Essential Boating Safety Tips

1) Pre-Departure Checklist (Printable)

• Fuel (⅔+), oil level, bilge dry, seacock positions checked.
• Navigation lights work; horn/whistle; anchor & rode on board.
• Throwable device, first-aid kit, basic tools, spare fuses.
• Charged VHF/handheld; phones in dry bags; paper chart/GPS.
• Weather & tides reviewed; route & ETA noted.

2) PFDs, Kill Switch & Crew Brief

• Correct PFD sizes for all aboard; kids wear at all times.
• Clip the engine cutoff switch (kill switch) whenever underway.
• Brief: where PFDs/fire extinguisher are, grabbing points, no sitting on gunwales when moving.

3) Weather & Go/No-Go Calls

Set a personal limit for wind, wave height, visibility, and thunderstorms. If two factors are near your limit, call it a no-go. Re-check conditions before returning.

4) VHF Basics & Float Plan

• File a float plan with a contact: who’s aboard, route, ETA.
• VHF channels: 16 (distress/calling), 9 (secondary calling in some areas), working channels per marina/USCG advisories.
• Distress format: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday… vessel name… position… nature of distress… persons aboard… over.”

5) Navigation Rules & No-Wake

• Port gives way to starboard in crossing; overtaking vessel keeps clear.
• Keep right in channels; obey aids to navigation; maintain a proper lookout.
• Idle speed in no-wake zones—your wake is your responsibility.

6) Anchoring & Emergency Stops

• Scope: 5:1 calm, 7:1 windy; set and back down gently to confirm hold.
• Keep a second anchor or heaving line for emergencies.
• Practice a controlled stop from cruising speed in open water.

7) Man Overboard Procedure (MOB)

1. Shout “Man Overboard,” throw throwable device, keep eyes on the person (assign a spotter).
2. Press MOB on chartplotter if available; turn toward the side they fell to keep prop away.
3. Approach from downwind/current; neutral before alongside; use ladder or sling, kill engine while recovering.

8) Night Boating & Lights

• Know your lights: red=port, green=starboard, white=stern/masthead; avoid blinding others.
• Reduce speed; use a dimmed headlamp only for tasks; preserve night vision.
• Keep a paper chart/trackback plan if electronics fail.

9) Distress Signals & First Aid

• USCG-approved flares or electronic distress light, whistle/horn, signal mirror.
• First-aid: bandages, antiseptic, antihistamine, seasickness meds, thermal blanket.
• Emergency kit: knife, multi-tool, tape, zip ties, spare line, flashlight, spare batteries.

Alcohol and boating don’t mix—designate a sober operator every trip.