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Home » Consumer Information » Water Safety

Boating

Boating can be a great leisure activity, but anyone who wishes to captain a boat must be well versed in how to be safe while at sea. Knowing and following the rules of boating can be the difference between a pleasant journey and a terrible disaster.

Learn how to sail.

Before taking charge of any vessel, you must learn how to sail a boat. Take a class that will teach you about proper seamanship, how to navigate and give you a thorough understanding of operating your boat.

Prepare to set out.

Once you are ready to take your boat out, you will need to follow some precautionary measures before leaving the dock.

Check the weather report, and find out the forecast for the entire time you will be on the boat. The weather can change rapidly, especially at sea, and it is essential to know what to expect and prepare for it. Bring a radio on board and listen to weather updates while you are out.

Plan your trip completely. Make a list of where you are going, how long you expect to be gone, who is going with you and what route you intend to take. Make sure friends or family have a copy of this list so they have your itinerary if they need it.

Learn what to do in case someone falls overboard. When someone accidentally drops into the water, it is a scary and stressful experience. Come up with a plan on how to handle this situation in advance so you are ready for it if it happens.

Personal safety for you and your crew

Ideally, everyone on the boat will know how to swim, but even the strongest swimmer should wear a Coast Guard certified life vest at all times. An accident can happen at any time, so you must always be prepared. If the boat starts to sink, there may not be time to find the vests and put them on.

Anyone who is part of the crew of the boat should avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a leading cause of all boating accidents. It will slow your reflexes and reaction time, and that could be all it takes to get into an accident which could have otherwise been avoided.

Keep sun screen and a fully stocked first aid kit on board. Help make sure your passengers do not get painful sun burns, and carry the first aid essentials in case someone does get hurt.

Items you should have on board

A phone and a radio are essential items for any boating trip. Keep in mind that the Coast Guard can be reached on radio Channel 16. Do not use this channel for any reason other than an emergency.

Bring extra fuel to make sure you can keep the boat going. For smaller boats, it is advisable to have a set of oars on board as well. Keep a tow rope with you in case you completely run out of gas or have engine failure. Always have a plan to get back to land.

Flares will help others find you if you are stalled at sea. Learn how to use them, and know the difference between flares for daytime and nighttime. Also store at least one fire extinguisher on board and don't forget to have it serviced annually.

Carry extra food and water just in case. If your trip is delayed, you will need them.

It's a good idea to have a second set of clothes with you as well. If you were to get drenched, you would not want to sit around in wet clothing, or risk hypothermia. Bringing extra garments will help you stay nice and dry during your journey.

Boating should be a safe and rewarding experience. When you go out to sea, follow these guidelines, use common sense and have a safe trip.