Riding a boat is one great adventure. Making it a memorable one or not at all. It can be a disaster just like what we read in the newspapers or watched in the news. A disaster no one ever wanted to happen to them. Precautionary measures are the best to consider before leaping in your boat. It is not considered just a toy to explore the waters or just one of the collections to own when you read an advertisement about Boats for sale near me. But it’s more a responsibility than a status symbol or a business to operate one. It requires time, effort, and love not just money to be a responsible operator or boat owner. Some safety tips here to heads up before driving one.

  • Foremost, acquire a safety boater course. Knowledge is the foundation of everything. Knowing nothing is just like rowing towards no particular direction. Knowledge they say is a power, so acquiring the course is like acquiring the power to conquer the world. Starting it right makes all things right. It is not just a must as required by other states (well, others don’t) but a tool for us to equip ourselves before going to the water.
  • Know the nautical law. Before going out to the water it is a must that you know the law that governs boat operation. It is just like knowing the traffic rules in the highways to prevent accidents. Water is not an exemption. There are navigation rules for the same purpose. To navigate safely and avoid collisions, to meet head-on or one might wish to overtake the other. All events need rules to prevent safety for both the driver and the passengers.
  • Have a pre-departure list. Tag along with you proper and needed equipment like a life jacket fitted for you and your passenger. Attach a whistle to every life jacket. Bring with you a flashlight and spare batteries too. A signaling horn is very important. Be sure that it can be heard 1 ½ mile and have a spare of it. Proper orientation to passengers is really needed. Explain the location of the life jackets and other materials for survival when something will happen. It is just like an orientation for them to know every detail. Prepare for a signal flare in case you need to ask for help.
  • Check your boat before going to the water. Be sure that it is properly maintained, especially the engine. Complete your tools too in case there is a need to repair. You may never know that something needs to be fixed when you are out there. Preparing ahead is better than not at all because the water out there is too wide and you may never know when help arrives.
  • Know the weather. Never sail without checking the weather report. This will help you decide for a navigation. You can’t just sail without knowing the weather report. You may risk your life and your passengers if you just go out in the water without knowing the weather. If there is a storm signal ahead of you or your days of navigation cover the bad weather ahead then consider to change your date.
  • Stay alert at all times. Know your environment and stay focused. There might be obstacles ahead, staying sound and focus can help you decide quickly what to do.
  • Don’t drink and drive. It is always best to stay sound when driving. A liquor can block your mind making you unfit to drive and navigate. Most accident’s records show to have been caused by driving under the influence of liquor.
  • Develop a floating plan. It is best to develop a plan for whatever we do. Let others know you are on a trip for a couple of days. It is best to let them know your plan. You can include several information about the boat name, address, telephone number as well as your personal information.