A Day Out on the Water,
What you should bring
Being the skipper of your boat has its benefits AND its responsibilities. Whether a professional Master Captain like Captain Mark or a recreational skipper, safety must be prevalent in your preparation and throughout the day until you are back in port.
In a previous Blog, we have already introduced you to filing your Float Plan. A necessity to let others know when you expect to depart. Where you expect to go. When you expect to return. Exactly who is on board. Not to mention, the specific identification of your boat with its name/registration number, etc. With this information the person on land can hand over this plan to the authorities should you are tardy in your return.
Safety Gear you will want on board. At H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions they publish a list of items passengers may wish to bring with them for the day's adventure. A Checklist for Your Excursion
You, being the skipper, will want to make sure your boat has:
PFDs or personal floating devices/life jackets for everyone who is coming aboard sized for adults, children, etc.- At least 1 throwable floatation device AND a throwable line e.g. kayak throw rope
- Depending on the size of your boat, at least 1 fire extinguisher
- Visual Distress Signals
- Sound signaling device
- Registration, both State paperwork as well as your State Registration Numbers on both sides of your bow
- Insurance for your boat
- Food & Beverages, hydration is the goal here...H2O is your friend
- Sun protection: lotion, hat, long sleeves, etc.
- Additional lines. Bow and stern lines, plus extras as you never know
- First Aid Kit
- Anchors, both bow and stern with line, rode, chain
- VHF radio. Even when cell service/the network is down, your VHF radio will work
- Dry bag/waterproof bag, for extra clothing and valuables
- Nothing like being up a creek without a paddle, so bring 2 paddles!! The H2O Captain boat ALWAYS carries 2 easily accessible paddles!!
- and emergency tools...as you never know what may happen out there!
