Boating Equipment – Two Exercises for Boaters who want Safe Fun

 

With every new boating season comes the need to change worn out boat accessories and make sure you have all the boating equipment fundamentals for a safe day on the water. Any skipper worth his salt should know a lot of lifejackets are always desirable. You also need a VHF radio, fume detector, radio beacons and a compass or GPS.

 

Below are two quick, but effective exercises – specifically designed for the weekend warrior turned skipper – to help you remember your boating equipment needs and prevent fatalities that may occur as a result of neglected or forgotten supplies.

 

You must always have essential boating equipment aboard, based on United States law. You must carry the vessel’s state registration/documentation at all times. Lifejackets are required for each person on board. You are required to have one throwable device such as a life ring onboard if your boat is sixteen feet or larger. Can you remember all that, plus the other requirements, without a checklist?

 

By making a call to the Coast Guard or your yacht club, you can be sure that if you don’t return by the listed time the authorities will start a process to find you. You should also check your boating equipment before leaving port, especially if the boat hasn’t been in the water for a while. It’s also your duty to stay under the alcohol limit, or face the prospect of heavy fines and possible jail sentences.

 

Safety, communication and other aids are important, but you should also take into consideration the primary use of your boat. A boat chiefly used for water skiing will clearly have different requirements from a fishing boat. So consider what you’ll be using your vessel for so you can determine what type of boating equipment you’ll need.