Inappropriate handling and a lack of knowledge of marine ‘rules of the road’ are often blamed for boating accidents in Bermuda’s waters.

In an effort to buck the trend, Bermuda Water Safety Council is hosting a practical boat handling seminar at Royal Bermuda Yacht Club this month.

Topics to be explored during the April 13 seminar include practical hands-on boat handling exercises, safe handling and mooring of boats of different types, demonstrations of marine rules of the road (passing and crossing) and engine safety and emergency repairs.

“Every year we have a new focus and this year we have two focuses. One is safe handling of boats and the other is marine rules for the road — how boats should approach one another to avoid collision,” said Bermuda Water Safety Council chairman and ocean navigator, Ralph Richardson.

“This year we are focusing on safe boat handling because every year there are boating accidents caused by inappropriate handling approach or lack of knowledge of the rules of the road. We also may do a second seminar in October this year depending on public demand.”

This month’s seminar is limited to 60 people on a first come, first served basis.

“Right now we are just about half subscribed and the maximum number is 60,” Mr Richardson added. “We have close to 30 persons registered now, so we only have fifty percent of the space left on a first come basis.”

The seminar will be held between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

Participants will be divided into groups of ten and put through their paces in practical work stations.

Only registered persons will be permitted to take part in the seminar. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.

Those interested in registering for the upcoming event can do so online at njtrott@gov.bm.

Registration is $10 per person.

Last October Bermuda Water Safety Council hosted a flare and pyrotechnics demonstration at sea.

“We had 60 people on-board the Elizabeth and did demonstrations,” Mr Richardson said. “Everyone on the boat got at least two chances to fire rockets or flares.”

The objective of the Bermuda Water Safety Council is to “identify issues in respect to water safety and to develop local strategies to prevent accidents and injuries on the water by means of relevant marine safety regulations, public education and the promotion of good water safety practices/initiatives throughout the community.”