Boating Safety Basics
When the skies are blue and the sun is shining brighter than ever, you’re probably looking for an excuse to get outside and enjoy the weather. As a boat owner, you never need an excuse. There are many marine adventures calling your name at any given moment. Before you can thoroughly enjoy all the pleasures of boat ownership, it’s essential to learn about basic safety. Grand Bay Marine has created this guide to get you started. Read on to learn more.
If you’re still shopping around for the perfect vessel, visit our dealership to browse our inventory. You’ll find us in Traverse City and Charlevoix, MI. We’re also happy to assist with parts, service, and winter storage.
Plan Accordingly
First and foremost, you need to prepare for the occasion. You can begin by making a checklist of everything you’re going to need for a safe and successful boating trip. Most importantly, everyone in your part needs to know how to swim. Regardless of how good of a swimmer someone might be, they still need to wear a well-fitting life jacket. Your craft should also have a throwable flotation device in case one of your passengers falls overboard.
Make sure that at least one other person on the boat knows how to navigate it. If you’re unable to do so for some reason, there needs to be someone else who’s capable of operating the boat safely and returning everyone to shore. On that note, each passenger should be aware of the safety rules, which includes knowing where the emergency supplies are located.
Another critical component of the planning process is to inform someone back on land of where you’re going and how long you plan to be gone. Check in with this person from time to time, especially if you’re going to be out at sea for a bit. If you don’t return home at the scheduled time, this person will be able to inform rescue crews of your intended whereabouts.
Obey Laws & Regulations
You should also take some time to learn the laws and regulations in the area where you’ll be boating. If you plan to travel to another state by boat, you’ll need to get familiar with those laws as well. Be sure to look these up ahead of time to ensure you’re complaint during your journey.
There are a few items you should always carry with you, including your license, registration, and insurance information. Additionally, it’s a good idea to make copies and keep the spares at home in case the originals get damaged at sea. The ones you keep on your craft should be securely stored in a waterproof folio.
Check The Weather Forecast
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you head out for an adventure on the water. You should check well in advance of your intended departure. You don’t want to end up getting caught in a severe storm that could put you and your passengers in harm’s way.
There are certain conditions you’ll want to avoid, including extreme cold, harsh winds, heavy rainfall, lightning, and so on. If you notice any of these conditions in the forecast, you should postpone or cancel your trip. When you have an idea of what to expect before heading out, it helps you to be better prepared to deal with it when the time comes.
Address Maintenance Needs
Finally, you’ll want to confirm that your vessel is in pristine condition before you depart. You should never assume that everything is good to go based on your last trip. Start by performing a visual inspection of every aspect of the boat. Top off the fuel and oil as needed. Make sure that the oil is clean while you’re at it. You should also check the battery for any signs of corrosion. Tighten any loose connections if necessary. Last but not least, examine your safety equipment to see if anything is damaged, missing, or needs to be replaced.
You’re officially ready for your next boating trip! If you have questions or you’d like assistance with parts or service before you go, don’t hesitate to contact your friends at Grand Bay Marine in Traverse City and Charlevoix, MI. We’re also proud to serve those in Torch Lake and Boyne.