Boating Safety Checklist

Safety is vital on any trip out on the water and a boating safety equipment checklist is the best way to start to make sure you have everything you need no matter how long the trip.

There are some obvious pieces of equipment that you need such as life jackets, first aid kits, a fire extinguisher, an anchor and some kind of visual distress signal such as a flare. Other things that should be on a boating safety equipment list are a whistle or a horn, a telescoping paddle, a flashlight that is water proof and a personal locator beacon.

It is also important to check the State and country regulations where you are boating as each may have different rules regarding what equipment is required. There can also be different regulations depending on the size of your boat and equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers often need to be Coast Guard approved.

Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is mandatory if your boat has an inboard engine, enclosed compartments where fuel or any combustible material is stored, a closed living space or permanent fuel tanks. You may be on the water but an engine fire could be devastating and it needs to be secured and located in a convenient place.

The size and number of extinguishers needed depends on the size of your boat. Boats 26 feet long or smaller are required to have at least one marine type B-1 fire extinguisher that is Coast Guard approved. You can shop around on price but marine models are no substitute for something bought in a local store.

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Life Jackets

Life Jackets and personal floatation devices are also vital and the rule is one per person, including children. For bigger boats a throwable floatation device, such as a ring or cushion, may also be required. Life jackets need to be easily accessible, in good working condition, and fit the individual it is intended for properly. All passengers need to know where the life jackets are stored and how to use them. They come in a variety of colors and prices.

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Horns and Whistles

Any boat under 40 feet should have an efficient sound producing device such as a horn or whistle, and boats over 40 feet are required to carry a bell and whistle. It is generally required that the whistle should be able to be heard at least half a nautical mile away. This is important as the signals need to used when meeting, crossing, or overtaking other vessels, or if visibility is reduced. If you are carrying an air horn it is a good idea to have a spare can of compressed air on your boating safety equipment list.

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Visual Distress Signals

Remember, your boating safety equipment must meet the standards required on coastal waters and lakes. When it comes to visual distress signals, three are needed on a boat less than 16 feet in length. Bigger boats need to have three day and three night signals on board. Flares need to be stored in a dry and accessible place.

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Flashlights

It may seem obvious, but any flashlights on board need to be waterproof. It is worth checking that they work before setting off and passengers should know where they are stored and how to operate them. For safety reasons it is worth while making sure that there are spare batteries on board and that they are stored in a dry place. Again, it may seem obvious, but they need to be easy to use and easy to find in case you are scrambling around in the dark or low visibility. They don’t need to be expensive, just functional for a boating environment so it is worth shopping around.

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Anchors

An anchor with enough chain should also be on your boating safety equipment checklist. The size required will depend on the size of the boat, but a good rule of thumb is to have enough chain to cover five times the depth. As with other equipment on your boating safety equipment checklist, make sure you inspect your anchor and dock lines regularly. They come in a variety of sizes to suit all manner of boats.

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First Aid Kits

First aid kits vary enormously when it comes to price. When deciding which one to purchase, it is best to think about size, durability and contents. A sturdy box that is waterproof is a good starting point. Some kits come with extra space to add in items. Some first aid kits can also be mounted, helping with storage issues.

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Personal Locator Beacon

You may think there will never be an emergency, as you only plan to go boating close to shore, but personal locator beacons can be vital in an unseen emergency, such as a person overboard. They allow you to alert rescuers by sends out a signal on either a 406MHz frequency or Local Area System using 121.5MHz, VHF DSC and/or AIS. Once activated, the signal is detected by a satellite and sent to a Mission Control Centre (MCC) where it is decoded and forwarded to the nearest Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC). They might seem expensive but they could save a life.

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Telescoping Paddle

A telescoping paddle can have all kinds of uses in a safety situation or an emergency. They come in a variety of prices, shapes and sizes. The idea is that they do not take up too much space and can adjust to variable lengths with a simple twist. If you are adding one to your boating safety equipment list, then make sure it has a corrosion resistant aluminum shaft (which is also light), a high-impact molded blade and boat hook handle, as well as a hassle-free locking device. They come in different colors but a bright orange blade is great for signaling in emergencies.

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