The sun is shining, the water looks inviting. You’ve just pulled into your favourite marina, and it’s time to head out on the open seas for some fishing. But before you get too comfortable in that chair, take a moment to think about how safe or unsafe your boat might be. Boat safety is essential and can make all the difference between an enjoyable day at sea and disaster waiting to happen. So if you’re going to be taking your boat out this weekend, here are a few tips on what to check for so that you stay afloat!
Always wear life jackets whenever you take your boat out:
Always make sure everyone aboard is wearing a life jacket. It might sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised how often accidents occur that was easily avoidable had the passengers simply been wearing their jackets. For added safety and convenience, invest in some inflatable life vests for your younger crew members – they are inexpensive and will keep children safe even if they fall overboard or get caught up in the boat’s lines. Even better yet, look into getting a few cheap adult flotation devices so that everyone onboard can enjoy fun in the sun and still feel safe!
Keep all of your equipment dry:
Rainy days at sea aren’t necessarily bad days; it’s all about how you deal with them. First things first: always make sure your boat is adequately covered. Storms can sneak up on you very quickly, especially if you’re out in the middle of nowhere! If you find that your equipment has gotten wet, dry it off as soon as possible to prevent rusting and make sure it’s still fit for use.
Learn how to properly steer the boat:
Boating may seem simple, but there are many different techniques behind steering safely without crashing into other boats or running aground! Make sure everyone on board knows all about where the emergency equipment and life jackets are located – not only will this make them feel safer, it will also give you some time to deal with emergencies instead of having to stumble around searching for what you need while your boat starts sinking. Always keep an eye on the other vessels around you, and avoid going too close to land or any shallow areas. Remember to respect “no wake” zones for your own safety as well as for swimmers or boaters near you!
Invest in a VHF radio:
Not only is this device vital for letting people know where you’re headed, but it can also be beneficial if something goes wrong while you are out at sea. A quick call to the coast guard can get help sent in your direction much faster than trying to use a cell phone (which might not have service). It’s important that everyone onboard knows how to operate a VHF properly – especially when emergencies happen!
Learn about tides and currents before you set out:
Many people forget to think about how tides and currents might affect their day at sea. Always check for any potential problems, such as securing your boat if the tide is flooding or calling on a towboat if you have no other way of getting ashore during low tide. If you’re going to be near any areas that are particularly dangerous due to strong tidal flow, call up local marine authorities ahead of time and ask them about safety guidelines for that area – it could end up being the difference between a vacation gone wrong and an adventure well beyond your expectations!
Understand all warning signs:
Just because you may know what some warning signs mean doesn’t mean everyone else does. Before heading out on a trip with others, make sure to discuss the meanings of all safety signs with your crew so that everyone knows what to look for and how to act in potentially hazardous situations. Pay special attention during areas like marinas, where there’s a greater chance of docking accidents or other problems (like flooding), as well as during high-traffic times such as holidays or weekends when crowds could further complicate matters.
Have an emergency kit ready:
This one should go without saying, but unfortunately, it doesn’t always get done! Always have an emergency kit prepared before setting out on any boating trip, significantly longer ones where you’re likely going to be far from civilization. If you are caught in bad weather, have flares ready for use and know how to signal vessels with them. If your boat has a first aid kit, make sure to update it regularly and include items like seasickness medications (always suitable for those who get motion sickness!). Make sure you have enough water and food on board to last for several days in case of an emergency situation or unexpected weather changes; the coast guard may not be able to come out after you if they don’t know how long you’ve been stranded!
Pay attention to yourself as well:
In addition to making sure everyone else is safe onboard, make sure that YOU are secure as well! Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and taking short breaks every now and again so that exhaustion doesn’t affect your judgement while boating. If you are driving, make sure to wear your seat belt whenever you are in the driver’s seat and don’t overwork yourself by taking on too much responsibility. If someone in the passenger area is driving, make sure they know how to operate the boat as well – especially if you start having issues steering after hitting high waves!
Be an informed boater:
When it comes to being safe while out at sea, there’s no substitute for knowledge. Try reading up on safety precautions to be prepared for any situation that comes your way. Knowing what signs to look out for will help keep you aware of dangerous emergencies before they can become big problems! You should also try going out with others who have experience operating a boat and ask them about what things they look out for and their safety preparations. They might have a few tips that you’ve never heard of before!
Know when to call for help:
If at any point on your boat trip, you feel like something just isn’t right or if something happens that is beyond your expertise, it’s better to be safe than sorry – so don’t hesitate to call the coast guard or other marine authorities for assistance! Don’t assume someone else has already notified emergency services about your problem – there may be multiple boats reporting emergencies at once, causing confusion or preventing critical rescue operations from starting promptly. Just remember that while many boating accidents are preventable with careful preparation and knowledge of the area’s dangers, some can still happen despite all precautions; it’s better to be safe than sorry, so call for help when you need it!
Know what to do in an emergency:
No matter how well prepared you are with safety measures and emergency kits, accidents can still happen, and it pays to know what your options are if something goes wrong. The coast guard has a “General Safety Tips” page available [with TONS of helpful information on boating safety] covering all the basics – from swimming safely at sea to avoiding marine debris like oil slicks or disabled boats. They also have a complete list of boating hazards as well as first aid tips – make sure you’re familiar with these before heading out so that you can react responsibly in times of distress!
Never drive recklessly:
there is no place for rushing when it comes to boat safety! If all else fails, enjoy the view: If you’re at sea and nothing terrible happens despite there being a chance of something going wrong, don’t worry; that just means that your trip so far has been safe from dangerous accidents! So sit back in the captain’s chair, relax, and enjoy looking out onto the seas.
Be aware of weather changes:
Before you leave on your trip, try to be mindful of the weather forecast so that you know when conditions might become hazardous. If a storm is brewing or if it looks like there’s going to be major precipitation soon, then don’t go out; it may seem more fun for your family to enjoy the rough waves and wind and face the risk of storms, but who’s got time for that? It will save everyone on board some stress in the long run if you just wait until tomorrow!
Don’t overload:
Know how much weight your boat can handle – especially important while driving through shallow waters or overloading cargo! If you are going near bridges or anywhere else where depth is limited due to underwater hazards, never exceed recommended weight limits for your boat. Put more stress than recommended on the engine, and it can start to overheat, putting everyone in danger while you’re out!
Watch out for other boats:
You might be having a great time at sea, but some captains out there are too busy trying to enjoy their trip that they ignore what is going on around them – and this can lead to collisions between vessels! So make sure you keep an eye on nearby boats and if one gets too close, try blasting your horn or flashing your lights until they reach the message and go back into their own lane! If another vessel doesn’t respect this safety standard, you may need to take further actions or even call authorities so that something isn’t overlooked or forgotten.
Take safety seriously:
No fun is worth risking the lives of your entire family! Remember that what may seem like an exciting or fun outing at sea can quickly turn into a nightmare if you are not careful, so don’t try to rush through the preparations or take shortcuts to save time; always be mindful of boat safety and do whatever it takes to make sure everyone gets back safely at the end of every trip!
Keep track of supplies:
Before heading out, make sure you’re well-stocked with life jackets, buckets, flares and everything else you’ll need for emergencies – just in case something unexpected does happen, you’ll be ready for it! Don’t forget that if something terrible does occur while you’re out on the water, you have the right to call for help using your VHF radio!
If in doubt, don’t go out:
No matter how much you want to head out for fishing or whatever other reason you might have for going to sea on a boat, never forget that only YOU are responsible for making sure everyone is safe and sound – even if it means being called a “party pooper!” Remember that no one likes to be bored, but there’s nothing worse than having an accident where someone could’ve been injured (or worse) due to not following safety precautions. So if you’re faced with any doubts about safety while out boating, just take a moment; think about what you can do differently; consider whether waiting until tomorrow would be a better option. If you’re still not sure, call someone to discuss the issue with or even check out some safety videos online; if you are still worried about boat safety after doing this, maybe don’t go out until someone else can take a look at it and make sure everything is in proper working order.
Make sure that you follow local laws regarding alcohol consumption:
If you’re planning on taking any drinks out with you, it’s essential that everyone is of age or has a valid ID that proves otherwise!
Don’t forget to carry flares and reflectors:
Collisions can happen in even the best weather, and if you’re driving through areas where it’s hard to see other boats or large waves are obstructing your vision, flares will help; to attract attention! Floating flares also serve as markers for rescuers locating vessels that have sunk, and reflectors keep passing ships aware of your presence.
Don’t overload:
Know how much weight your boat can handle – especially important while driving through shallow waters or overloading cargo! If you are going near bridges or anywhere else where depth is limited due to underwater hazards, never exceed recommended weight limits for your boat. Put more stress than recommended on the engine, and it can start to overheat, putting everyone in danger while you’re out!
Know the tides and currents in your area:
Knowing your location at all times will help you to avoid any hazards that can come from driving over shallow waters or by taking the wrong route. It’s essential to keep track of local tides and currents, so there are no surprises while out on the water!
Use a checklist:
Whether you’re setting up for an overnight stay or just going out for a short trip, never forget that it only takes a few minutes to go through these routine checks – and those 5-10 minutes might be the difference between coming back safely or coming home with the tragic news about someone who didn’t make it! So take your time; ensure everything is ready before heading out on the open seas, and don’t rush through safety precautions just because you think they’re boring.
Learn how to read charts and maps:
Don’t rely on GPS when you’re out boating – even if it is a newer version! Most marine electronics are designed to fail in high-pressure, saltwater environments, so ensure that you know how to read nautical charts and maps appropriately.
Know where your motor’s fuel tank is and avoid contact:
Ensure that the fuel tank is always appropriately secured with no leaks and secure any wiring or other accessories around the area. Fuel vapours can build up near heat sources like a sun deck, especially on older boats, but if there are any gas spillages, they could ignite at any time without warning!
If boating overnight is planned, make sure to have enough flashlights!
Check them all before leaving the dock to ensure that none are low on batteries, and try to keep them away from any heat sources as well. Know how they work – most flashlights have switches that can be locked in place for safety!
Know what type of life vest is appropriate:
Never use a flotation device designed for a different activity than the one you’re doing. For example, life jackets made for canoeing aren’t effective or safe when used while boating, and neither are those that don’t fit correctly or weren’t approved by an independent testing lab! Make sure everyone has adequately secured life vests on at all times while out on the water (especially children) and if there’s ever any doubt about a situation, wait until help arrives before making your next move.
Make sure life vests are in good condition:
Inspect each vest for signs of wear, tears or fading before leaving the dock, and if there’s any doubt about a vest’s effectiveness, don’t use it! When your boat is headed out on an open water adventure, make sure everyone has an adequately secured life vest on at all times to give you that extra level of safety and peace of mind.
Know how to use first aid kits:
Keep these kits fully stocked with supplies appropriate for your cruising area – like bandages, burn cream and other essentials. At least one person should know how to use every item in the kit so that there’s no confusion when something happens! Practice techniques beforehand so that when you need to use them, you’ll be able to do so effectively. Knowing how to apply a bandage properly or treat an injury is always important to take the time to learn these skills before heading out on your next boating trip!
Have a horn for alerts and emergency signals:
This can be vital in getting help if needed when it comes down to it – but don’t think that having a car-style air horn will cut it! These horns won’t work well underwater and might not alert someone because they’re used to hearing them nearby all the time! Always carry at least one handheld marine-quality horn with you while out on the open seas in case of emergencies.
Carry spares for engine parts:
Those five extra oil filters you’ve got might be just what you need if one of your motors breaks down during the trip – especially if it’s a place with no other help nearby! Don’t only pack spares for the motor itself though, carry plenty of spare propellers and even other parts as well since they’ll likely break too. Extra fuel is also essential to consider taking along in large jerry cans or another sturdy container that won’t leak easily but can hold a lot of liquid so that you’re always prepared for an emergency!
Parts are often different between 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines:
Know which system each motor on your boat uses before taking off on a long trip! There are essential differences between these two types of engine systems!
Know the fire safety procedures for your vessel:
Most marinas and other boat launching sites will have posted instructions on what to do in case of a fire but make sure you know these (and practice them) before setting out on any long trips – as fires are one of the most common emergencies that boaters face while out on open water!
Test all hoses, connections and valves before leaving the dock:
Take a look around for anything that looks like it could be leaking, faulty or damaged in some fashion. If you see something amiss – fix it right away or report it to someone with the ability to repair it so that everything is safe for cruising when you leave. Even if you don’t know how to fix the thing that’s broken, it might be something simple that someone else can easily replace for you!
Test your radio:
This is another safety item that should never be overlooked when ensuring everything on board is in good shape for a trip. Even if you don’t plan on using it much, make sure it works and has fresh batteries before heading out!
When possible, know the proper way to handle a fire:
Fires are dangerous on land – but at least there you have railings or other structures around to help keep things contained safely until professionals arrive. When fires occur while boating – they’re not handled in the same way and can spread rapidly across decks or in the depths of your vessel!
Read manuals thoroughly:
Learn all you can about your boat and the motors on it before taking off – especially if something feels wrong with one part of the vessel to help prevent significant problems from occurring when out on open water! This could be a small leak or faulty hose that needs replacing – but ignoring these things could lead to much bigger problems later. Taking the time to read manuals can also allow you to learn more about how everything works and helps keep everyone safe while cruising on any boat!
Always plan for delays:
Running late means there’s a good chance that you’ll have to rush in order to make your next appointment at sea, be sure to consider this before heading out and plan accordingly so that everything runs smoothly. If you need to reschedule- let everyone know as soon as possible so that plans can be changed and not be overlooked.
Have fire extinguishers and first aid kits onboard:
These are important to have in emergencies, including small fires, cuts or bruising sustained during rough waters and any other unforeseen accidents! Be sure to check these out along with all your equipment before leaving the dock.
2-stroke motors should use an oil designed for marine use only:
Regular motor oils will not work correctly with most 2-cycle engines – which means you should only use ones specifically designed for boats! This is especially important if you live near saltwater since regular oils may cause corrosion over time, even though they might not seem affected while using them at the marina.
Follow manufacturer instructions carefully:
Always read and follow the manual for all equipment you install on your boat. Parts that seem like they should work together might not be compatible – leading to malfunction or other problems!
Keep valuables out of plain sight:
Any time you’re cruising around in waters where people live, it’s best to keep things such as bags, wallets, etc., out of plain sight since theft could occur at any time! This goes double if you plan on anchoring overnight – as boats are easy targets for those who wish to steal from them while their owners are away! If a local marina is your destination, remember that even locked down vessels can be broken into, so don’t assume your boat is protected just because it’s behind the safety gate at a marina.
Be prepared to react:
Any time you take your boat out on the open seas – learning how to respond during different situations is crucial! Get to know what things are like in normal conditions and when something isn’t quite right – so that you’re ready for anything that might happen while cruising around! Even if it’s nothing major, knowing ahead of time can help prevent problems from turning into emergencies, mainly when they occur while hundreds of miles away from shore or other professional assistance.
Know where all emergency equipment is kept:
If something does go wrong with your vessel, being able to respond quickly and properly can be the difference between life and death! Having an issue at sea means there may not be anyone else nearby to help you, so always be prepared for the worst by ensuring all necessary equipment is easily accessible and easy to use.
Take a safety course:
Safety courses are offered through your local Coast Guard station or other nearby marinas – so it’s well worth your time to take one if you plan on cruising any farther than close-to shore waters! Even if you’re an experienced boater, taking a refresher class can help prevent accidents from happening while on the road by teaching new tricks that might make roads safer for everyone! If you’ve never taken a safety course but decide that it’s something you want to do in the future, remember to check out what lesson plans and requirements there are in order to register for classes beforehand.
Maintain a clean boat deck:
A clean boat deck is one that’s easier to see when driving – helping you reduce the chances of a collision or other mishap! This is especially important if you plan on navigating around in areas with lots of small craft and boats since moments can be crucial when unexpected objects suddenly appear out of nowhere!
Don’t leave your vessel unattended:
Even though it can seem tempting at times to take a break from driving, remember that taking your eyes off too long can have serious consequences – as well as anything else that might happen while you’re away from the helm.
Ensure that your boat is adequately insured:
Any time you take your vessel out for a spin on the open seas, it’s essential to know that if something unexpected happens while you’re away from shore, then there will be compensation available to help offset any expenses or damages incurred. If you’ve already purchased insurance but aren’t sure what coverage is offered, get in touch with your agent and make sure everything is documented and up-to-date – so that no matter what kind of crisis happens out at sea – disaster can be averted!
Report accidents immediately:
Even if it’s nothing severe, any time you’re involved in a collision or accident on the open seas by law, you need to report the event immediately. Failing to do so can result in fines and other penalties, which will have an impact on your insurance premiums! So even if you think that what happened might not be such a big deal, seeing as how you weren’t hurt and neither was anyone else – still, report it just in case there are later complications with your vessel or injuries arise from something happening while at sea.
Call 911 or another emergency number right away:
If any kind of accident occurs, make sure and call 911 or another emergency number. It’s crucial to have proper medical assistance for anyone that might be injured – because while some injuries may not seem so bad at first glance, they could still be quite serious!
Keep a detailed log:
Keeping a detailed record is vital to maintain your vessel’s overall condition, and in case something unexpected happens while on the open seas! If you’ve recently had work done professionally on anything that falls under the category of ‘boat maintenance’ (such as hull-repair), then it’s a good idea to keep close track of any details surrounding those repairs – whether this means to talk about what was done with repair technicians or writing down notes immediately afterwards.
File insurance claims quickly:
If anything happens while you’re out cruising on the open seas, it’s crucial to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. It can be easy to get distracted after something terrible happens – but remember that severe boat damage can add up fast, so if at all possible, try and stay focused instead of worrying about how much everything might cost.
Carry fire extinguishers aboard:
Fire is one of those things that are often unexpected – especially when out on the open seas! The longer it takes for a good response team to arrive, the more dangerous a fire can grow. Carrying fire extinguishers onboard can help in case a minor incident occurs, but also make sure that your vessel is equipped with smoke detectors, too – since these are good safety reminders that can help in case a fire does start to spread!
Remove debris from the water:
When out at sea, it’s essential to know that in addition to the water around your vessel, there is also debris and trash floating about, such as plastic bottles or old tires. This trash is dangerous for various reasons. Most importantly, if something gets tangled up in your propeller blades, you’ll have much bigger problems than an annoying fishing line! So before heading out on a fishing trip, make sure and clean up everything from around your boat, including clearing any weeds or sticks away and removing any unnecessary equipment from where it may become entangled with your propeller or motor.
Refill all flammable liquids:
Onboard each small craft should be a clearly marked container that will hold enough fuel to get the vessel back to dock safely in case of an emergency – so before you head out of the marina, make sure and refill any flammable liquids that may have been used up such as fuel or oil. If refuelling your vessel with these products is done on land rather than at sea, always watch carefully while doing it for safety precautions.
Don’t overload yourself:
While fish should never be thrown back into the water (they’re someone’s dinner) when going on a fishing trip, it can be easy to get carried away with how much you decide to bring home from each outing! To ensure safe handling, limit the amount of weight that each person aboard is carrying before hitting open waters. Any excess weight not secured properly could cause your boat to tip over if the load shifts or an unexpected wave hits, so it’s best to avoid carrying too much weight in the first place!
Check fire extinguisher valves annually:
Each fire extinguisher should have an inspection tag that indicates when it was last inspected – and if for some reason you can’t locate such a tag, then make sure that this is a lifesaving device gets checked yearly instead.
Secure all lines properly:
While fishing boats aren’t required to carry dockside safety checks per se, they should still be prepared enough to ensure safety onboard by following basic safety rules like securely tying down all equipment or lines on the boat before going out on the water. One good tip is to use separate lines for each different type of item being tied down (such as a separate line for the motor, a separate one for your fishing rods and a third one for any coolers onboard). This should go without saying, but overboard lines should also be adequately secured at all times as well!
Check emergency gear at least once a year:
In addition to inspecting life jackets and other lifesaving devices each year – it is also vital to ensure that equipment such as fire extinguishers or flares aren’t expired either.
Inspect your engine regularly:
Since the engine is responsible for moving the boat forward or backwards – it’s also vital to ensure that everything associated with it is well maintained and working correctly. If you’re on a fishing trip without cell service available, a generator will need to be running in order for lights to work as well. To determine if this device is operating correctly, check to see if any oil leaks are coming from around the motor itself and listen carefully for any unusual noises such as grinding noises or pops.
Check batteries at least twice per year:
Most electric motors run off of batteries, making sure those are always charged before starting out and hooking them up! To avoid overcharging batteries, turn marine chargers off before setting finishes completely since continuing to charge can cause explosions.
Avoid skirting the marina:
When going for a day of fishing, it’s easy to get carried away and head out into open waters instead! But rather than leaving the safety of the marina, make sure and skirt alongside any structures that may be nearby such as docks or piers; this will help ensure that you don’t wander off course with your boat on accident – and can also prevent accidents from happening on purpose which is another good enough reason to try not to stray too far off course while in unfamiliar waters.
Watch tides carefully if leaving the dock:
Whenever casting lines overboard, it’s important to remember how high tide levels are, just like it would be a mistake for someone driving a car to have their foot on the accelerator while in neutral and let their car roll forward – you don’t want to find yourself drifting off course whenever casting lines overboard during high tide levels! The best way to combat this is by staying firmly planted on the dock itself until the boat is going where you want it to go.
Wear appropriate clothing:
Even though it’s a tempting thought to just lay back and relax in your chair while out on the water, it can be dangerous not to pay attention to everything going on. So if you’re wearing loose clothing that could potentially get caught during any activity such as fishing -then it might be best to change into something more appropriate. Be sure to avoid wearing clothing that could be difficult to remove quickly in a situation of emergency as well, such as zippers or ties which could get caught in the event of an incident. When it comes to spending time on the ship, less is often more. It’s also good practice to check for working smoke alarms on deck before going out fishing in order to ensure they are all functional!
Pay attention to wind direction:
Whether it’s being blown towards an object or simply annoying your line of sight whenever holding a fishing rod – wind direction is important to pay attention to while out on the water. This should be done before leaving the dock since there may be other boats nearby that you don’t want to be headed right for you and if it’s high tide, but winds are blowing in the opposite direction, then this may cause issues with navigation which could lead to potential problems as well (even if you have a motor) – so just make sure not to head out into open waters if weather conditions aren’t favourable!
Look both ways before crossing bridges:
Even though bridges are designed to carry boat traffic, it’s still essential to ensure that no other boats are coming in the opposite direction before crossing them. While looking directly at a bridge doesn’t reveal much of what’s on the other side – looking around the side of it can help you spot any approaching vessels first, so you’re not caught off guard and put yourself in danger.
Be prepared for storms:
When weather conditions become severe or hazardous such as when there is lightning present, then it’s always best to head back towards shore or into a marina. This is because exposure to lightning causes marine electrical shocks, which can be fatal! So get out of any open water whenever there is thunder and lightning within the area! It would be a good idea to make sure your life jacket is readily accessible in this type of situation so you can put it on quickly and easily since that would be the last thing you’d want to do if caught out in severe weather – especially if you’re already dealing with other problems. Another perk of having a life jacket around is that they are incredibly helpful at keeping your head afloat if somehow you end up accidentally falling overboard or capsizing!
Tie-down all items:
Whether it’s cargo on deck, fishing equipment, chairs or anything else – make sure everything is tied down before heading out onto open waters! Not only will this help to prevent things from flying off into nearby water waves hit them, but it also helps protect other objects that may be nearby such as other boats or floating objects.
Don’t run your engine at idle (to avoid overheating):
This is another good rule to follow so you don’t end up burning out the motor while out on the water since this doesn’t only waste gas but can also be dangerous to those around if there are nearby boaters who could get caught in any potential fallout that may result due to overheating (such as sparks). Running engines should always be done at full throttle to keep them from getting too hot, but if you need to shut them down for a bit, then turning off the ignition and keeping it that way until they’ve cooled down is the best way to deal with it.
Conclusion
It might not be long before you have to go back to worrying about boating safety again – but until then, I hope you’ve enjoyed this informative article on how to stay afloat while boating! Use the tips here as guidance the next time you take off on a fishing or recreational cruise. Good luck!
And if these tips aren’t enough for assuring your boat’s safety while on open waters, there are always marine officials who you can contact to talk things over with – just make sure you let them know what happened so that they can help improve any areas of concern!
