Basic Safety Equipment For Every Pleasure Boat
The busy summer boating season will soon be upon us: it's time to take off the canvas cover
, tune up the engine, polish up the chrome and get the trailer out of storage. Millions of Americans enjoy taking to both fresh and salt water each and every year; and with all those water enthusiasts come a considerable number of emergencies. Whether you own a 15 foot motorboat or a multi-million dollar yacht, there are some safety equipment items that are essential to common-sense, safe boating. Don't become a statistic: here is a list and description of basic safety equipment that every pleasure boat should have on board at all times.Lifejackets
Although many boaters rely solely on Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) for help in case of accident, high quality life jackets will usually provide a much higher degree of floatation, especially for non-swimmers. Make sure all small children and non-swimmers are wearing life jackets before you even leave the dock: especially on small speed boats; you need to keep more than enough life jackets for each of your passengers in an easy-access storage area where they can be immediately on hand if needed.
Portable fire extinguishers
Fire can happen in an engine or it can occur as the result of careless cigarette smoking. Never assume that just because you are surrounded by water that you will not need a fire extinguisher. Always keep a portable one handy, and know how to use it if needed.
Bailers and manual water pumps
If your boat begins taking in water, you may not be able to get the emergency help you need before it's too late. Make sure you keep bailers and manual water pumps aboard to help your craft stay afloat until professional assistance arrives.
Distress flares
Flares can easily be seen in all kinds of weather and whether it is day or night. They serve to signal other crafts that you are a boat and crew in distress, and are universally recognized as such. Only buy flares that are specifically designed for marine use, and remember that they only stay "good" for about four years and will need to be replaced periodically. A,B,C, and D flares are all appropriate, and should be kept in watertight containers.
Marine GPS system
In this age of technological marvels, there is simply no reason to get lost or suffer a nighttime collision on the waters: even if you are in a simple rowboat! Larger vessels will have built-in navigation systems, but if your boat doesn't, it makes sense to invest in a quality marine GPS system. There are many different kinds to choose from, so do some researching before purchasing. Many will actually create a safe route for you that avoids potential obstacles such as buoys or shallow water.
The use of many of these basic safety items are mandated by state and federal law and will vary depending on the size and type of craft: sail safely!
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