Boat Safety

The warming of our Florida weather signals the beginning of fishing/boating season.  With this in mind, our blog for this month is a reprint of an article from BoatSafety.com.  

WHAT TO DO BEFORE SETTING OFF:

• Check the weather forecast by: 
• Listening to the shipping or local radio forecast or by tuning into the weather channel or your local TV station.
• Checking the latest marine forecast (Marine Weather on this site). 
• Telephoning the Coastguard or listening to the weather reports on the VHF. 
• Check the condition of the boat and its equipment.
• Ensure the engine is well maintained. Carry a tool kit and essential spares.
• Ensure safety equipment is provided for all on board.
• Check on local conditions e.g. tide races, areas of shallow water and know the "Rules of the Road" - Your life may depend on it.
• Obtain relevant charts and tide tables. 
• Plan the trip: 
• How long will it take? 
• Who will keep watch? 
• What access do you have to safe havens en route? 
• What are the alternatives? 

OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

• File a float plan with someone you can trust - the Coast Guard recommends a friend, family member or other responsible party.
• Include departure and arrival times. 
• Point of destination and route. 
• Description of the boat. 
• Names of all persons on board and a contact number ashore.
• If you change any of the above, remember to inform your contact ashore and be sure to call when you are safely back into port. 
• Ensure that parked vehicles and trailers do not obstruct slipways or access for emergency vehicles/lifeboats and are above the high water mark.
• Know your limitations:
• Sail within your own ability and that of your crew. 
• Ensure you have sufficient experienced crew for the trip, particularly if it is overnight.
• Know the limitations of your boat. 
• Do not overload the boat as it will make it unstable.

BE SAFE AFLOAT

• Lifejackets and safety harnesses are essential and should be provided for everyone on board. They could ensure your survival, but only if worn. Last year, in the U.S., 80% of all boating fatalities involved people who were not wearing life jackets. 
• Ensure sets of warm and protective clothing are available including sunglasses. 
• Everyone must know what to do in a man overboard situation - It could be YOU 
• Check out "Man Overboard" for more information.
• Advice on carrying additional safety equipment can be obtained from any of the participating organizations. The lives of your family must be worth a phone call. 

HOW TO ATTRACT ATTENTION IN AN EMERGENCY

• A VHF radio, which can be a portable (limited range, however), will enable you to summon help by calling the Coastguard on channel 16. This may also alert other vessels in your vicinity who may be able to provide assistance. If you are in an emergency situation involving injury or potential loss of property, issue a Mayday call on channel 16. Do NOT allow anyone other than the Coast Guard to move you to a different frequency. For more information view the "Communications Page" on the Boating Safety website. Check out "use of the VHF" for proper mayday procedures.
• If you use a VHF radio you no longer need to obtain an operators license if it is only used for recreational purposes. 
• Carry a portable foghorn and use the whistle fitted to your lifejacket to attract attention if necessary 

CARRY AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF PROPULSION AND A SPARE CAN OF FUEL

• A set of oars or a small auxiliary outboard are advisable. 
• A spare can of fuel is essential and should be clearly marked if different types are carried, e.g. gas or diesel. 
• Always carry a tow-rope and ensure you have a strong towing point in the fore end of the boat. 
•  Because of the cost of commercial marine towing, we recommend that you obtain some form of towing protection.

CARRY A FIRST AID KIT, A TORCH AND IN-DATE DISTRESS FLARES

• Day and night distress flares are essential, instructions for their safe use are printed on the side, read these and understand them - It is too late on a dark and stormy night 
• Our on-line boating safety course provides more information on the use visual distress signals.
• A first aid kit and basic first aid knowledge can prove invaluable until professional assistance arrives. 
• Keep all your essential small gear in a watertight container 
• In any sort of emergency, call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16.

CARRY AN IN-DATE FIRE EXTINGUISHER, A BAILER AND AN ANCHOR WITH ADEQUATE CHAIN AND ROPE

• A length of chain adds weight to the anchor and will improve its holding capability. 
• Ensure your anchor cable is of sufficient length for the area in which you are sailing. 
• A radar reflector on a yacht will assist with detection by other vessels, particularly in reduced visibility. 

BE AWARE

• Keep a good look out at all times and be aware of your surroundings 
• Be sensible about drinking alcohol - it will impair your judgement 
• If you smoke be careful - a fire at sea can be disastrous 
• Always turn cooking gas bottles off at source when not in use. 

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER AND SEA CONDITIONS. SEEK SHELTER IN GOOD TIME

• Do not press on regardless - make for a safe haven in good time.
• If in doubt, call for help - don't wait until it's too late! 
• Remember - it is easier to find you and provide assistance in daylight than in darkness. An on-board GPS will provide invaluable position information should you ever need assistance. With the cost as low as it is, we strongly recommend that every boater have a GPS on board. 

Posted by: Carla Olstrom

Carla, our Accounts Payable Administrator (a.k.a. – The Check Lady), has been with Hennessy Construction for nearly seven years.  In addition to boating, Carla enjoys spending time spoiling her adorable nieces.