Every time you take your boat and/or personal watercraft out on the water is a new experience. No matter how many trips you have under your belt, it is best to freshen up on boat safety before each voyage. Be sure you and your passengers follow these safe boating tips and practices to help promote an incident-free return from each outing.
Before Setting Out on Your Boat
Ensure that your boat and/or personal watercraft is operating properly before heading out onto the water. Follow this pre-departure checklist to help you avoid any potential problems.
- Share your float plan with a friend or relative. Be sure to include your destination and expected time of return.
- Check fuel levels and add as necessary.
- Check your engine. For in-board engines, open the hatch to look for fuel or fluid (oil, coolant, etc.) leakage or excess water in the bilge, or the lowest section inside of a boat. For outboard engines, check the fuel system for leaks or heavy gas odor. Excessive fuel vapors from either engine type can be a sign of a serious problem.
- Ensure all lights are functioning and in place.
- Check for any electrical issues such as loose, disconnected or corroded conductors.
- Test radio/communications devices.
- Run blowers to evacuate fumes and vapors from the bilge prior to starting your engine.
- Attach your boat and vehicle keys to a floating bobber.
- Check the local weather, sea reports and boating forecasts. As the operator of the boat, you have a responsibility to pay attention to the weather and should not head out if adverse conditions are expected.
- Have an emergency/evacuation plan in place, and go over it with your passengers.
- Review the vessel’s controls, location of personal flotation devices and location of fire extinguishers with your passengers.
