SAFS Boat Usage Policies & Procedures

SAFS Boat Reservation Home

1. General Policies

  1. Anyone using SAFS boats must first complete a Boating Safety Program that is appropriate for the boat to be used. Exceptinos may be made in recognition of prior boating experience.
  2. The Boating Safety Program comprises three components:
    1. Viewing videotapes of safe trailering and boat operation
    2. Demonstrating proper techniques for trailering boats
    3. Demonstrating proper techniques for handling boats on the water
  3. Checkrides will be required only once. Records will be kept by the person who completes the Boating Safety Program.

2. General Policies

  1. Students must be advised that they should (but are not required to) take out field trip insurance, which is available inexpensively through the UW (anyone receiving a UW paycheck is covered by Workman's Compensation).
  2. Anyone checking out a boat is understood to be the "Skipper" of the boat and has full responsibility for its transportation, operation, and the personnel (crew) aboard that vessel.
  3. The skipper's duties include:
    1. Operating the boat in a safe and lawful manner.
    2. Ensuring the boat is properly equipped.
    3. Ensuring each person has a personal floatation device.

3. Penalties

UW students and employees who fail to follow established practices for safe boating may be barred from using SAFS boats. The decision as to the length of the penalty will be decided jointly by the Director, Associate Director and the student's major professor when appropriate.