Boating and Water Safety
Boating and water safety go hand in hand. By making a few important safety preparations prior to each trip, such as filing a float plan and reviewing the boating rules of the road, you are on your way to practicing responsible boating.
Boat Safety Courses
Education is one of the most important aspects of boating and fishing safely and responsibly. Knowing the ins and outs of your boat, how to navigate waterways, how to read a nautical chart and how to operate a VHF radio are just a few important things to learn before going out on the water.
Every state has its own boating safety requirements and guidelines, but regardless of rules and regulations, successfully completing a boating course increases your water safety and boating skills.
Emergency Protocol
It is important to be prepared if an emergency occurs while you are out on the water. In an emergency, the first thing is to stay calm, and ensure everyone on board is wearing their life jacket.
BOAT EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Follow these procedures in case of a boat emergency. Survey the situation and then use the radio for help. It’s important to know the name of your boat, the location of your boat, how many people are on board, and the type of emergency.
PERSON OVERBOARD
Alert the vessel operator of the situation and throw a lifering to the person to further assist in spotting and to keep the person afloat. The boat operator should immediately reduce speed and come around the person overboard. Always come from downwind or against the waves to avoid drifting over the person overboard. To retrieve the person from the water, use a buoyant heaving lines and life buoys.
CAPSIZE
Stay with your boat. Is always much easier to see a capsized boat than a person in the water. Climb into the upturned boat to reduce the chance of hypothermia.
BREAKDOWNS, HULL LEAKS AND FLOODING
Remember, the best prevention against breakdown is to maintain the equipment on a regular basis so that it is functioning properly at all times. In the event of flooding or hull leaks locate the source of the leak and try to spot the leakage, if possible. Remove accumulations of water in the bilge or other compartments by using hand-help bailers, manual pumps or bilge pumping systems.Use or exhibit signals to indicate distress and need of assistance.
WEATHER EMERGENCIES
Weather can change rapidly and create unexpected emergencies for boat operators. Always watch for changes in the weather and monitor the forecast. As an operator, it is your responsibility to take appropriate action based on the weather. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office.
RADIO PROCEDURES
If the boat has a radio tune it to channel 16 (US Coast Guard) and clearly say “MAYDAY” three times for life threatening emergencies or “SECURITE" for safety emergencies that are non-life threatening (other thing you can do on non-treating situations such as run out of fuel or electric problems is to anchor your boat and call a towing service). Distress call should be made on Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) using a very high frequency radio VHF. The basic calling procedure is:
- Mayday, mayday, mayday
- Vessel's name and position
- Description and boat registration number
- Number of people on board
- Details of your emergency
Visit our next section to learn about the essential boat safety equipment that you should have on board at all times.
Boat Safety Equipment
To enjoy a safe day boating on the water with your family and friends, this is the essential boat safety equipment you should have on board.
LIFE JACKETS
The U.S. Coast Guard requires you to have an approved lifejacket also called personal flotation devices, or PFDs, per passenger and a minimum of two on board. An additional throwable flotation device is required if the vessel is 16 feet or more in length. Make sure the lifejackets are in good condition and easily accessible.
FIRST AID KIT
Maintain a first aid kit stocked with basic supplies including gauze, bandages, alcohol cleaning pads, aspirin, etc. Check expiration dates periodically and replace supplies as necessary.
SIGNALING AND SOUND DEVICES
Signaling devices and sound-making devices are required on all boats. Sound-making devices include a horn, a bell or a whistle. If you’re operating your boat in a coastal area, you’re also required to have day and nighttime flares. Make sure flares are accessible and stored in a dry location.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Carry at least one fire extinguisher, the number and types of fire extinguishers required by the U.S. Coast Guard will depend on the length of your vessel. Make sure your fire extinguisher is approved by your state and is in optimal condition. Check your state for more boating rules and regulations.
MARINE VHF RADIO AND A CELLPHONE
VHF radio is essential for up-to-the-minute weather information on the NOAA Weather Radio band. The U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities monitor VHF channel 16 for boaters in distress and post important warnings and bulletins for mariners. Most radios also have a distress beacon that can be run through the GPS to provide exact coordinates to search-and-rescue teams.
DOCKING AND ANCHORING
Carry two extra dock lines in case you encounter unusual conditions dockside or in case you or another boater is stranded and needs a lift. Dock lines also come in handy when you need to tie up to someone’s pier. Every boat should have an adequate anchor to keep from running aground in bad weather or as a result of engine failure.
SAFE BOATING GEAR
Follow along with Take Me Fishing as we share boating safety tips and show you all the proper gear needed for water safety when fishing. It's important that you have all the necessary boating safety gear on board, before you head out on the water.
Boat Safety Checklist
Are you ready to enjoy a great day out on the water? First, make sure your boat is safe and in good conditions before departure. Proper boating safety means being prepared for any possibility on the water.
Following a Boat Safety Checklist before departure is the best way to have an enjoyable and safe day on the water.
Weather Forecast
Always check your local marine forecast before departure and plan accordingly. Have a radio on board to receive weather updates while you’re out and keep an eye on the clouds for developing weather.
Float Plan
File a float plan with someone you know. Tell them where you are going and when you intent to return. A float plan should include the following information: name, address and phone number of trip leader; name and number of all passengers, boat type, registration information and trip itinerary.
Life Jackets
Make sure your family and friends stay safe by assigning and fitting each person onboard with a life jacket prior to departure.
safety Equipment
Identify the location and the operation the following Coast Guard required safety equipment including life jackets, lifesling or throwable flotation, horn or sound producing devices, fire extinguishers, fares and visual distress signals.
Protective Gear and Clothing
Wear waterproof clothing, not just water-repellent in case you get caught in bad weather. Take a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes against the sun’s glare. Always take sunscreen lotion to keep the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching your skin, or you can wear long pants and long sleeves to provide better protection.
Designate an Assistant Skipper
Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat's handling, operations, features and safety. If the primary navigator is incapacitated in any way, it's important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating rules to ensure a safe trip back.
Take a Boating Course
It’s always important to be educated, aware and prepared for every circumstance that might arise on the water. You can learn more about boating safety rules and safety equipment by taking an online course.
Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check
Take advantage of a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard. They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. They'll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations.