You must have fun while boating but never at the cost of safety. Are you planning for a boat ride but not aware of the safety tips that are essential to check before sailing? Not to be worried anymore. Here are the 6 most integral guidelines that every other person preparing for a boat ride must follow –
Keep a safety kit beforehand – Emergencies and accidents are unpredictable so it is only wise to Upgrade Boat with a safety kit no matter what. Following are the items you must check for in a safety kit –
Flashlight with some extra cells will come in handy to see around in a dark place and will also allow you to be seen in case you run out of fuel.
Duct tape to bandage the leaks temporarily.
Bucket to bail out the water inside the boat.
Whistle to call out for help.
Ropes for pulling someone fallen overboard and also for docking the boat.
Fire extinguisher.
Keep proper life jackets – Besides keeping you floating above water life jackets prevent hypothermia. The experts from Floating Somewhere stress the importance of making sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board.
It is by law that you must carry U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets equal to the number of people on board. A proper life jacket is –
Fit for your height and weight
Have pockets and straps if you are going fishing.
Another thing you might do is go and try out life jackets before purchasing. Check the quality by fastening the belt and moving your arms above your head. There are auto and manual inflatable life vests that can wake an unconscious person up but they are not recommended for children below the age of 16.
Check the weather – If you have the slightest of doubt, don’t go! Because if something unexpected happens you won’t forgive yourself. Some of the ways how you can become 100% sure about the weather –
Unstable gusts of wind and chopping of water are indications of a storm.
Get the latest marine forecast before leaving.
Contact your local boating club or a professional.
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Check harmful fumes – After you refuel your boat, open out all the hatches and smell for any leaked fuels. If you get a whiff of any fumes, do not start your engine. Carbon monoxide might accumulate in and around you your boat and if you start the engine, you’ll experience a sudden knock and will leave you and people on board unconscious.
Take a boating safety course – 70% of boat accidents are caused by direct or indirect but the operator’s mistake. There are several free online courses available that will help you know basic rules and regulations. One such useful course is offered by The Boat US Foundation. It is designed individually for each individual state. Taking a one-time course will benefit you with a long-term understanding of operating a boat. It’s easy to get your Missouri boating test online from ilearntoboat.com.
Get your boat checked – The US Coast Guard Auxiliary and The United States Power Squadrons offer free Vessel Safety Checks for your boat. The main goal of this vessel safety check is to recommend you with the required safety equipment and safety features specific to your boat. This data is safe and is not reported to anyone. Plus, there are no consequences whatsoever if your boat doesn’t pass. They just hand you a list of missing or damaged items which you need to take care of.