11 BT Nov 2017 for archive

From boat transport to insurance, all the marine services you will ever need
MARINE
PRODUCTS
AND
SERVICES
Safe boating
checklist
Written by: Ellen Dunkerton
■ Check the weather before departure
If you notice darkening clouds, changing
winds or sudden drops in temperature,
don’t risk getting out on the water.
■ Follow a pre-departure checklist
Make sure you are prepared for any
possibility while you are out on the water,
so make sure you haven’t forgotten
anything that could help you.
■ Use common sense
Stay alert at all times, and steer clear of
large vessels that can be restricted in
stopping or turning.
■ Designate an assistant skipper
Ensure more than one person on board
is familiar with all aspects of the boat’s
handling, operations, features and safety
tips, in case of your injury.
■ Develop a float plan
Always be sure that someone else knows
your float plan, whether that be a family
member or staff at the local marina. Tell
them where you are going and how long
you’ll be gone for.
■ Make proper use of life jackets
Keep your friends and family safe by
assigning and fitting each person onboard
with a life jacket before you depart.
■ Avoid alcohol
The likelihood of a boating accident
happening is doubled by consuming
alcohol. Remember safety at all times, and
save the alcohol for later.
■ Learn to swim
If you’re going to be in and around water,
it’s important that everyone on the boat
knows how to swim.
■ Take a boating course
Both beginning and expert boaters need to
be familiar with boating safety rules. You
can take a course to refresh your memory
and ensure you are safe on the water.
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