Posted on by Travel Guruji

Safe Boating Trips You Must Know About

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There is nothing like spending the day on your boat with family and friends. Boating trips give you a sense of freedom, and not to mention you can also enjoy the fresh air. Not only that you need to be able to have full control of your boat, but you have to be familiar with the risk as well as the safety procedures:

  1. Boating course

Firstly, of course you need to take a boating course. This way you will be able to get the full understanding of how a boat should work. There are many safety courses that are offered locally, inexpensive and often completed a day.There is plenty, of course, that is available in person or online.

Not only boating courses, take boating safety courses as well. There are a lot of online courses that are available, including free courses. The united states coast guards also offer an additional list of online and courses for boating safety.

  1. Safety gear

You can always predict an emergency, and the best way to handle an emergency to always be prepared. Here are some of the essential items to keep on board no matter what is the size of your boat:

  1. Flashlight Flashlight and extra batteries can help you see around your boat in the dark on allow you to be seen if you run out fuel.

  2. Duct tape You can temporarily bandage a hole with duct tape if it is necessary.

  3. Bucket There are a lot of scenarios in which the water started entering the boat even without it leaking. A bucket can help you in case such cases happen.

  4. First aid kit A properly equipped first aid kit, plus the knowledge on how to use it is vital in case of an accident or medical emergency.

  5. Whistle this can be used as a recognized signal calling for help on the water.

  6. Ropes There are critical moments when you have to pull someone who has fallen overboard. Ropes can also be used to secure your craft to the doctor tying down loose items in case if you are sailing during extreme weather.

  7. Mirror It can help signal for help.

  8. Garbage bags Garbage bags can be used as rain ponchos or protection for items on board.

  9. Fire extinguisher There are many cases in which a boat can catch on fire. Being on sea does not mean that you are prone to fire on board. All passengers on board should know the location of a fire extinguisher and how to use it in case of emergency.

  10. Life jackets There should be a life jacket for every person on board. Some states also require children to wear life jackets at all times. The accessibility to a life jacket can be detrimental to helping someone in case of life-threatening situations. The life jackets should be in proper condition and are able to keep yourself afloat. There are many types of life jackets in the market. Ensure that you get the proper one according to your activity.

  11. Weather forecast

Do your due diligence and watch the weather forecast before your departure. It is better to cancel an occasion rather than having to be trapped in a dangerous situation. It is hard to predict the weather properly, however nowadays there are many channels that use technology that can at least predict with a 70% chance correctness.

It is ideally only good to go boating on a warm sunny day. Be aware of varying gusts of wind and choppy water because it is a sign of an approaching storm.

Ensure that you have a plan to seek help and get dry in case if the boat toppled over. Even when it is spring day, the wat can be freezing underneath.

14. Overloading

Watch on the people that are going to be on board and all the pieces of equipment that you are going to bring as well. Overloading your passengers and equipment can also unbalance your boat. Ensure that you follow your boat’s capacity restriction.

15. Fumes

This is perhaps one of the most important preparations before departing. After refueling your boat, open all hatches around your boat and smell for fumes. If it is detected, then do not start your boat.

Carbon monoxide can accumulate in and around your boat and unexpectedly knock you and your passengers unconscious. Be aware of all the places in which the fumes and gas can accumulate such as; enclosed spaces blocked exhaust outlets, nearby boats, inadequately ventilated canvas enclosure.

16. Anchoring and docking procedures

Ensure that you are following proper anchoring and docking procedures. To keep your wind from dragging your boat, you will need to drop two anchors in a V formation at the front of the craft to keep you from drifting. In order to stop the tide from lifting your anchor, drop it in deeper water – about 20 to 30 feet under the water.

Docking your boat can be determined by the wind, the current and your type of boat. As you approach a dock or shore, ensure your bumpers are out to prevent damage to your boat. Start reducing your speed and ensure your docking lines are secured.

If the wind is blowing towards the shore, bring the boat about twenty feet from the dock and the wind will gently push it toward the dock. All you need to do is to secure the line. If the wind is blowing away from the shore, it can be a little challenging for you. Approach the dock at a 20 to 30 degrees angle to compensate for the wind then secure the bowline.

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