G339_USCG_NRBSS_Exposure Survey_v17_20250312
National
Recreational Boating Safety Survey – Exposure Survey
PRELOADS.
Preload variable |
Preload description |
Preload value |
Notes |
P_SAMP |
indicates sample source |
1= ABS Sample 2= List sample 3= OPT-IN VENDOR #1 4= OPT-IN VENDOR #2 |
|
LOGIC NOTES.
for any question that is skipped on the web, ‘98’ should be recorded as the response.
THIS SURVEY WILL INCLUDE LOOPS FOR EACH OF THE BOAT TYPES.
CROSSWALK OF LOOP NUMBERS AND BOATS:
Loop number |
Loop identifier |
vessel (text fill for each loop) |
1 |
_1 |
open motorboat |
2 |
_2 |
cabin motorboat |
3 |
_3 |
pontoon boat |
4 |
_4 |
air boat |
5 |
_5 |
houseboat |
6 |
_6 |
auxiliary sailboat |
7 |
_7 |
sailboat |
8 |
_8 |
personal watercraft |
9 |
_9 |
rowboat |
10 |
_10 |
canoe |
11 |
_11 |
kayak |
12 |
_12 |
standup paddleboard |
13 |
_13 |
other paddlecraft |
14 |
_14 |
eFoil/Jetboard |
15 |
_15 |
CREATE A DUMMY VARIABLE TO IDENTIFY PADDLECRAFT LOOPS: PADDLE
vaLUE |
DESCRIPTION |
loop number |
1 |
pADDLECRAFT LOOP |
10, 11, 12 ,13 |
0 |
NON-PADDLECRACT LOOP |
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 |
TEXT FILLS:
YEAR: CURRENT YEAR
LASTMONTH: PREVIOUS MONTH
Thank you for agreeing to participate in our survey!
Your answers are confidential.
Please use the “Continue" and "Previous" buttons to navigate between the questions within the questionnaire. Do not use your browser buttons.
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
Q1.
Did you or any member of your household own, rent, or borrow a recreational boat or watercraft in the United States in [YEAR]?
By
“member of your household” we mean everyone who lives in
your household at least 50 percent of the time, whether they are
related or not.
Recreational boats and watercraft include:
Motorboats
Pontoon boats
Sailboats
Personal watercraft such as a WaveRunner™ or Jetski™
Rowboats
Canoes, kayaks, or standup paddleboards
eFoils or Jetboards
Houseboats
Air boats
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes, someone in my household owned, rented, or borrowed a recreational boat or watercraft in [YEAR]
No, neither myself nor anyone in my household owned, rented, or borrowed a recreational boat or watercraft in [YEAR]
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
Q1A.
Did you or any member of your household own, rent, or borrow any of the following in the United States in [YEAR]?
By “member of your household” we mean everyone who lives in your household at least 50 percent of the time, whether they are related or not.
RANDOMIZE GRID:
Boat
Bicycle
Car
Motorcycle
Scooter
Skateboard
Sled
Snowmobile
Skis
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes, me or someone in my household owned, rented, or borrowed in [YEAR]
No, neither myself nor anyone in my household owned, rented, or borrowed in [YEAR]
[PROGRAMMING NOTE: IF Q1<>1, THEN TERMINATE]
[PROGRAMMING NOTE: IF Q1AA<>1, THEN TERMINATE]
[ASK IF P_SAMP=3 OR 4]
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
ZIP.
What is your zipcode?
[PROGRAMMING NOTE: IF P_SAMP=3 OR 4 AND ZIP=MISSING, THEN TERMINATE]
INTRO2.
This survey is designed to help the U.S. Coast Guard improve recreational boating in the United States. The questionnaire will ask about the boats, including kayaks and canoes, that your household may own, may have rented, may have borrowed, or may have accessed through a boating club this year. [TEXT IF P_SAMP=1] Anyone in your household age 18 or older may respond, but we recommend that the person with the most knowledge about the household’s boating activities fill out the survey.
[MP]
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
Q2.
The next few questions are about the type or types of recreational boats or watercraft you or any member of your household owned, rented, or borrowed in the United States in [YEAR].
In [YEAR], did you or any member of your household own, rent, or borrow…?
GRID (4;4;4;4):
an open motorboat, such as a bass boat, center console boat, or ski boat
a cabin motorboat
a pontoon boat
an air boat
a houseboat
an auxiliary sailboat (sailboat with motor)
a personal watercraft, such as a WaveRunner™, Jetski™, Sea-Doo™
a rowboat, such as a shell, scull, or skiff, including inflatables, such as a raft
a kayak, including an inflatable kayak
a standup paddleboard (SUP), including an inflatable SUP
some other type of paddlecraft (not including canoes, kayaks, or standup paddleboards (SUPs))
a mechanically propelled hydrofoil or surfboard, also known as an eFoil or Jetboard
another type of recreational boat or watercraft not previously listed, not including an inflatable tube or inner tube
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes, me or someone in my household rented or borrowed this type of boat
No, this type of boat was not owned, rented, or borrowed [SP]
BOATING LOOP BEGINS; REPEATED FOR EACH TYPE OF VESSEL SELECTED AS “OWNED” IN Q2 AND Q2B
B1.
How many recreational [VESSEL]s were owned by you or any member of your household in [YEAR]?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-10]
[TEXT IF B1=1 OR MISSING]
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL] you or a member of your household owned in [YEAR].
[TEXT IF B1>1]
For the next few questions, please think about the [VESSEL] you or a member of your household used most recently in [YEAR].
B2.
What best describes the ownership status of the [VESSEL]?
I own this [VESSEL]
Someone else in my household owns this [VESSEL]
I co-own this [VESSEL]
Some other ownership arrangement
Don't know
B2A.
With whom do you co-own this [VESSEL]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Someone in my household
Someone who does not live in my household
B3A.
When not in use, where is your [VESSEL] stored?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
On land at my primary residence
In the water at my primary residence
On land at a secondary residence such as a vacation home
In the water at a secondary residence such as a vacation home
On land at a marina
In the water at a marina
At a storage facility
Somewhere else
Can the [VESSEL] carry more than one person?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
B4.
In [LASTMONTH & YEAR], was the [VESSEL] taken out on the water by you or anyone in your household?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
Don't know
[ASK IF B4>1]
B4A.
Was the [VESSEL] operational, that is, in a condition capable of being taken out on the water in [LASTMONTH & YEAR]?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
B4B.
In what other month or months, if any, has the [VESSEL] gone out on the water in [YEAR]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS (HIDE MONTHS IN THE FUTURE):
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
The [VESSEL] has not gone out on the water in any other month [SP]
PROGRAMMING NOTE: CREATE DATA-ONLY VARIABLE: TOSEA_X
THIS VARIABLE INDICATES WHETHER THE VESSEL WENT OUT ON THE WATER IN ANY MONTH OF THE YEAR THUS FAR.
X CORRESPONDS WITH THE LOOP NUMBER.
TOSEA_X=0
FLIP TOSEA_X=1 IF B4=1 OR AT LEAST ONE MONTH SELECTED IN B4B.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: MONTH SHOULD FILL WITH MOST RECENT MONTH THE VESSEL WENT ON THE WATER. IF B4=1, MONTH=LASTMONTH.
MONTHINTRO.
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s activities in [MONTH & YEAR]. Please only report on activities that occurred during [MONTH & YEAR].
B5.
In [MONTH & YEAR], how was the water accessed with the [VESSEL]? If it accessed the water more than once, please indicate how it accessed the water most often.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Public boat ramp (i.e. a boat ramp owned by a city or state)
Public marina (i.e. a marina owned by a city or state)
Unincorporated/developed boat launch (i.e side of the road, beach)
Private residence
Private property other than a private residence such as a private marina, a lake road association, or a yacht club
Other
B6.
On how many days did the [VESSEL] go out on the water in [MONTH & YEAR]? Going out on the water for any amount of time on a particular day counts as a day. If you are unsure, please give your best estimate.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX (limit response option to length of month and allow zero as a valid response)]
Typical Outings Section Begins
[SHOW IF B6>1]
TYPICALINTRO.
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s typical outings in [MONTH & YEAR].
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
B7A.
On a typical day in [MONTH & YEAR] when the [VESSEL] went on the water, how many separate outings were made?
An outing occurs when a boat or watercraft is launched, or leaves its dock, mooring, buoy, or slip, with one or more passengers aboard, is operated out on the water, and then returns to its original location and the passengers exit the boat or watercraft.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-15]
[ASK IF B6>1]
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
B7C.
How many hours, on average, did a typical outing on the [VESSEL] in [MONTH & YEAR] last? Please round your answer to the nearest whole number. If an average outing lasts less than an hour, please enter 1.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-48]
[ASK IF B6>1 AND B3C<>1]
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
B7D.
How many people, on average, were onboard the [VESSEL] on a typical outing in [MONTH & YEAR]?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-50]
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
B7E.
How many passengers onboard the [VESSEL] on a typical outing in [MONTH & YEAR] were 12 years of age or younger?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; RESPONSE SHOULD NOT EXCEED RESPONSE GIVEN IN B7D]
[ASK IF B6=1]
B8A.
Were you personally onboard that day [VESSEL] went out on the water in [MONTH & YEAR], or not?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
[TEXT IF B6>1]
B8B.
On how many days, if any, in [MONTH & YEAR] were you personally onboard the [VESSEL]?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX (limit response option to number of days given in B6 and allow zero as a valid response)]
PROGRAMMING: CREATE DATA-ONLY VARIABLE: ONBOARD_B_X
THIS VARIABLE INDICATES WHETHER THE RESPONDENT WAS PERSONALLY ONBOARD THE VESSEL OR NOT AT ANY POINT DURING THE MONTH.
X CORRESPONDS WITH THE LOOP NUMBER.
ONBOARD_B_X=0
FLIP ONBOARD_B_X=1 IF B8A=1 OR B8B>0
B9.
How many separate outings did the [VESSEL] make that day it went out on the water in [MONTH & YEAR]?
[TEXT IF B8B=0]
Thinking about the most recent day in [MONTH & YEAR] the [VESSEL] went out on the water, how many separate outings were made?
[TEXT IF B8B=1]
Thinking about the day in [MONTH & YEAR] you were onboard the [VESSEL], how many separate outings were made?
Thinking about the most recent day in [MONTH & YEAR] you were onboard the [VESSEL], how many separate outings were made?
[SHOW ALL]
An outing occurs when a boat is launched, or leaves its dock, mooring, buoy, or slip, with one or more passengers aboard, is operated out on the water, and then returns to its original location and the passengers exit the boat.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-10]
[ASK IF TOSEA=1]
BOUTINGINTRO.
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s outing in [MONTH & YEAR].
[TEXT IF B9>1 & B8B=0]
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s most recent outing in [MONTH & YEAR].
[TEXT IF ((B9>1 & B8A=1) OR (B9>1 & B8B>1))]
When answering the next few questions, please think about the most recent outing you took on the [VESSEL] in [MONTH & YEAR].
[TEXT IF B6=1 & B9=1 & B8A=1]
When answering the next few questions, please think about the outing you took on the [VESSEL] in [MONTH & YEAR].
[TEXT IF ELSE]
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s outing in [MONTH & YEAR].
[ASK IF TOSEA=1]
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
B11.
How many hours did this outing in [MONTH & YEAR] last? If this outing began on one day and the [VESSEL] and its passengers stayed out on the water overnight without returning to the dock or being moored, include all the hours it was operated on the water during the entire outing. Please round your answer to the nearest whole number.
[OPEN-END] Hours
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
B16.
How many people[TEXT IF ONBOARD_B_X=1], including yourself, [END IF] were on the [VESSEL] during this outing in [MONTH & YEAR]?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-50]
[ASK IF TOSEA=1 AND B3C<>1 AND B16<>1]
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
B17.
Of the [B16 FILL] people on the [VESSEL] during this outing in [MONTH & YEAR], how many were 12 years of age or younger?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW UP TO B16-1]
[ASK IF TOSEA=1]
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
B10.
In which state did that outing in [MONTH & YEAR] occur? If it traveled in multiple states, please select the state in which it launched.
[STATE DROPDOWN]
[ASK IF TOSEA=1]
B12.
On which body of water was the [VESSEL] operated during that outing in [MONTH & YEAR]? If it traveled on multiple bodies of water, please select the body of water on which it spent the most time.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
The Great Lakes
Some other lake, reservoir, or pond
River, stream, creek, swamp, or bayou
Bay, sound, inlet, coves, harbor, channel, canal, or slough
[SHOW IF B10=ALABAMA, ALASKA, CALIFORNIA, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MISSISSIPPI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH CAROLINA, OREGON, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON] Ocean or the Gulf of America (previously known as the Gulf of Mexico)
Somewhere else
Don’t know
[ASK IF B12=1 OR 5 OR 6]
B12A.
How far from shore did the [VESSEL] travel during that outing in [MONTH & YEAR]?
A nautical mile is roughly 1.15 miles, or 6,076 feet.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Near coastal (Less than 3 nautical miles from shore)
Coastal (3 nautical miles to 12 nautical miles from shore)
Offshore (12 or more nautical miles from shore)
[ASK IF ONBOARD_B=1]
B18.
In which of the following activities did the people aboard the [VESSEL] participate during that outing in [MONTH & YEAR]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Fishing or crabbing
[SHOW IF LOOP=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12] Towed watersports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, or tubing
Hunting from the boat
Racing
Scuba diving or snorkeling off or from the boat
Sightseeing
Wildlife viewing, birdwatching, or observing nature
Socializing with friends/family
Sunbathing
Swimming off or from the boat
Travel to a restaurant
Consuming alcohol
Other activities while out on the water
[ASK IF ONBOARD_B=1]
B19.
On that outing, did you access weather or other emergency information from any source other than a smartphone?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
BMONTH1.
Looking ahead, when do you think the [VESSEL] will go out on the water in [YEAR]? Please select all that apply. If you are unsure, please give your best estimate.
RESPONSE OPTIONS (HIDE MONTHS IN THE PAST):
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
The [VESSEL] will not go out on the water in any other month this year [SP]
PROGRAMMING NOTE: CREATE DATA-ONLY VARIABLE: FUTURE
FUTURE=0
FLIP FUTURE=1 IF ANY MONTH SELECTED IN BMONTH1.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: CREATE DATA ONLY TEXT-FILL VARIABLE: FUTUREMO
FUTUREMO SHOULD FILL WITH THE NEAREST MONTH SELECTED IN BMONTH1, AND THEN BE USED TO FILL BMONTH2-BMONTH6 BELOW.
Future Outings Section Begins
BMONTH2.
On how many days do you anticipate the [VESSEL] will go out on the water in [FUTUREMO & YEAR]? Going out on the water for any amount of time on a particular day counts as a day. If you are unsure, please give your best estimate.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX (limit response option to length of month and allow zero as a valid response)]
[ASK IF FUTURE=1 AND TOSEA=0]
BMONTH3.
How many separate outings do you anticipate the [VESSEL] will make on a typical day in [FUTUREMO & YEAR]?
An outing occurs when a boat or watercraft is launched, or leaves its dock, mooring, buoy, or slip, with one or more passengers aboard, is operated out on the water, and then returns to its original location and the passengers exit the boat or watercraft.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 2-15]
[ASK IF FUTURE=1 AND TOSEA=0]
BMONTH4.
How many hours, on average, do you anticipate a typical outing on the [VESSEL] in [FUTUREMO & YEAR] will last? Please round your answer to the nearest whole number. If you anticipate that an average outing will last less than an hour, please enter 1.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-48]
[ASK IF FUTURE=1 AND TOSEA=0 AND B3C<>1]
BMONTH5.
How many people, on average, do you anticipate will be onboard the [VESSEL] on a typical outing in [FUTUREMO & YEAR]?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-50]
[ASK IF FUTURE=1 AND TOSEA=0 AND B3C<>1]
BMONTH6.
How many passengers onboard the [VESSEL] do you anticipate will be 12 years of age or younger on a typical outing in [FUTUREMO & YEAR]?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; RESPONSE SHOULD NOT EXCEED RESPONSE GIVEN IN B7D]
BMONTH7.
In which state do you anticipate the [VESSEL] will go out on the water on a typical outing in [FUTUREMO & YEAR]? If it will travel in multiple states, please select the state it will launch from.
[STATE DROPDOWN]
77. Don’t know
Future Outings Section Ends
B20.
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s equipment.
When operating the [VESSEL], what do you use for navigation? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Onboard navigation, such as a GPS unit or onboard chart plotter
Mobile GPS unit
Smartphone app
By looking at landmarks and using local knowledge
Paper maps or charts
Something else
[ASK IF PADDLE=0 AND LOOP<>7, 9, 10]
B21.
What type of engine cut-off switch (ECOS) is on the [VESSEL]?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Do you carry any of the following on the [VESSEL] to alert search and rescue authorities in case of emergencies?
An emergency position indicating radio beacon, or EPIRB. These devices are usually mounted on the vessel and float when submerged in water. They are designed to provide long-range distress alerts to search and rescue authorities.
A personal locator beacon, or PLB. These devices are designed to be worn by the individual user, typically on a lifejacket. They transmit a signal once activated by a user.
An Automatic Identification System Search and Rescue Transmitter, or AIS-SART. These devices are stored in an accessible location on the vessel and transmit a signal through the Automatic Identification System. They are designed for short-range search and rescue operations.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
B24.
What type of nighttime visual distress signals do you carry on the [VESSEL]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
B25.
Which of the following forms of communication do you carry on the [VESSEL]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Smartphone, laptop, or tablet
A cell phone that is not a smartphone
Very High Frequency Digital Selective Calling (VHF-DSC) radio fixed with antenna
Handheld Very High Frequency (VHF) radio
Satellite phone or satellite enabled notification device
Sound producing device, such as an airhorn or signal whistle
Don’t know [SP]
[ASK IF (B25=3 OR 4)]
B25A.
Have you obtained a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) registration number for the VHF-DSC Radio?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
Don't know
[ASK IF PADDLE=0]
B26.
What kind of life jackets do you carry on the [VESSEL]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Standard life jacket that is foam-filled and inherently buoyant
Inflatable life jacket that must be inflated before it will provide flotation
Don’t know [SP]
B27.
How frequently do you personally wear a life jacket on the [VESSEL]?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
[ASK IF B27<>1]
B27A.
Under what conditions do you personally wear a life jacket on the [VESSEL]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
In rough weather
In emergency situations
[SHOW IF B3C<>1] When children are onboard
B28.
How frequently do you require each of the following to wear a life jacket on the [VESSEL]?
Children aged 13 to 17
Adults aged 18 and older
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
Is the [VESSEL] currently registered with a state?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
Don't know
B29A.
What state is the [VESSEL] currently registered with?
[STATE DROPDOWN]
[IF (B29=2 OR 3) OR B29A=77, 98, 99]
B29B.
When not in use, in what state is the [VESSEL] stored?
[STATE DROPDOWN]
77. Don’t know
BP1.
Does the [VESSEL] include any of the following for purposes of contacting its owner in the event it is lost? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
A sticker with the owner’s contact information
Contact information written directly on the vessel
Contact information written on the manufacturer's placard
Registration number
This boat is not labeled with contact information [SP]
BP2.
Has the person in your household who most frequently operates the [VESSEL] taken a boating safety course specifically for operating [VESSEL]s, or not?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes, within the past year (anytime less than 12 months ago)
Yes, within the past 2 years (more than 1 year but less than 2 years ago)
Yes, within the past 5 years (more than 2 years but less than 5 years ago)
Yes, more than 5 years ago
No
[IF PADDLE=1]
BP3.
Is the person in your household who most frequently operates the [VESSEL] more likely to take it out on the water alone, with a group of people, or do they take the [VESSEL] out about equally (alone or with a group)?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
More likely to go on the water alone
More likely to go with a group
About equally alone and with a group
B31.
How many hours of experience does the person in your household who most frequently operates the [VESSEL] have in operating this specific [VESSEL]?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Under 10 hours
10 to under 100 hours
100 hours to under 500 hours
500 or more hours
Don't know
B32.
How many hours of experience does the person in your household who most frequently operates the [VESSEL] have in operating [VESSEL]s generally?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Don't know
PROGRAMMING NOTE:
BOATING LOOP ENDS
RENTAL LOOP BEGINS; REPEATED FOR EACH TYPE OF VESSEL SELECTED AS “RENTED OR BORROWED” IN Q2
R1.
[CAWI CUSTOM PROMPT TWICE]: We would really like your answer to this question
In what previous month or months of [YEAR] did you or any member of your household rent or borrow a [VESSEL]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS (HIDE MONTHS IN THE FUTURE):
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
R1A.
How many recreational [VESSEL]s did you or any member of your household rent or borrow during [R1 MONTH FILL & YEAR]?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX]
PROGRAMMING NOTE: MONTH SHOULD FILL WITH MOST RECENT MONTH SELECTED IN R1.
RENTINTRO.
[TEXT IF R1A=1 FOR A SINGLE MONTH IN R1, OR R1=MISSING]
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL] you or a member of your household rented or borrowed in [MONTH & YEAR].
[TEXT IF ELSE]
For the next few questions, please think about the [VESSEL] you or a member of your household rented or borrowed most recently in [YEAR]. [TEXT IF PADDLE=1] If you rented more than one [VESSEL] at the same time, please think about the one you’re most familiar with. [END IF]
R2.
Was this [VESSEL] rented, borrowed, or accessed through a boat club?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
This vessel was rented
This vessel was borrowed
This vessel was accessed through a boat club
Don’t know
[ASK IF R2=1]
R2A.
Who rented this [VESSEL]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
I rented this vessel
Someone else in my household rented this vessel
Someone who does not live in my household rented this vessel
[ASK IF R2=1]
R2B.
What best describes how this [VESSEL] was rented?
RESPONSE
OPTIONS:
From a company that specializes in boat rentals
At a park (local, state, national park)
Through a social media marketplace or app
Through an Airbnb or other rental property where you or someone else was staying
Through a hotel or resort where you or someone else was staying
From a friend or other acquaintance
[ASK IF R2=3]
R2C.
Are you personally a member at the boat club where this [VESSEL] was accessed, or not?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
Can the [VESSEL] carry more than one person?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
R6.
On how many days did you or someone in your household take the [VESSEL] out on the water in [MONTH & YEAR]? Going out on the water for any amount of time on a particular day counts as a day. If you are unsure, please give your best estimate.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX (limit response option to length of month and allow zero as a valid response)]
Typical Outings Section Begins
TYPICALINTRO.
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s typical outings in [MONTH & YEAR].
R7A.
On a typical day in [MONTH & YEAR] when the [VESSEL] went on the water, how many separate outings were made?
An outing occurs when a boat or watercraft is launched, or leaves its dock, mooring, buoy, or slip, with one or more passengers aboard, is operated out on the water, and then returns to its original location and the passengers exit the boat or watercraft.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-15]
R7C.
How many hours, on average, did a typical outing on the [VESSEL] in [MONTH & YEAR] last? Please round your answer to the nearest whole number. If an average outing lasts less than an hour, please enter 1.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-48]
R7D.
How many people, on average, were onboard the [VESSEL] on a typical outing in [MONTH & YEAR]?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-50]
[ASK IF B7D>1]
R7E.
How many passengers onboard the [VESSEL] on a typical outing in [MONTH & YEAR] were 12 years of age or younger?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; RESPONSE SHOULD NOT EXCEED RESPONSE GIVEN IN B7D]
[ASK IF R6=1]
R8A.
Were you personally onboard that day [VESSEL] went out on the water in [MONTH & YEAR], or not?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
[ASK IF R6>1]
R8B.
On how many days, if any, in [MONTH & YEAR] were you personally onboard the [VESSEL]?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX (limit response option to number of days given in R6 and allow zero as a valid response)]
PROGRAMMING: CREATE DATA-ONLY VARIABLE: ONBOARD_R_X
THIS VARIABLE INDICATES WHETHER THE RESPONDENT WAS PERSONALLY ONBOARD THE VESSEL OR NOT AT ANY POINT DURING THE MONTH FOR EACH LOOP.
X CORRESPONDS WITH THE LOOP NUMBER.
ONBOARD_R_X=0
FLIP ONBOARD_R_X=1 IF R8A=1 OR R8B>0
R9.
How many separate outings did the [VESSEL] make that day it went out on the water in [MONTH & YEAR]?
[TEXT IF R8B=1]
Thinking about the day in [MONTH & YEAR] you were onboard the [VESSEL], how many separate outings were made?
[TEXT IF R8B>1]
Thinking about the most recent day in [MONTH & YEAR] you were onboard the [VESSEL], how many separate outings were made?
[SHOW ALL]
An outing occurs when a boat is launched, or leaves its dock, mooring, buoy, or slip, with one or more passengers aboard, is operated out on the water, and then returns to its original location and the passengers exit the boat.
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-10]
ROUTINGINTRO.
[TEXT IF R6=1 & R9=1 & R8A=2]
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s outing in [MONTH & YEAR].
[TEXT IF R9>1 & R8B=0]
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s most recent outing in [MONTH & YEAR].
[TEXT IF ((R9>1 & R8A=1) OR (R9>1 & R8B>1))]
When answering the next few questions, please think about the most recent outing you took on the [VESSEL] in [MONTH & YEAR].
[TEXT IF R6=1 & R9=1 & R8A=1]
When answering the next few questions, please think about the outing you took on the [VESSEL] in [MONTH & YEAR].
[TEXT IF ELSE]
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s outing in [MONTH & YEAR].
R11.
How many hours did this outing in [MONTH & YEAR] last? If this outing began on one day and the [VESSEL] and its passengers stayed out on the water overnight without returning to the dock or being moored, include all the hours it was operated on the water during the entire outing. Please round your answer to the nearest whole number.
[OPEN-END] Hours
R16.
How many people[TEXT IF ONBOARD_R_X=1], including yourself,[END IF] were on the [VESSEL] during this outing in [MONTH & YEAR]?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW NUMBERS 1-50]
[ASK IF R3C<>1]
Of the [R16 FILL] people on the [VESSEL] during this outing in [MONTH & YEAR], how many were 12 years of age or younger?
[SMALL NUMERIC TEXT BOX; ALLOW UP TO R16-1]
R10.
In which state did that outing in [MONTH & YEAR] occur? If it traveled in multiple states, please select the state in which it launched.
[STATE DROPDOWN]
77. Don’t know
R12.
On which body of water was the [VESSEL] operated during that outing in [MONTH & YEAR]? If it traveled on multiple bodies of water, please select the body of water on which it spent the most time.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
The Great Lakes
Some other lake, reservoir, or pond
River, stream, creek, swamp, or bayou
Bay, sound, inlet, coves, harbor, channel, canal, or slough
[SHOW IF R10=ALABAMA, ALASKA, CALIFORNIA, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MISSISSIPPI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH CAROLINA, OREGON, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, VIRGINIA, WASHINGTON] Ocean or the Gulf of America (previously known as the Gulf of Mexico)
Somewhere else
Don’t know
[ASK IF R12=1 OR 5 OR 6]
R12A.
How far from shore did the [VESSEL] travel during that outing in [MONTH & YEAR]?
A nautical mile is roughly 1.15 miles, or 6,076 feet.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Near coastal (Less than 3 nautical miles from shore)
Coastal (3 nautical miles to 12 nautical miles from shore)
Offshore (12 or more nautical miles from shore)
Don’t know
[ASK IF ONBOARD_R=1]
R18.
In which of the following activities did the people aboard the [VESSEL] participate during that outing in [MONTH & YEAR]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Fishing or crabbing
[SHOW IF LOOP=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12] Towed watersports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, or tubing
Hunting from the boat
Racing
Scuba diving or snorkeling off or from the boat
Sightseeing
Wildlife viewing, birdwatching, or observing nature
Socializing with friends/family
Sunbathing
Swimming off or from the boat
Other activities while out on the water
[ASK IF ONBOARD_R=1]
R19.
On that outing, did you access weather or other emergency information from any source other than a smartphone?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
Don’t know
R20.
The next few questions are about the [VESSEL]’s equipment.
When operating the [VESSEL] what did you use for navigation? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Onboard navigation, such as a GPS unit or onboard chart plotter
Mobile GPS unit
Smartphone app
By looking at aids to navigation and channel markers
Paper maps or charts
Guidebooks
Something else
Don’t know
I do not operate this [VESSEL] [SP]
[ASK IF PADDLE=0 AND LOOP<>7, 9, 10]
R21.
What type of engine cut-off switch (ECOS) was on the [VESSEL]?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Lanyard that is physically connected to the operator from the ECOS
Wireless
There was no ECOS on this vessel
Don’t know
R22.
Did you carry any of the following on the [VESSEL] to alert search and rescue authorities in case of emergencies?
An emergency position indicating radio beacon, or EPIRB. These devices are usually mounted on the vessel and float when submerged in water. They are designed to provide long-range distress alerts.
A personal locator beacon. These devices are designed to be worn by the individual user.
An Automatic Identification System Search and Rescue Transmitter, or AIS-SART. These devices are stored in an accessible location on the vessel and are designed for short-range search and rescue operations.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
Don’t know
R24.
What type of nighttime visual distress signals did you have on the [VESSEL]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Electronic visual distress signals such as LED lights or signal lights
Flares or pyrotechnics
Don’t know [SP]
R25.
Which of the following forms of communication did you have on the [VESSEL]? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Smartphone, laptop, or tablet
Very High Frequency Digital Selective Calling (VHF-DSC) radio fixed with antenna
Handheld Very High Frequency (VHF) radio
Satellite phone or satellite enabled notification device
Non-electronic device such as a signal mirror
Sound producing device, such as an airhorn or signal whistle
Don’t know [SP]
I didn’t carry any form of communication [SP]
RP2.
Has the person in your household who most frequently operates the [VESSEL] taken a boating safety course specifically for operating [VESSEL]s, or not?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes, within the past year (anytime less than 12 months ago)
Yes, within the past 2 years (more than 1 year but less than 2 years ago)
Yes, within the past 5 years (more than 2 years but less than 5 years ago)
Yes, more than 5 years ago
No
Don’t know
[IF PADDLE=1]
RP3.
Is the person in your household who most frequently operates the [VESSEL] more likely to take it out on the water alone, with a group of people, or do they take the [VESSEL] out about equally (alone or with a group)?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
More likely to go on the water alone
More likely to go with a group
About equally alone and with a group
R32.
How many hours of experience does the person in your household who most frequently operates the [VESSEL] have in operating [VESSEL]s generally?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Under 10 hours
10 to under 100 hours
100 hours to under 500 hours
500 or more hours
Don't know
Rental LOOP ENDS
O1. (S1 on Participation)
Now we'd like to ask you about your household’s experiences with boating generally, not just limited to the time spent on the water in [MONTH & YEAR]. When answering the next few questions, please think about the person in your household who boats most often.
When it comes to recreational boating, how many years of experience does the person in your household who boats most often have?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Less than a year
One year to under 5 years
5 years to under 10 years
10 years to under 20 years
How familiar, if at all, is the person in your household who boats most often with the boating laws in your state?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Thinking of the person in your household who boats most often, what percentage of their outings occur at night?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
0% to less than 25%
25% to less than 50%
50% to less than 75%
75% or more
Don’t know
O3B.
Thinking of the person in your household who boats most often, what percentage of their outings occur in fast waters, that is, where the water or current flows rapidly due to factors such as a change in depth or elevation, narrow passages, or high water?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
O3C.
Thinking of the person in your household who boats most often, what percentage of their outings occur in cold waters, that is, water below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 degrees Celsius?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
0% to less than 25%
25% to less than 50%
50% to less than 75%
75% or more
Don’t know
O3D.
Thinking of the person in your household who boats most often, what percentage of their outings occur in conditions that impact vision such as fog, heavy rain, or blinding sun?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
0% to less than 25%
25% to less than 50%
50% to less than 75%
75% or more
Don’t know
O6.
Thinking of the person in your household who boats most often, do they let others know they’re going out on the water in case of an emergency?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes, always
Yes, sometimes
No, never
[ASK IF O6=1 OR 2]
O6A.
How do they let others know they’re going out on the water in case of an emergency?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Tell a friend or family member
Use a smartphone app
File a written float plan
Some other way
O7.
Thinking of the person in your household who boats most often, how frequently do they provide a safety briefing to their passengers before boating?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
Not applicable
O8.
How does the person in your household who boats most often learn of changes to boating laws and requirements in the state or states in which they boat? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok
YouTube
TV programming
Boating magazines
Smartphone app
Other boaters
US Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary
Boating organizations
Law enforcement, such as on-water safety inspections
Marine Safety Publications
State agencies
Marina
Something else
I don’t learn about changes to boating laws and requirements in my state [SP]
O9. (S3 on Participation)
Has the person in your household who boats most often ever taken a boating safety course provided by the following?
Boating safety course provided by a state
Boating safety course provided by a retailer such as L.L. Bean or REI
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes, within the past year (anytime less than 12 months ago)
Yes, within the past 2 years (more than 1 year but less than 2 years ago)
Yes, within the past 5 years (more than 2 years but less than 5 years ago)
Yes, more than 5 years ago
No
Don’t know
[ASK IF O9A=1, 2, 3, 4 OR O9B=1, 2, 3, 4]
O9A. (S4 on Participation)
[INSERT TEXT IF O9A=1, 2, 3, 4 AND O9B=1, 2, 3, 4] For the next few questions, please think about the boating safety course taken most recently. [END IF]
Where did this boating safety course take place?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
[ASK IF O9=1, 2, 3, 4 OR O9B=1, 2, 3, 4]
O9B. (S5 on Participation)
Why did the person in your household who boats most often take this boating safety course?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
I took the course voluntarily to increase my boating safety knowledge.
I was required to take the course after receiving a citation for a water safety violation.
Passing the course and receiving a boating safety certificate was a requirement to operating a boat.
I was offered an incentive to take the course such as a discount from the place I purchased it or lower insurance premiums
[ASK IF O9=1, 2, 3, 4 OR O9B=1, 2, 3, 4]
O9C. (S6 on Participation)
Thinking of the person in your household who boats most often, after completing the boating safety course, how confident did they feel in:
Operating a boat
Being on a boat
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
O10.
Does the person in your household who boats most often obtain marine safety information such as weather information or information about other potential hazards before boating from any of the following sources? Please select all that apply.
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
A Smartphone app such as a weather app or boating safety app
Other boaters
Government sources such as Broadcast Notice to Mariners over VHF, Local Notice to Mariners reports, or Coast Pilot
They do not obtain marine safety information before boating from any of these sources [SP]
O11.
Which of the following amounts, if any, would you be willing to pay for a device that would notify rescuers that you are in danger on the water?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Less than $100
$100 to less than $300
$300 to less than $500
$500 or more
I am not willing to pay for this type of device
Demographics
D1.
CATI: INTERVIEWER RECORD RESPONDENT’S SEX. IF UNSURE, ASK THE FOLLOWING:
Are you male or female?
RESPONSE OPTIONS (CAPITALIZE CATI):
Male
Female
D2.
What is your age?
D4.
Are you of Latino or Hispanic descent, or not?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Yes
No
Don't know
D5.
What is your racial or ethnic heritage?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
White
Black or African American
Asian
Hispanic or Latino
Middle Eastern or North African
American Indian, Native American, or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Other
D6.
Which statement best describes your current employment status?
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Employed/Self-employed, working 40 or more hours per week
Employed/Self-employed, working 1-39 hours per week
Not employed, looking for work
Not employed, NOT looking for work
Retired
Disabled, not able to work
A student
Don't know
D8.
In which of these categories is your total yearly household income, that is, of everyone living in your family household? Was your total household income in 2023…
RESPONSE OPTIONS:
Less than $25,000
$25,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 or more
Don't know
D9.
We will be conducting additional follow-up surveys on the same topic over the next year. We would greatly appreciate your participation in the future. So that we may contact you, can you provide your email address and/or cell phone number? The contact information you provide will <u>only<u> be used to contact you about this study and for no other purposes. By providing your cell number, you authorize NORC to text you using an automated telephone dialing system. Please note that standard messaging and data rates apply. You can reply STOP to opt out at any time.
First name [OPEN-END]
Last name [OPEN-END]
Phone number [OPEN-END]
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