Best Boating Safety Tips – Stay Safe On The Water

Planning a boat trip with friends and families this summer? That’s fantastic, but Wait a moment…Before you set sail, there are some safety precautions you should take to stay safe on the water. Boating is fun and relaxing, but it can also be risky. With these best boating safety tips, you’ll be able to maximize safety so that you can have an enjoyable boating excursion. So read on!

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1# Check Weather Conditions

Be weather-wise. Check the weather forecast before getting out on the water. 

Be aware of sudden changes in temperature, wind direction, and cloud formations.

If you encounter inclement weather during your trip, adjust your plans. Head to the closest harbor or shore and stay there until the weather allows you to return to the water.

If you get caught in a storm, keep the passengers below deck inside a cabin and tell them not to touch metal or electrical devices.

If you don’t have cabins, keep the passengers as low as possible in the boat to prevent them from falling overbroad due to the strong winds and waves.

Don’t forget to make them wear a PDF and reduce speed so you can have more control over your boat.

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2# Always Wear Your Life Jacket

When boating, you must wear a life jacket. Even if you are an excellent swimmer, wear it anyway. A life jacket can save your life if you get into trouble with your boat.

Ensure it fits properly and is in good condition before setting sail. The US Coast Guard requires a life jacket for each person onboard. The type you’ll need will depend on the kind of boating and the body of water you’ll be boating.

However, no matter the life jacket, it must be US Coast Guard-approved. If you have Children under 13 years old, they must always wear a life jacket when the boat is underway. However, rules vary between countries, so take the time to check the law in your state.

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3# Invest in A Boating Safety Course

Before hitting the water this summer, consider taking a boating safety class to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Boating accidents can occur at any time, and they can be life-threatening.

A boating safety course will give you all the essential skills to navigate safely on the water, such as proper navigation, emergency procedures, and correctly using safety equipment.

However, In the USA, all boaters using powerboats or watercraft must have a boating safety certificate. Again, each country has its own rules and requirements, so be sure to check in your particular state.

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4# Know Sound Signals

Every boater should know basic sound signals when operating a boat. The sound signals help inform the other boaters of your intentions when on the water, which is critical, especially if you navigate in low visibility or crowded areas.

Although If your boat is less than 12 meters in length, the law doesn’t require you to carry a sound signal device. However, the US Coast Guard does require all skippers to be able to produce some types of sounds.

So be aware of that. There are excellent courses online, easy to understand, and on top of that, they are free. So use them!

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5# Don’t Exceed Your Boat Capacity

Never exceed your boat weight capacity. First, it’s illegal by the US Coast Guard, and it’s dangerous. An overloaded boat can become unstable and capsize.

So before you set sail, you first want to check your boat plate capacity. The plate is usually located near the boat control’s area.

The US maritime law requires all monohull Boats less than 20 ft in length, built after November 1, 1972, to display a capacity plate. Sailboats, inflatable boats, kayaks. And canoes are exempt from having a capacity plate.

If, for any reason, your boat doesn’t have any capacity plate, you must calculate the weight capacity of your boat. To do so, multiply the length by the width beam of your boat and divide the result by fifteen. Then, you’ll get the number of passengers you can carry on your boat.

Example: vessel length (ft.) x vessel width (ft.) ÷ 15

According to Mast, all boaters should reduce the weight or number of persons on their boat even more when navigating rough conditions.

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6# Inspect Your Boat Condition

Checking your boat’s condition is crucial for a safe and enjoyable boating trip. So before heading out on the water, make sure you:

1. Carefully inspect your boat’s hull, engine, electrical systems, and safety equipment.
2. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as cracks, leaks, or corrosion.
3. Check that all the equipment is functioning correctly, including the navigation lights, bilge pump, and fire extinguisher.

Also, ensure you have all the necessary safety gear on board, such as life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit. 

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7# Know How To Rescue If Someone Falls Overbroad.

If one of the passengers falls overboard by accident, the first thing you should do is shout for help and alert the captain or crew immediately. If you are at the helm, reduce speed and turn off the engine to prevent injuring the person with the propeller.

Do not jump in the water to try and rescue the person yourself unless you have no choice, as this could put you in danger as well. Instead, throw a lifebuoy or any other floating object toward the person in the water to help him or her stay afloat. If the boat has a rescue ladder or other rescue equipment, use it to help the person back on board. 

If the person is unconscious or injured, administer first aid if you are trained to do so and continue to monitor their condition until they can receive medical attention.

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8# Navigate At a Safe Speed

Excessive speed is one of the primary leading causes of boat accidents. 

So make sure you always follow posted speed limit signs and be aware of other boaters, swimmers, and wildlife in the area.

The speed limit varies depending on the location and the type of watercraft you operate.

In general, the speed limit for boating is 5 mph within 100 feet of a shoreline, dock, pier, bridge, or other structures. In no-wake zones, the speed limit may be even lower, typically between 2 to 3 mph.

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9# Make a Float Plan

Creating a float plan is as, if not more important than, the other safety tips mentioned in the article because it can save your life.

A float plan is a document that outlines your boating trip and includes essential details like the number of people on board, the vessel information, the route, and the departure and return dates.

Share your float plan with a reliable person who can notify the Coast Guard or other rescue organization centers if you don’t return on time. Creating a float plan may seem like a hassle, but it can help people find you and your passenger faster and prevent disaster.

So don’t overlook this detail. Take a few minutes to create a float plan before your next boating trip, and enjoy your time on the water.

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10# Get A MMSI Digit Number

If your boat has a VHF radio with DSC capability, you should consider getting a maritime mobile service identity number. (MMSI) for your own safety.

It’s like a phone number for your boat, which runs through the digital DSC.

If you get into a bad situation while boating and need help quickly, you just hit the button, and it will automatically send a distress signal to the US Coast Guard via a data message, which will help them find your boat fast.

The FCC provides an MMSI number at no cost if you obtain a ship radiotelephone station license through their agency. You can also get an MMSI from a private agency or Boatus.com.

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Final Words!

Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a first-timer, always keep safety in mind when out on the water. Remember, the water can be unpredictable and dangerous, so it’s crucial always to be prepared for any situation that may arise. By following these boating safety tips, you can help ensure that your time on the water is fun but also safe and worry-free. So, grab your life jacket, pack your emergency supplies, and get ready for a day of boating adventure!

More articles:

• What you need on a boat
• How to get WIFI on a boat
• Best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat
• Boating during the winter season
• What Should You Do If Your Small Open Boat Capsizes
• How to pull a tube behind a boat

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What about you? Do you have other boating safety tips? If so, you are welcome to share them in the comments below.