Posted on 05/27/2018 3:46:38 PM PDT by VRW Conspirator
Safe Boating Tips
No matter how much experience you have, it’s always a good idea for everyone to review boating safety rules before departures. Below you will find 10 basic boating safety tips to help you stay safe:
1.Be Weather-Wise
Always check local weather conditions before departure; TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.
2.Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist
Proper boating safety includes being prepared for any possibility on the water. Following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been overlooked or forgotten.
3.Use Common Sense
One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use your common sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), staying alert at all times and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also, be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there to ensure your own safety.
4.Designate an Assistant Skipper
Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and general boating safety. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.
5.Develop a Float Plan
Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure to let someone else know your float plan. This should include where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone.
A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader name and phone number of all passengers boat type and registration information trip itinerary types of communication and signal equipment onboard, such as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
6.Make Proper Use of Lifejackets
Did you know that the majority of drowning victims are the result of boaters not wearing their lifejackets? Make sure that your family and friends aren’t part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each member of your onboard team with a life jacket prior to departure. Wear it!
7.Avoid Alcohol
Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved and studies have shown that the effects of alcohol are exacerbated by sun and wind.
8.Learn to Swim
If you’re going to be in and around the water, proper boating safety includes knowing how to swim. Local organizations, such as the American Red Cross and others, offer training for all ages and abilities. Check to see what classes are offered in your area.
9.Take a Boating Course Beginning boaters and experienced experts alike need to be familiar with the boating safety rules of operation. Boater education requirements vary by state; however, some require validated completion of at least one boating safety course. Regardless of your individual state's requirements, it's always important to be educated and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local community course or online course to help educate yourself.
10.Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check Take advantage of a free vessel safety check from the US Coast Guard. They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. Free of charge, they’ll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations. They also offer virtual online safety checks as well.
And to all you weekend warriors,
scurvy scoundrels,
sunburned scallywags,
assorted sea lubbers,
pirates,
buccaneers,
privateers,
and fly-over-country deplorable,
pay attention to item #7.
I lost all my guns in a boating accident also all sea dogs need to be in life jackets too if not leave them at home
Sad part is we all take guns boating. Boating and guns dangerous for our guns.
Be sure to safely stow all of your firearms, and ammo....you never know what you will need. Also check for correct weight distribution.
[ I lost all my guns in a boating accident also all sea dogs need to be in life jackets too if not leave them at home ]
Same thing happened to me too..
Good Boater & have License, Also have Helicopter license, can still drive many different vehicles, both wheeled and tracked. In other words. Jack of all trades, master of none.
“7.Avoid Alcohol
Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later”
****
Whut?? No booze?? That’s what makes sailing so enjoyable. Booze, broads and boats go together ;)
Strap your firearms down in the boat. Lots of firearms lost over the years on FR when the boat or canoe capsized.
Isn’t #8 kind of essential? If you’re on the water, you gotta know how to swim.
Even #9 - there’s a lot of boat collisions that happen because some novice doesn’t know who has “right of way” when boats approach, and a game of chicken results
I guess you are correct.
Seems that lots of FReepers have lost all their firearms in tragic boating accidents.
#11. Ignore number 7
#12. Make sure the cooler is full of beer.
Why do you presume that FRers are lousy boaters
Take plenty of liquor and beer. The rest will take care of itself.
Read all the replies!
I still have nightmares about it.
Just curious, why are Freepers lousy boaters? Did I miss a Freeper excursion? I feel like I missed out on a good time.
11. Learn to read nautical charts
12. Buy charts for your area or trip route.
13. Have a straight edge and a protractor and know how to use them.
14. Have a working compass on board - electronics sometimes fail.
15. Check that all your electronics are in top shape before you leave the dock or harbor.
16. Know what red and green lights mean on approaching vessels in the dark.
REMEMBER THE BURDENED VESSEL ALWAYS HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY.
Your kayak, row boat, sailfish, skiff, powered Tupperware, or sail boat does NOT have the right of way over a container ship; NEVER cross between a tug and tow - you will not make it. The tow line will catch your boat’s keel and quickly overturn your boat and the barge or log tow will finish you off.
Just because you have bought an expensive boat, have taken courses on boating, and you are able to successfully cross open water and return, do not imagine you are ready to tackle the open ocean.
About number 7: not only avoid alcohol but do not use it at all. Things happen just when you least expect them; being befuddled with alcohol will make simple tasks in an emergency impossible or plain tragic. Have a qualified non-drinker, like a designated driver, run the boat.
Boating can be fun, but it also can quickly turn deadly and tragic.
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