Boat Safety Checklist – The Essential Gear You Must Take Along
Nothing beats a day out on the water–whether it’s cruising on the lake, fishing in the sea, or even waterskiing and wakesurfing. However, for any of these boating activities, safety is going to be a top priority. The U.S. Coast Guard has a number of requirements for vessels, but these vary based on their size and type.
In this list, we’ll go over the top basic gear that every boater needs to stay safe and compliant with the authorities.
1. Life Jackets And Personal Floatation Devices
The rule issued by the United States Coast Guard regarding life jackets is to have one per person for everyone on board. You’re required to have either a Type I, II, III, or IV life vest for boats under 16 feet. Boats longer than that must also carry one throwable floatation device like a ring.
Be sure that all of these items are accessible, in good working condition, and will properly fit the individual who uses them. States also have different regulations on children’s life jacket requirements, but a good rule of thumb is kids under 12 should always wear a flotation device on a moving vessel.
“If you’re sailing in low visibly conditions like fog, you’ll need to sound your bell at regular intervals to help other vessels know you’re in the area.”
2. Sound Signaling Device
If you are in a boat under 40 feet, you should have a sound producing device like a horn or whistle on board. For boats over 40 feet, having a bell and whistle is a requirement. The bell must be at least 7.87 inches in diameter at the mouth and be able to be heard at least a half-mile away.
If you’re sailing in low visibly conditions like fog, you’ll need to sound your bell at regular intervals to help other vessels know you’re in the area.
3. Visual Distress Signals
Like the previous two essentials items, the visual distress device you’ll need is based off of the boats size. For boats under 16 feet, you’re required to have either flares or nighttime signals. Boats over 16 feet require you to carry visual signals for both day and night.
A pyrotechnic distress signal or flares that qualify are orange or white smoke and arial light flares. Flares can either be self launching or will require a flare gun to be sent into the sky. Strobe lights can also be used at night while flags may be used during the day.
“It’s important to make sure you have not only have the right firefighting equipment but also that everyone board knows how to operate it.”
4. Fire Extinguisher
While it may seem unlikely, a fire in your boat out on the open water is a dangerous situation to get into. It’s important to make sure you have not only have the right firefighting equipment but also that everyone board knows how to operate it.
On a boat that is 26 feet long or less, you will be required to have at least one coast guard-approved, B-1 type fire extinguisher. For boats that are 26-40 feet long, you’ll need either two B-1 extinguishers or one USCG approved B-2 type extinguisher. 40 to 65 foot boats should have three B-1 type extinguishers or one B-1 and one B-2.
For any boat that is over 65 feet, one to eight B-2 fire extinguishers (depending on the vessels size) are required as well as a fixed marine fire system in the boats machinery space.
5. Anchor
An anchor, while not required by Federal Law, should be an essential piece of gear you have on your boat. It should be strong enough and the right length to hold your boat for an extended period of time in case of an emergency.
The proper length of the chain should be at least 5x the depth of where you’re boating. It may also be a good idea to have more than one anchor depending on the size of your boat, one for calm weather situations and one for any heavy weather scenarios.
6. Medical Kit
As with most other activities like hiking, camping, and traveling, having a proper first aid kit with help any small emergencies from becoming big ones. A basic kit should have essentials like gauze pads, bandages, disinfecting ointments, and medication for seasickness.
7. Oars And Paddles
Should something happen to the engine that causes it not to work, having oars and paddles aboard will prevent you being stuck out on the open water. Of course, this is also dependent on the size of the boat, but it’ll be better to have some than not.
There are plenty of options to choose from including telescoping paddles that can be easily tucked away when they’re not being used.
“A quality VHF Radio will be your lifeline should an emergency arise as it will allow you to contact other vessels and rescue services.”
8. VHF (Very High Frequency) Radio
The last thing you’ll ever want is to be in trouble out on the water with no way of communication. A quality VHF Radio will be your lifeline should an emergency arise as it will allow you to contact other vessels and rescue services.
You can pick from having either a fixed or handheld setup, although, having both can be the safest option if one of radio setup fails to work. Some radios also have early warning systems that can alert boaters of any incoming storms.
9. Marine Flashlight
If the lights go out during your boating trip, having a waterproof flashlight will ensure you can still see around your vessel. This will be especially useful for any nighttime trips where finding the problem and restoring power is the most important action to take.
10. Running Lights
In order to help others see you in the dark, installing running lights will allow boaters to determine the size, type, and orientation of your vessel. This helps prevent any potential accidents from occurring during hours of low visibility.
Boat manufacturers are not required to install running lights on modern boats, but if they do they must use USCG certified fixtures and follow the installation regulations. It is however, the boat owners responsibility to properly display the navigational lights.
Conclusion
As long as you have these essential pieces of gear, your next boating adventure will not only be incredibly fun but also very safe as well!
