Safety Tips For Boating
Boating is a serious acitivity enjoyed by many, but as with most recreational activities, there is a time where it can be very dangerous. In this case when at sea. Small boat safety and watercraft safety are a very serious matter, that could end in disaster. You should plan ahead in advance for this, don't just carry the boat safety equipment you are probably going to need in a normal day, but also carry the boat safety equipment you are probarbly not going to need unless you are thrown in to a bad scenario of serious boating and safety needs. Below are some marine tips; to try keep you boating safe, that i have wrote for you to read, use, download and print!
Boating Safety Tips
Educate all passengers!
The more informed all the passengers are, the better of they will be in a serious situation or disaster if one occurred. Make sure they know things like; 'where the lifejackets are and when to wear them‘, ’where the flares are stowed' and 'where fire extinguishers are kept etc.'
Know the rules of the road!
Yes, There are rules of the road on the sea and on water ways. You ask why? "To Help Stop Collision At Sea." These simple rules are like 'over take on the right side of a boat' and 'pass an oncoming vessel on the left'. The best way to learn these rules and all you need to know about boating is to take a boating course. They are offered in many places and for all appropriate age
Keep up with Boat Maintenance!
If you are going to invest in a boat, then you should at least maintain its looks, engine and electronics. You should take it for a annual service. The coastguard and other facilities often offer a free safety check, you SHOULD take advantage of this before you head out!
Pay attention to navigation aids!
Buoys and other markers are their for a reason! Its not a good idea to play chicken with them or get to confident with your knowledge of the area. you never know what can change with water level, sand movement and other natural changes. (again, for more info on buoys and markers visit my site, listed at bottom of page)
Check your equipment!
The best way to do this and make shore all equipment is onboard is to make a check list and tick each piece of equipment off on every trip. This is a good way to make shore you have all safety equipment required by law on board!
Don’t drink and drive!
Drinking while boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving! In addition to the obvious danger, the driver and skipper is not only reliable for themselves but their passengers too!
Sit in the seats!
Many boats like to sit on the side of the boat, if another larger boat came by with a big, vicious wake this could quite quickly turn into a dangerous situation if you get knocked around. Sitting on the sets is much safer!
Check the weather!
Make shore you check the weather before you ride! If their is bad weather in the forecast, make shore you plan your ride accordingly! Also wear suitable clothes for the weather!
Keep the boat at Capacity!
Every boat has a posted capacity limit, (on big cargo ships this is called the plimsoll line!) Make shore that people and other things (including equipment) do not exceed the limit!
WEAR A LIFEJACKET!
I cant state this enough, lifejackets where invented for a reason and that is to save lives! There is no explanation why you should not be wearing one when out at sea! These pieces of great equipment are the easiest way to keep safe at sea. It is required by law to have enough on board for the amount of passengers (but you should and I do, carry more as spares!)
