Essential Boat Checks Before Setting Sail

Before embarking on a boating trip, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive safety check to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This involves inspecting various aspects of the boat to mitigate potential risks and comply with legal requirements. From life jackets and signalling devices to engine maintenance and fuel levels, a thorough pre-departure checklist is vital to safeguard against accidents and emergencies. By taking the necessary precautions, boaters can confidently navigate the waters, knowing they are well-prepared for any eventuality.

Life jackets and other personal flotation devices

Life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are essential safety equipment when going out on a boat. They are designed to keep the wearer afloat and prevent them from drowning if they end up in the water unexpectedly or are participating in watersports.

There are several types of life jackets and PFDs, each designed for specific activities or boating conditions. Type I jackets, for example, offer the greatest buoyancy and are designed for offshore use, while Type III jackets are often used for watersports and general passenger use due to their comfortable and form-fitting style. Type IV devices are "throwables", such as a ring buoy or a flat cushion, that can be thrown to someone who has fallen into the water. Type V jackets are special-use PFDs, such as flotation coats or whitewater rafting vests.

When choosing a life jacket or PFD, it is important to consider the level of protection and comfort needed for your specific activity. Life jackets, for instance, offer a higher level of protection and are designed to turn unconscious wearers face-up in the water, while PFDs are designed for all-day wear and prioritize comfort.

In addition to choosing the right type of life jacket or PFD, it is crucial to ensure that it is in good condition and fits properly. Check for any holes or tears, and make sure the life jacket is the correct size and weight for the wearer. It is also important to keep the life jackets easily accessible and to wear them at all times when out on the water.

By taking the time to select the appropriate life jackets or PFDs, conducting regular checks, and ensuring proper fit and accessibility, you can help ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on board your boat.

Fire extinguishers

Firstly, it is important to know that fire extinguishers have an expiration date. Non-rechargeable, disposable fire extinguishers are intended for one-time use and must be replaced 12 years after their date of manufacture. This date is usually stamped on the bottom of the extinguisher or next to the Underwriters Lab (UL) label. If your extinguisher is older than 12 years, it must be removed from service and replaced.

Secondly, fire extinguishers must be of an approved type. The label on the extinguisher should state "Marine Type – USCG Approved". The Underwriters Lab approves fire extinguishers on behalf of the USCG.

Thirdly, fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and in good working condition. This means that they should be:

• Charged (if the extinguisher has a pressure gauge, it must be in the operable range)
• Firmly pinned
• Clean and free of obstruction at the nozzle
• Free of significant corrosion or damage

Additionally, different sizes of boats require different numbers and types of fire extinguishers. If your boat is less than 26 feet, you need at least one B-1 type extinguisher on board. If your boat is between 26 and 40 feet, you need either two B-1 type extinguishers or one B-2 type. For boats over 40 feet and up to 65 feet, either three B-1 type extinguishers or one B-2 type and one B-1 type are required. If your boat is longer than 65 feet, check the federal regulations.

Finally, it is recommended to perform a monthly inspection of your fire extinguisher to ensure it is always ready for use in an emergency. This includes checking the gauge, seals, hose, and weight (for dry chemical extinguishers).

Visual signalling devices

Visual distress signals are a crucial part of your boat's safety equipment. They are required by law for boats operating in coastal waters, including the Great Lakes and territorial seas, and for boats owned in the US and operating on the high seas. These signals are essential for attracting attention and securing assistance in an emergency.

There are a variety of visual signalling devices available, both pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic, that can be used to meet the relevant regulations. Pyrotechnic devices include:

• Red flares (hand-held or aerial)
• Orange smoke signals (hand-held or floating)
• Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares

Non-pyrotechnic devices include:

• Orange distress flag
• Electric distress light
• Signal mirror

When selecting pyrotechnic devices, it is important to ensure they are Coast Guard-approved, in serviceable condition, and easily accessible. These devices have an expiration date of 42 months from the date of manufacture, and at least three unexpired flares must be carried on board. Non-pyrotechnic devices must carry the manufacturer's certification that they meet Coast Guard requirements and be in good condition and easily accessible.

It is recommended to carry several types of visual signalling devices, as no single device is ideal for all conditions and purposes. For example, an aerial flare can be seen from a long distance on a clear night, while a hand-held flare may be more useful for closer work.

• Sirius Signal SOS LED Flare Electronic Visual Distress Signal Kit
• ACR ResQFlare Electronic Distress E-Flare and Flag
• SOSeFLARE™5 NO More Flares!™ Electronic Boat Distress Flare
• GOODSMANN Boat LED All Round Signal Light with Suction Cup & Magnetic Base
• SeaSense SOS Distress Flag

Sound signalling devices

There should be at least two sound-signalling devices on board, such as an air horn, bell, or whistle. Portable or fixed horns and whistles are suitable sound-generating devices for all boats. If you are carrying an air horn, it is also recommended to pack a spare can of compressed air. Larger vessels (over 39 feet) should also carry a bell to be sounded at regular intervals in times of limited visibility.

In addition to the above, it is important to have a whistle attached to each life jacket.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit is a crucial item to have on board your boat. Injuries can happen anywhere, but when they happen on a boat, help is not always readily available. It is important to be prepared for any onboard medical emergency, especially when boating in remote areas far from emergency services.

The contents of your first-aid kit should be dictated by the typical number of passengers on board, the remoteness of the area you'll be boating in, and the severity of potential injuries. For day excursions close to home and within a short distance of emergency services, a basic first-aid kit will cover most common needs. However, if you're boating in a remote area or with a large number of passengers, you'll need to increase the number of supplies and include more specialized items.

• Antiseptic wipes to clean wounds
• A variety of adhesive bandages in different sizes
• Tweezers
• Sunscreen
• Larger bandages and dressings
• Eye wash treatments
• Burn treatments
• Pressure and packing dressings
• Space blanket to keep an injured person warm
• Nitrile gloves (some people are allergic to latex)
• Scissors
• Safety pins
• Syringe (without a needle)
• Saline solution
• Fabric tape
• Elastic bandages
• Triangular bandage
• Instant cold pack
• Disposable gloves
• Sterile absorbent pads
• Rolled gauze
• Butterfly bandages
• Burn cream
• Individually wrapped common medications (for treating stings, heartburn, seasickness, diarrhea, etc.)
• Alcohol wipes
• Storage container
• First-aid guide
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen
• Cotton swabs
• Sam splint
• Antiseptic ointment or spray
• Eye wash

Additionally, consider taking a first-aid course to learn how to treat common wounds, care for a passenger in shock, and perform CPR. This knowledge can prove valuable whether you are on land or water.

Frequently asked questions