it is to 150.

Everyone probably has their own method for determining 150' - you already heard about the lob wedge above. Mine has to do with football - when I played in high school, I was a quarterback and could throw a ball 50 yards (150 feet). So if I think I could possibly reach another boat with a football, it is less than 150 feet.

EXCEPT for The Example Below, a "Throwable" Safety Device...
 

With the newer recreations of "board-skiing" and "board-surfing", my old two ski-rope-lengths can come up "short".

Try 10 canoe-lengths, or 10 Sunfish sailboat lengths. (At normal speeds, a fair distance).

1) Let's not put this all on the backs of flatlanders: except for fishing boats, the majority of boats on Lake Winnipesaukee are registered in New Hampshire. A few years ago, NH boat registrations had a line to sign on _____John Doe_____ where you "acknowledged" a new rule.

2) Boat-Ed.com refers to New Hampshire's law as, "UNsafe Passage". (As I've always seen it).
http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/handbook/oper.htm

3) Included with Boat-Ed.com on New Hampshire's special rules—was this image:

http://www.boat-ed.com/images/drawin..._the_stern.jpg

(New to me).

4) As I suggested here to NHRBA (or any of today's safe-boating organizations) can sponsor or donate a seat cushion emblazoned with navigation's "Rules of the Road" — plus New Hampshire's Unsafe-Passage rule.

(And any other rules :eek2:).

5) Except for rendering a swimmer unconcious—or use as a paperweight—this 30-pound seat cushion's usefulness disappeared decades ago. (Beat-up, torn, squirrel-chewed, duct-taped then waterlogged :emb: ).

These cushions have alerted many a seasoned boater, and below is an example of what guided NH's civil boaters in the 60s—and maybe earlier than that.

If received upon each NH registration, these Rules of the Road seat cushions (a "throwable safety device") can be made to happen again: :look:

LP, I think you are on to something here. About 10 years ago, when you registered your snowmobile, you had to sign or initial the back of the registration (in addition to your signature on front). The signature on back indicated that you had read the information that was printed regarding OHRV Operating Under the Influence (OUI) laws.

They could easily do the same on the back of marine registrations. Having the person sign it makes them responsible for the knowledge of the info printed there.

Judging exactly what is 150ft!

Many of us have driven water skiier's or pulled a tuber

Another way to look at it and judge, which is the way I was taught and currently teach my kids -- maintain (at least) two ski-line lenghts from another craft or object and you'll be fine. Is this again subjective - of course -- but 9 out of 10 times MP is not measuring to the "inches" (barring a few Rambo's out there). The majority of the issues, but certainly not all, come when powering up after a NWZ --- especially the Wiers chanel - eithor side! Think of how many times someone has come right up your stern and flew off leaving a NWZ as opposed to "open water" issues. And I am NOT here to say open water issues don't occur .... their simply rarer.

With regard to posting the rule or any other rule at ramps or wherever ....... how many people actualy read those? None the less - it is the resposibility of the Captain to know the local and State rules wherever he/she boats. No different from driving a car here or abroad.

While launching at Glendale a few years ago, I was talking with MP and they had a good suggestion for judging 150 feet. It's about the distance where you can just about make out the bow numbers on vessel in your immediate area. If you require glasses, I'd suggest wearing them for this method.

1 and a half if by land, 3 if by sea ...
 

I find people can be trained to recognize a distance but not many distances. If you're driving down the highway at a semi-legal 68 mph then that's 100ft/second. Find a crack or something and count (slowly) how long it takes to get to you. When you find the distance that equals 1.5 seconds then that's about 150'. When on the water most poeple are running in the 30-35 mph range so double the timing to get the same distance. Just do this when not too much else is happening so you don't run into anything in the process.

As to signs ... I thought I've seen them at the Alton town docks but as was said most people don't pay attention to the signs. The buoys off the docks are a good idea if only because someone might ask "what are those for ?".

I imagine most of us really aren't bothered by someone halving the 150' rule, as long as they are safe about it and do it out of necessity, not just to do it. I know I don't mind passing closer than 150 feet in tight quarters like deep into Moultonborough Bay. It's pretty clear the boaters coming the other way don't mind either as niether of us drops off plane while keeping to the far right... It's the blatent infractions of a couple of boat lengths or less when I'm at headway speed or less, or complete disregard for give-way or stand-on rules that I find worrisome.

Agreed.... there are areas of the lake where it is obvious how people are heading....say the six pack....which is wide enough if boats go to the extreme right side to pass by on plane.... now this assume only two boats one going each way, and are both going respectable speeds.

I have also scooted around bass fishermen giving them as much room as possible knowing that it wasn't exactly 150' but it was all I could spare.... I don't think they minded as I always get a friendly wave.... An acknowledgment, that they know, I have tried my best to give them as much room as possible. Kept my speed reasonable, and operated in a safe a prudent manor.

It always has been, I agree 100%. But I was trying to offer solutions to a problem, which I think is more beneficial to boaters than citing laws and responsibilities. If it were not a problem, there would be no need for this discussion, which has been brought up many times.

The poor MP has seen their responsibilities mount, and had their staffing cut budgets strained. In the long run, it's advantageous, and extremely cost-effective to deal with these fairly simple issues by direct contact and education. I don't mean the Boater Ed course, which I think is not quite what it's cracked up to be.

The costs of implementing what is primarily a weekend program is extremely small. Obviously, you target the trouble spots, and not blanket the state if not needed. It's really about time people put their money where their mouth is. A fairly simple program like this doesn't take away much in the way of existing resources, and specifically targets the two most prominent problems on many bodies of water. It might actually target another of the top three problems indirectly.

I've heard mostly jabbering about safety and violations over the last few years, but whenever support for the MP comes up, it gets stalled.

Let me question where the problem lies. Are the majority of violations due to experienced Winni boaters or are most due to out-of-state trailer boaters ? I'll guess it's really the former. Signs aren't going to fix this ... if true. As for stops ... I see the NHMP make a lot of 150' stops most weekends just off Sandy Pt. If it's helping I don't see it. I suspect most know the rule but just don't follow it. In some cases (as has been said) an infraction is just a mere technicality. In a lot of the stops I see above, it really wasn't (a technicality), due to the amount of local traffic. Some people just turn off their brain when they turn on the ignition key. You need to find another way to break through to them and I'm not sure what it is. Perhaps hand out an amusing DVD of stupid boater goof-ups with every stop. People might learn while making fun of others ???

Boating Safety on NH Water Bodies
 

Determining 150' is difficult for most, but I have a way, at least I can judge.

As a water-skiing fmaily, I know that a standard water-ski rope is exactly 75'.
That being said, I just picture twice that distance ! I can usually ball-park it close enough. Works for me!

FMI, how could a NHMP make that 150' judgement anyway ? Do they have some type of electronic devices they're using which can measure accurately 'distance' ?

BD

Well actually now they do --- sorta -- the new handheld lazer/radar units they have been using also yield a "range" from target. Not the cleanest way as it's distance from unit to object - but none the less a way (electronicly). Prior to that and for the most part currently it's done the old fashion way ... subjective!!

Judging distance on the water is much harder than on land IMO. 150' is only 50 yards, not very far. When we were out on the Naswa boat last summer, a tourist was asking me if the boats around us were far enough away, as the skipper had mentioned the rule to them. I said the boats at that time were about 100 yards away (a sand wedge if you will) :laugh:

People in small crafts tend to think big boats are too close. I think it's far more important to judge safe passage when boats are closing in opposite directions, or there's a crossing path involved. At that point, I throw out the 150' and plot a course that takes me further away to allow for adjustments if needed.

It's not really that hard to keep a 150' distance in most areas. The thing I see a lot more boaters doing now is to plot a course and stick to it, without regard for anything else. No course adjustments for oncoming boats, just dead ahead with their line. I try to be aware at all times of what's all around me, particularly from the sides. I also try to make course adjustments well ahead of time.

Many boaters need more time on the water, and need to be more aware that they aren't the only ones out there. Far too many people depend on the other boater to move out of the way for them, and many drive their boats as if on a two-lane highway in a straight line. A major part of the problem is lack of courtesy.

Great topic!
maybe a moored orange marker 150' off the ramp with a sign at the ramp.
wouldn't be used by all but it would draw some attention. ?
Steadyon

Instructive!
 

This IS a great thread! I am never going to be anything more than a passenger in a boat, but I have learned so much about boating I never dreamed about by reading the Forum. The old adage proves true once again:"no such thing as a stupid question". I wouldn't have "dared" to ask, here, how you judge 150 feet! I am terrible at judging distance (so it's good I won't be the pilot...for this and all too many other reasons!!), but it is a relief to know that is a legitimate problem/question for some!

I am a HUGE fan of the 150' rule.... but people need to be a bit realistic!

Tourism is this states bread & butter... we spend millions each year trying to entice people to visit. Yet we pass somewhat silly rules & regulations and dont tell them!

The state of NH requires a Safe Boaters Certificate. NH is the only state that has a 150' safe passage law as it pertains to boat vs boat situations. Nowhere is this posted on the highways, informational brochures, boat launches, marinas etc... this needs to common knowledge to tourists! I have been forever touting a sticker requirement for boats! $5 bucks gets you a sticker and a brochure outlining the rules! This way we can reduce the ignorance and make sure the knowledge is passed to the people who need it!

As for the 150 rule... its great! I tend to give everyone a wide a berth as possible! That being said I dont get pissed if they come within 60-75 feet of me. In no way are they "danger close" as far as I am concerned. You nannies want an eye opener? Go boat on the ocean! No 150' rule, huge monster wakes, rip currents etc! on its worst day Winni is very tranquil compared to the ocean!

Woodsy

Woodsy;

You are so true in the statement above. I recently came back from a trip to Turks & Caicos. We were on a chartered boat near one of the busiest areas of the beach. All kinds of boats zipping by, not only next to other boats but by people in the water!! They have no rules such as this. When I made mention of the 150' rule we have on Lake Winnipesaukee up in "Newhampsha", the boat Captain looked at me like I had two heads. I asked him how many accidents had occurred with other boats or people and he replied none that he knew of, only a couple of groundings on the reef nearby and those were by larger vessels not pleasure craft boats.

Go figure!

Dan

R.i.t.b.
 

Is that my cue for my yearly rant about people coming down the "wrongside" of the bay regardless of what their course does to oncoming boaters ? In any case Winni is a less nervewracking microcosm of the driving behavior seen on our streets. It's not "my way or the highway", now the saying goes "it's my highway, get outta the way". Sadly I see this boating 'tude with all sorts of craft and across all age groups. My horn is on the fritz so this year I really am going to rig up a big fart-sounding horn (and mebbe that stink bomb tosser) to let people know what I think about their boating etiquette.

As for informing boaters of the rules ... I recall an idea from the olde days. We could have "Burma-Shave" signs on all the numbered bouys and town docks. Each would have a witticism that would stick in peoples minds. We could have a contest, you have to photo all 80+ signs, win a prize (not shaving creme). So what would be a good 150' reminder ... :idea:

APS had a good idea but in keeping up with the changing times ... we could have can kozzies made with a "rule of the road" on 1 side and some Winni related pic on the other. The NHMP could sell them at all the local stores, mebbe even make a profit. A sure hit at all the sandbars. ;)

"As for informing boaters of the rules ... I recall an idea from the olde days. We could have "Burma-Shave" signs on all the numbered bouys and town docks. Each would have a witticism that would stick in peoples minds. We could have a contest, you have to photo all 80+ signs, win a prize (not shaving creme). So what would be a good 150' reminder ... :idea:"


Okay, here's my contribution:

Don't be a fool
obey the 150 foot rule!

Sue

I personally think the best way to "educate" is by setting the example. I know I dont do everything correctly but I do observe how others handle certain situtations and when it looks like a good idea I tend to pick it up and also do it that way also.

A simple example might be coming down from plane well before the no wake bouy! Show others you care and how to do it and they might just follow your lead.