Boat Safety Checklist for Safer Boating
A Boat safety checklist is important in staying safe. No matter where you live the most important thing to consider when boating is your boating safety. You always need to be prepared for if and when an accident occurs while boating. Boating laws will apply to where you decide to go boating. So before heading out always check the by-laws where you reside and see what they require you to have when boating. Different areas have different laws relating to boating safety. This includes what they require to you have in reference to life vests and the specifications required. By not following the bylaws where you decide to go boating may result in you getting a fine. so be prepared and stay safe.
1. – Make sure your boat’s drain plug is screwed in correctly and tightly.
This is the most obvious but sometimes forgotten. Before you head out make sure this is screwed incorrectly. Otherwise you will start cruising away from the boat ramp and make the realisation of what is happening where you then need to rush back into the boat ramps.
2. Check Your Boats Safety Checklist Equipment
Make sure your boat has:
- Knife – A solid stainless blade knife that can help you cut any tangled rope during an emergency.
- Paddles – Wood or plastic are available and these are great to help you oar your runabout to shore if needed. Though not really useful on large heavy boats.
- Tow Rope – Perfect if your motor stops and you need a tow in.
- Spare Fuel – This also comes in handy if someone on the water needs fuels and maydays a call.
- First Aid kit – Great if someone got hurt or cut themselves.
- A basic tool kit – for minor boat or engine repairs is ideal.
- Fire Extinguisher – comes in handy if a fire starts on your boat. Unless your engine is a diesel, petrol is very flammable.
- Waterproof Torch – Helps in the ability to see at night and if you find yourself in the water.
- Fixed dome compass – If your GPS or navigation system fails a dome compass can help by providing you direction.
- A bucket with lanyard – Very handy if the weather turns and find yourself in choppy seas taking in water.
- Good Supply of freshwater – a vital component in staying alive if your boat has lost engine power and you have called in for help.
- Tinned Food and packets of chips 0 should provide you with energy to keep going if you were in lost with no communications.
2. Make sure you carry a tested GPS EPIRB
Make sure your EPIRB is fully functional. Cospas-Sarsat type-approved 406 MHz emergency beacons should include a self-test option. EPIRBS today are cheap to buy compared to a decade ago so there are no excuses for not carrying an EPIRB.
3. Emergency Flares
Check and make sure these have not expired. Flares are not expensive and its always best to have flares that have not expired. Expired Date Flares may be less reliable due to the chemical compound used.
4. Plan Your Trip and Boat safety Checklist
Make sure you understand the planned weather ahead before you head out. Make sure you also know the capability of your vessel in rough water. Also, don’t forget to carry official charts where you plan to go boating. Make sure that your boat meets the boat safety checklist.