The most important thing when going for a cruise on a boat, whether it be a big cruise with
hundreds of people, or just a tour boat, with about 20 people, is safety.
The person whom has the main responsibilty of going over guidelines, and making sure that rules
and regulations are understood and followed, is the captain of the bought.
The main thing, is that people know where to find and how to use safety equipment on the boat
if an emergency happens to occur. Once the rules have been explained, it is each and every
individual’s responsibility to follow those rules to ensure safety. Continue to read on as the 7 basic
tips of safety are provided to ensure safety when on a boat.
Check weather condition. Listening to the radio forecast, or watching the news to see what the
weather is going to be like before getting on a boat is very important. This way you will know
the proper attire to wear, and you will be prepared to use any kind of safety equipment needed
if and when a possible storm occurs.
Predeparture checklist. Have a checklist handy to be for certain that you have everything you will
possibly need on the boat. Here are some things to be included on the checklist:
a) Weather check.
b) Boat license.
c) Familiarity on where you’re going.
d) Check tide, make sure ramp is suit bale for launch.
e) Check for boat defects.
f) Boat is registered.
g) Enough fuel for the trip.
h) Food and water for the trip.
i) Safety equipment is in good condition.
j) Show passengers where the safety equipment is.
k) Include reliable person in the boat plan.
Prepare safety equipement. It is required by law to prepare all safety equipment. If you are uncertain
of how to do so, then you should check the authorities and laws on how to do this. Below is a list of
equipment that is needed and required to be checked:
a) Oars, rope, and knife.
b) Radio, Mirror, Torch.
c) Boat Hook.
d) First Aid Kit.
e) Fire Extinguisher.
f) Drinking Water, Buoyoncy aids, and life jackets.
g) Bucker or Bailer.
h) Chart and Compass.
i) Anchors chain and rope.
j) Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Operating at a safe speed. Stay clear of busy areas and know where all of the big vessels will be located.
Respect the navigational buoys.
Assistant captain. Have one other person in charge of the things that go on on the boat, and have
them know all safety regulations. This would be in case the captain gets sick, there will need to be
someone else that can bring the people safely back to shore.
Float Plan. Make sure people, like family members know where you are going. Include the name, phone
number, and address of the trip. List the details of the type of boat, and the passengers the number of
passengers that are on the boat as well.
Making sure all of these steps are in tac, will help you to not only have a safe, but an enjoyable trip as well!(530)
Tags: boating
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