The Boating and Sailing Section at Suite101 has consistently encouraged readers to be better prepared for their boating adventures. People boat for many reasons and an avoidable mishap shouldn’t be allowed to spoil the experience.
Boaters often have some down time that could be devoted to improving vessel safety and becoming more proficient mariners. The following are some useful tasks and activities that make future voyages safe and successful.
Take a Boating Skills or Safety Course
There are a number of organizations that are dedicated to promoting boater safety and education. Among these are the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons and Alaska Marine Safety Education Association. Classes are available in cold water safety, boating safety, coastal navigation, navigating with GPS, first-aid, and seamanship. Many of these courses are offered for a nominal coast and are delivered in many formats. Classes can be had online, via DVD or held in traditional classroom settings.
Build a Damage Control Kit
Damage control is a mandatory skill that professional mariners receive training in regularly. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains a fleet of damage control trainers and classes are offered on an ongoing basis. Boaters can build their own damage control kit starting with a tightly sealed five-gallon plastic bucket or dry bag. Be sure to label the kit and let passengers onboard know its location. Some things to include in a kit are:
- Plugs and Patches – Wooden wedges and tapered wood plugs are great for damage control purposes. Carry tapered plugs that match your vessel’s thru-hull fittings. Other patches and plugging material can include rubber sheeting, rags, oakum, silicon impregnated fiber, and waterproof putty.
- Fasteners – Consider an assortment of different tapes; duct, grease, fiberglass, and electrical tapes are examples. Things like hose clamps and nylon wire ties can be used to secure patches and repair hoses. Small line or twine can be used to hold patches in place.
- Tools – Carry a good variety of hand tools on your boat. A simple mechanic's tool kit is available at your local hardware store. Consider having screwdrivers, a hacksaw, an adjustable wrench, a pipe wrench, and a hammer in your tool kit. A nut driver sized for the hose clamps you are carrying will be a great help.
The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) offers a flooding control kit produced by SeaKits that is suitable for commercial and recreational vessels under 150 feet for $325.
Abandon Ship Container
Again using a tightly sealed five-gallon plastic bucket or dry bag, put together a kit of items that would make a rescue more possible and promote survival if there is ever any need to abandon ship. Think of it as a water-borne survival kit.
- Handheld marine VHF radio with a spare battery
- First-aid kit
- Distress signals. These can include pyrotechnics, flags, whistles and mirrors
- Food and water
- Fire starting materials
- Personal health items
Spend Some Time with Your Boat Trailer
Spend a little time with your boat trailer. A bit of care now will prevent headaches on the highway. Check tire pressure and service the wheel bearings. Newer boaters should consider practice in backing a trailer before getting near a launch ramp. Be sure the boat and trailer registrations are current. Neglect causes the most damage to boat trailers.
These are just a few things boaters can do to be more proactive and assure themselves that the next trip will be successful. A little time and effort taken now can produce substantial rewards in the future. AMSEA says, “Studies show that training is more important than any other factor in determining whether a person will react positively in an emergency.”
 |
 |
