by Archie

Created on: May 05, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

The start of summer is an anxious time for boat owners. Here, in northern Minnesota, we celebrate the state-wide Fishing Opener on the first weekend of May. This holiday also unofficially marks the beginning of boating season for enthusiasts across the more than 10,000 lakes available. Specifically, the usually quiet and still waters of the northland take on the role as host to thousands of recreational junkies, the casual weekenders, and die-hard fisherman whom are all seeking the pleasure to putting Minnesota's distinctly beautiful and vast system of waterways to good use.

Generally, boaters have waited until this time, this opening-weekend, to take their boats back on the water. But before you hastily try to catch The Big One or just catch a tan, it's imperative to complete first things first.

Every motored watercraft in the state of Minnesota is required by law to be registered as a motor vehicle. The most important thing to check when you remove your boat's winter cover is the date of your registration tags. They will be located on each side of the forward half of the hull. Every three years, these tags must be replaced and you will need to re-register the watercraft with your local motor vehicle registrar.

Another required function of your boat's exterior is the application of navigation lights. Typically, the manufacturer installs this equipment for your. However, it is the owner's responsibility to maintain and replace any defective lighting system in observance of state and local laws. Minnesota
law requires watercraft 16 feet or longer to display their navigation lights from sunset to sunrise. The proper lighting is typically a white light at the stern, or rear, of the boat, and a red/green combination light at the bow, or front. The red/green light indicates to passerby at night from which direction the boat is traveling because the beacon is displayed as red on the left and green on the right.

Now that you've got your boat in working condition, you must be sure it contains some practical and mandatory safety equipment.

Play it safe, not sorry.

Always carry spare fuel on board in a portable tank. In the event of using all the main line's fuel supply, you will have another gallon or two that will allow you to get back home safely again. Along with extra fuel, it's absolutely necessary to remember to bring along your cell phone.

Some unpredictable things can happen on the water, like your engine failing. Knowing someone to call for help if you become stranded on the water will not be helpful without a line to the world on land.

Lakes, just like roadways, do have traffic laws. You will often encounter signs on the waterways. Their meanings must be clearly understood by a watercraft operator. Typically, color-coded reflective buoys will be the main form of direction for boaters. Different colors and symbols on buoys are intended to control speed and direction of traffic, while also warning of obstructions and protecting resources. Some signs may not yet be installed during the early weeks of boating season.

Aside from efforts to keep the water safe for all to enjoy, some tragic accidents do occur. People like to go fast and party in their boats, sometimes with reckless abandon, despite efforts by the Sheriff's
department and Minnesota DNR to patrol waters and enforce the laws that protect our shared privilege of boating.

Boating requires a diligent observation of guidelines, as well as local and state laws, so as to ensure the continued enjoyment of Minnesota's
vast waterways and recreational opportunities that exist in the northland.

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