Boat Safety Tips
Boat Safety Tips
1. Wear a Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) - Always wear a personal flotation device and insist everyone onboard wears one as well. Ninety percent of those who have drown in boating accidents are not wearing a life jacket. Use a correctly sized jacket suited for the activity being undertaken.
2. Don't Drink While Boating - Alcohol magnifies boat induced fatigue and is a factor in 30 percent of all boating related fatalities.
3. Take a Boating Safety Class - Incredibly in 70 percent of all boating fatalities the operator has not taken a boating safety class.
4. Take Charge of Your Safety - Boating like a professional implies being prepared for boating emergencies.
5. Learn the Rules and Safety Procedures - Knowing the rules of the sea will make you a safer boater. You will know what to anticipate of other operators on the water and they can expect the same of you.
6. Operate Conservatively and Maintain a Lookout - Operating at high speeds shortens reaction time and increases the energy contributed to a collision. Slow down for weather, poor visibility, crowded conditions, and navigational hazards. Keep a good lookout and encourage your passengers and crew to watch for boating hazards.
7. Check the Weather - Keep track of the weather and know the current marine forecast. Weather information is readily available from the internet, radio and by telephone. Know the weather limitations of your vessel. Heed wind and wave warnings.
8. Get a Vessel Safety Check - One the most proactive safety efforts you can make is to get a Vessel Safety Check from the Authorities.
9. Install a CO Detector - Carbon Monoxide (CO) is hazard to boaters and use of a CO detector is very inexpensive insurance.
10.Plan your trips well - Help take the search out of search and rescue. Let others know where you plan to operate and who is onboard.
11.Try to keep some form of communication with you. Most boats are equipped with a Radio but taking a cellular phone with you could also be useful.
12.Have emergency numbers handy. Keep a list of emergency numbers with you at all times.
13.Know the area. Knowing the area you plan to be in helps prevent accidents. If on holiday speak to locals and ask questions about the area, the company renting the boats should give you all the information you need.
14.Dangerous Marine Life. Always ask about dangerous marine life in the area. If you plan to swim while boating it is very important to know what dangers there might be out there.
15.Be Prepared. Mechanical breakdowns account for a significant number of call for assistance. Most of these embarrassing incidents are preventable by ensuring your vessel is serviceable, you have sufficient fuel. Part of being prepared is also making sure that the weather and water conditions are suitable for your day out on the water.
