Category : Blogs

Sub Category : Miscellaneous

As we look towards spring, there are going to be many people thinking about taking their boat out for the first time this year. There will be even more people who have become first time boat owners and are going out for the first time. As such, it’s vital that you understand the basics of boat safety. Here are some tips that will help you stay safe when you get on the water. 

Take A Boating Safety Course

When you got your boat, there were lots of things you had to buy, including your GPS, fuel bladder for boats, and more. Dealing with all these costs, you may have thought that you could skip a boating safety course. However, it’s strongly advised that you take one before boating. 

Doing that course will not only make your trips safer, but could actually save you money on your insurance. With that saved cash you can get the marine fuel bladders or other extras that you wanted for your boat. 

Never Drink While Boating

As well as the angling equipment storage, boat gas tank bladder, and entertainment system, your boat could well have a cooler on board. As tempting as it is to fill it up with beers and go out on the water for the day, you must never drink while you’re in charge of the boat. 

Just as with driving, drinking alcohol will impair your judgement and can potentially lead to accidents. It’s much better to wait to have a drink until you’re on dry land. 

Don’t Check Your Phone While Boating

On a similar note, don’t be tempted to pick up your phone and check it while you’re in charge of the boat, too. Again, just like driving, checking your phone will distract you and can easily lead to an accident while you’re on the water. 

Being distracted by your phone is one of the top 5 reasons why accidents happen on the water, so you can see just how dangerous it is. Leave your phone in your pocket while you’re boating.

Get The Right Life Jackets

Something else you’ll need on your boat, as well as your fuel bladder for boats and other equipment, are life jackets. In the case of an accident, these are what will keep passengers afloat until they can get help. Ensure you have enough life jackets on board for everyone, and that everyone’s wearing them while on board. 

You need to ensure you have the right life jackets for your boat, too. There are several types of Personal Flotation Device, which are numbered 1 through 5, and if your boat is 16 feet or less you’ll need one life jacket of one of these types per person. 

Get A Carbon Monoxide Detector

Out of all the equipment you bought for your boat, from the life jackets to your marine fuel bladders, you may not have thought about getting a carbon monoxide detector. However, these are crucial to keeping you safe when you’re on the water. 

As your engine emits carbon monoxide, it can easily start to build up. However, you can’t smell or taste it, so you won’t know it until it starts to make you ill. Be aware of the symptoms as well as getting a detector, so you can be aware if there’s a leak sooner rather than later. 

Get A Vessel Safety Check

You’ve already paid out for the boat gas tank bladder, servicing and safety equipment on your boat, so you won’t want to pay more if you don’t have to. The good news is, you can get a vessel safety check for free, and you should take advantage of this. 

These checks are done by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron, and their teams are fully qualified to do safety checks and ensure that your boat is in good condition. 

Always Check The Weather

There’s lots of things you can do to prepare before you go out on the water. You can maintain your boat, her a fuel bladder for boats so you can go further, and ensure you have all the right safety equipment on board. One thing you should always do before you head out is check the weather. 

Take a look at the forecast before you go out, to see if there’s poor weather throughout the day. Remember that weather can change quickly too, so keep an eye on the forecast while you’re on the water, and make plans to head back to shore if it turns bad. 

Get A VHF Radio

If you are going to be going out on the water, you should have picked up a radio along with the other equipment like your fuel bladder for boats, so you can call for help if needed. If you’re going to be boating in coastal regions, you need to ensure you have a VHF radio, with Digital Selective Calling (DSC). 

These send info digitally, and so can send a distress alert instantly if needed. This will include your exact position when you hit the emergency button. 

Have Emergency Supplies On Board

As well as the other equipment you should have mentioned in this post, you’ll also need some emergency supplies on board. These include things like drinking water, and a fully stocked first aid kit to treat small injuries. 

Having marine fuel bladders on board is good too, as these hold extra fuel should you need it. There’s no worry about being stranded with an empty gas tank, as you can empty your boat gas tank bladder into it and get back to shore with it. Stock up on supplies and have them to hand before you set off. 

With these safety tips, you’ll be able to get ready to go boating securely this spring. Take the necessary steps before you take the boat out, and you’ll be well prepared. It doesn’t take too long, and you’ll feel a lot safer on board your boat once you use these tips.