A boat operator is enjoying a day on the water when all of a sudden the weather changes. What can they do? Get ready to learn how to handle rough water! Boating in rough water: stay safe! When boating in rough water, there are several things you can do to stay safe: Slow down and … Read more ›
Marine distress signals can take a number of forms. In general, they consist of visual or audio signs that show other boaters or rescue personnel that you need help. Recreational boating is all about getting out on the water and having a good time. Nevertheless, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies, so that your … Read more ›
A Visual Distress Signal (VDS) is a crucial piece of boating safety equipment that allows your boat to be located swiftly during emergencies. If used correctly, visual distress signals make it possible to respond quickly to situations that could otherwise lead to tragic results. VDS signals include: Day signals that are visible in sunlight Night … Read more ›
Navigation lights are an important element of boating safety equipment for all boats, including sailboats and human-powered vessels. If you are operating a sailboat or nonpowered boat such as a canoe, kayak or rowboat, you need to know when to use navigation lights. You also need to be aware of the correct configuration of navigation … Read more ›
Boat navigation lights are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on your boat, along with personal flotation devices, boat fire extinguishers and boat ventilation systems. As a boat owner or operator, you are legally responsible for using the correct safety equipment at all times. This is your responsibility whether your boat is … Read more ›
A boat engine produces fumes that can accumulate and lead to a powerful, potentially life-threatening explosion. A boat ventilation system makes this type of disaster much less likely by removing combustible fumes from the bilges of engines and fuel tank compartments. Your boat ventilation system is an essential part of your boating safety equipment. All … Read more ›
A backfire flame arrestor is a piece of safety equipment that you need to keep onboard if your boat has an inboard engine. What do backfire flame arrestors do? When a boat engine backfires, flames could come into contact with fuel or other flammables and start a fire. A backfire flame arrestor is a round … Read more ›
Boat fire extinguishers are an essential piece of boating safety equipment. While not all boats are required to carry one by law, it is highly recommended that all boaters be prepared to fight fire by equipping their boat with an appropriate fire extinguisher, just in case. Boat fires can happen unexpectedly. While most boat fires … Read more ›
Wearing the right life jacket is not only essential for boating legally and avoiding fines, it will keep you safe. Accidents on the water happen quickly, and when something goes wrong, there is rarely time to decide to put on a PFD, much less to make sure it fits properly. Before you take to the … Read more ›
Life jacket rules for children are just as binding as those for adults. Although it can be tempting to think that children might be free from boating regulations, both state and federal laws protect infants’ and children’s safety in the water with specific life jacket regulations. Failure to respect these rules could lead to tragic … Read more ›
