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Prepare Check Lists
Your lists should be individualized for your
boat. These checklists should include an equipment checklist as well as a
vessel systems checklist. This is a good way to make certain that all systems
are in order, that needed items were not forgotten, or that critical tasks
were not left undone.
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Check the Weather
Make sure you have an updated weather forecast for area in which you plan to
cruise. Make certain you check whether small craft advisories have been
issued.
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Review Charts of the Area
Familiarize yourself with known
hazards along the way as well as any hazards you could encounter at your
destination.
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Plot Your Course.
Decide
on the path you plan to follow to reach your destination. Enter your
waypoints on your loran or GPS. Draw your intended course on your chart
of the area. Even if you have not taken any formal plotting courses, you
can still mark your directions on your chart. This will help you avoid
hazards such as shallow areas, sandbars, underwater wrecks, and fishing nets.
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File a Float Plan
Make
sure someone knows where you will be going, your expected arrival time at your
destination,
and your anticipated arrival time back home. For a day trip, this can be
as simple as informing a reliable person of your plans. For a more
extensive trip, you should complete a written float plan that includes
information such as:
(a) a description of your vessel,
(b) the names
and addresses of the people aboard your vessel,
(c) the anticipated
duration of your trip,
(d) where your automobile is parked with the
license number,
(e) who to call if your have not returned by a specified
day and time (such as the US Coast Guard), as well as
(f) other pertinent
information.
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Check All Life Jackets
The law requires you to have sufficient
personal flotation devices (PFD's) aboard for each person that is on board.
Assign a specific jacket to each person and make adjustments for a proper fit
before leaving the dock. Not only should children wear their life
jackets while on board, but their PFD's should have proper neck supports that
keep their heads upright should they fall overboard. All life jackets
should be in good condition and easily accessible to all occupants of the
boat.
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Properly Load Gear and Passengers
Improperly stored gear and improperly seated people can make a boat unstable.
Properly secure any loose items. Passengers should sit in seating areas
with their weight evenly distributed. The combined weight of the
passengers and the gear should never exceed the manufacturer's capacity
rating.
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Provisions
If you have
perishable food aboard, you must keep it refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Keep fresh drinking water aboard when cruising in warm weather and for longer
distances. The minimum amount needed is a half gallon per person per
day.
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Communicate With Your Crew
Before leaving the dock, tell your crew
what you expect from them. If any have specific responsibilities, make
certain every one understands what they are. Someone else aboard should
know how to use the equipment and operate the radio in the event of an
emergency. Conduct a "Man Overboard" drill so that everyone knows what
must be done for a safe recovery in the event someone falls overboard.
The crew must understand that the skipper of the vessel is in charge and they
must follow the skipper's instructions while aboard the boat.
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A Properly Stocked First Aid Kit is Essential
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Prepare and Emergency Check List.
Particularly for a longer cruise, prepare an emergency checklist including
emergency radio procedures in the event the skipper become incapacitated
during the trip.
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Maintain Sufficient Fuel for Your Trip
Remember the rule of 1/3's: 1/3 of the tank to get there, 1/3 to return,
and 1/3 "just in case." Remember that gasoline vapors are
heavier than air and often remain in the bilge. Run the bilge blower,
then check to make sure you do not smell any vapors before starting your
boat's engine. Warm up your engine sufficiently before leaving the dock.
You cannot navigate a boat when the engine has stalled.
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Have a Wonderful Time
Recreational boating is a wonderful activity for those of all ages. Safe
boating helps insure that everyone can continue to enjoy our waterways.
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Remember: A
great way to learn more about safe boating is to join your local power
squadron. As a member of a power squadron you have the opportunity to
take classes such as Seamanship, Piloting, Navigation, Small Engine
Maintenance, Cruise Planning, Weather, and Sailing. In addition, you
will meet other boaters, both beginners and those with many years of
boating experience. Many squadrons plan rendezvous during the boating
season. This allows members and their guests the opportunity to travel
together by boat to various locations. Plus you'll have a good time at
the various squadron functions throughout the year.
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