Boats > Boat Types

Boating Safety Tips

Safe boating is something that we all believe that we do and think we know how to do, but the reality is probably somewhat less than is desired. Being a lifelong fisherman and boater, I recognize the fact that many of us take boating safety for granted way too often. Neglecting the simplest of marine safety basics cause way to many accidents and tragedies each year on our waterways. All to often we read about or hear about boating mishaps, boats capsizing or a myriad of boat stories that do not end well, all because of lack of pre-planning or the lack of general knowledge of boat safety.

Take a Boat Safety Course

One important tip would be to take a boating safety course. There are many courses available across the country for all types of recreational boaters, and for boaters of all ages. Taking one of these courses could mean the difference between a great day on the water with your friends and family, or a bad experience that you would not wish upon your worst enemy.

You can seek out qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron, and other sponsors that provide many safety courses that are open to the general public. Many state boating agencies also provide boat safety classes.

These courses will cover many aspects of boating safety, proper boat anchoring, safety equipment, boat handling skills, navigation, boating problems and emergencies, trailering, storing and protecting your boat, to reading the weather, and classes geared to courses for kids and younger boaters who want to learn boating and navigation skills. The most popular basic courses generally have from 6 to 13 lessons to provide a foundation of boat operational and safety instruction. Many boating classes will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states. Many boat insurance companies will offer you discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete boating safely course.

More Safety Tips

Boaters should not come to close to navigation beacons due to the danger of collision with riprap and other obstructions that may be just under the water's surface, structure foundation, or with the obstruction/danger which the aid marks. Always maintain a safe distance from all aids to navigation.

A safe boater will always have the appropriate nautical charts on board their vessel and will be familiar with their surroundings. The exact meaning of an aid to navigation may not be clear to the boater unless the appropriate marine chart is consulted.

About the Author:
This article provided by Boats-i.com. Your source for free information on boats and boat manufacturers, boating, water sports and marine topics.

This article may be freely reprinted as long as the author's resource box and url links remain intact.

=========

See:
• Airboat
• Boat
• Boat Types
• Skipjack Boat
• Mainsail
• Bermuda rig
• Watercraft
• Kayak
• Kayak Origins
• Folding Kayaks
• Recreational Kayaks
• Sea Kayak
• Whitewater Kayaking

• Adirondack Guideboat
• Mahogany Bay
• Vermont Fishing Dory
• wood boat building plans

• Boating Safety Tips