Safe Boating
Boating is a fun and convenient way to go fishing, unfortunately to many anglers get seriously injured or die each and every year due to a lack of safe boating practices. Ill run through some of the most important aspects of safe boating here in the hopes that they may save someones life.
Personal floation devices are what seat belts are to vehicles, they save lives! Wearing one should be common sense practice, though you would be surprised at just how many boaters dont even keep them on board. Never leave the shore with enough PDF’s for everyone in your boat! Always wear your PDF when your boat is in motion or you are fishing rough water. If you have any passengers in your boat who dont know how to swim, they should be wearing their PDFs at all times!
Sound producing devices are not only life savers, they are also required to be carried on all recreational boats of 12 meters or more in length.
An air horn or bell is useful when boating in low visibility situations, in fact boating navigation rules state that a boater must signal in certain circumstances, like crossing and over taking situations.
Boat Lights are another signaling device that are a must in low visibility conditions, they like sound devices are required by law and for good reason. Light prevent accidents in low visibility conditions, they make other boaters aware of your position in these conditions.
If you boat without lights you asking for injury, death or a stiff fine.
Fire Extinguishers are a very important safety device that should not be overlooked.
Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The letter indicates the type fire the unit is designed to extinguish (Type B for example are designed to extinguish flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil and grease fires). The number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher (minimum extinguishing agent weight).
Coast Guard approved extinguishers are hand portable, either B-I or B-II classification and have a specific marine type mounting bracket. It is recommended the extinguishers be mounted in a readily accessible position.
Aside from safety devices, some common sense will go a long way to keeping you and your passengers safe on your next fishing trip.
Never boat in unfamiliar water, without first researching the water and its hidden dangers. Many boaters find themselves in desperate situation because they overlook this step. they assume that a body of water, is a body of water and that is just not the case. Each body of water holds its own dangers.
Boats like all machines are meant to make our lives easier, though like all machines boats are dangerous. Everything from the propeller that drives your boat to the fuel on board can be potential hazards. Give your boat the same respect that you would a car or chainsaw.
For more on boating safety visit the Office Of Boating Safety.
