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Boating A Simple Guide to Boating Must-Haves
Because a great number of boating accidents and tragedies can simply be attributed to insufficient boating equipment and accessories, coast guards are now regularly patrolling the shores and high waters to subject boat owners to routine checks.
Use our checklist below to ensure that you have everything you need for a safe and wonderful trip on board.
REGISTRATION
Make sure that you have all the documents you need to validate your boat, your ownership, your steering skills and your journey. Without these VIP (very important papers), the coast guard can’t be blamed if they mistake you for a trespasser or drug smuggler.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Just because you’re surrounded with miles and miles of crystal clear water doesn’t mean you’re immediately protected from fire mishaps. It’s also why having a fire extinguisher on board is still considered a necessity. If you’re feeling extra cautious, you can also add a flame arrestor to the list.
LIFE JACKETS
Even if you can swim, panic can sometimes cause you to forget how to make butterfly or even freestyle strokes. Life jackets are an absolute must, even for professionals. After all, why risk drowning if you don’t have to?
NAVIGATION LIGHTS
These are literally a lifesaver and if you care to check out the rules posted by official organizations governing water traffic, you’ll notice that they have numerous and very specific rules when it comes to navigation lights of sea vessels. Make sure your boat meets legal specifications before sailing away.
NATURAL VENTILATION SYSTEM
All types of boats are required to have a ventilation system if they are using a gasoline powered motor. Just think of it as your backup emergency system.
DAYTIME AND NIGHT-TIME VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
There will be times that you’ll find yourself operating during reduced visibility. When the fog’s making it difficult for you to see where you’re going, there’s every chance that you’ll encounter an accident. It’s during these occasions that you thank the law for requiring you to have night-time visual distress signals. And oh, by the way, accidents still happen during day and why you also need the daytime version.
SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES
Such devices are called noisemakers as well. They can come in the form of a whistle, horn or bell. They are especially helpful when weather conditions make it impossible to see beyond a certain distance and when you need to negotiate locks and request bridges to open.
If you lack any of the above, make sure you visit a boat shop immediately to purchase the things you lack. Have fun!
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