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Proper safety precautions become especially important when boating at sea.
WEATHER INFORMATION
Before boating in the ocean, listen to the latest marine weather forecast for your area. Consider bringing a NOAA weather alert radio with you; it will provide continuous weather information and (if set to do so) activate a siren when official warnings are issued. Your VHF marine radio may be able to pick up NOAA weather information broadcasts as well.
EPIRB DEVICES
An EPIRB, or Emergency Position Indicating RadioBeacon, will emit a distress signal which satellites and/or aircraft can receive when someone activates it. Depending upon the EPIRB type, it may be triggered by water or require manual activation. Such devices can be very useful for improving safety while boating at sea.
EPIRBs are fairly expensive (up to $1,500); EPIRB rental is also available. Be aware that considerable fines may result from unnecessarily activating an EPIRB or failing to register it. Also, remember to keep a high-quality, unexpired battery installed in the EPIRB while boating. More Information
THUNDERSTORMS
Changing winds, dark clouds, or a “Special Marine Warning” on the radio may indicate impending thunderstorms, which are more difficult to escape from at sea. When you see signs of a thunderstorm, return to land if this is viable. Otherwise, remain below the boat’s deck, wear a lifevest, and avoid ungrounded metal equipment.
HURRICANE SAFETY
Hurricanes can also be a major concern when boating at sea. Because hurricane forecasting remains prone to errors, mariners should stay outside a substantial buffer zone around the hurricane and its track. Do not try to navigate through a hurricane’s predicted path; it may move across the ocean more rapidly than expected. More Information
VESSEL SAFETY CHECK
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) inspection program. Each year, boaters can request that VSC volunteers inspect their boats for unsafe problems and missing (or improperly installed) safety devices. It is especially important to ensure the safety of a vessel before boating in the ocean, because of the greater distance when returning to shore.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Many of the same safety measures which apply to boating on lakes and rivers also pertain to ocean travel. Bringing adequate lifevests, enough supplies, a first aid kit, and functional lighting equipment remains important. Additionally, inflatable life rafts are desirable to have at sea.
To prevent eye damage, sunburns, and skin cancer, it is vital to wear sunscreen and sunglasses when on the vessel’s deck whenever the ocean sky isn’t dark. Especially bright sunlight can occur at sea because there is so much ocean water for it to reflect upon and few sources of shade.
Mariners should avoid consuming alcoholic beverages or other substances with similar effects before boating at sea (or anywhere else). These can limit a person’s ability to maneuver boats safely, respond to emergencies, and swim if necessary. Approximately 20 percent of boating deaths in the U.S. are associated with alcohol.
Proper maintenance holds great importance to ocean boating safety as well. Adequately maintaining boat engines, fuel tanks, and communications equipment can prevent emergencies. Always bring a fire extinguisher on motorized boats, especially those with inboard engines. Obtaining adequate marine fuel of the correct type is also essential.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
People can learn more about boating safety at sea by taking boat safety courses, reading safety information in their vessel’s instruction manual, and consulting with experienced mariners.
SOURCES:
1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
2. U.S. Coast Guard
3. National Hurricane Center
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tags: safety, safety on the water