The sun is shining, the water is warm and your boat is waiting for you to start the summer adventures. Make the most of your time on the water by making sure you have all the essentials you need, everything from a first aid kit to a waterproof camera to capture your memories. In this article, we list you the most important essentials you need in your boat.
Boat Registration
Make sure your boat registration is up to date. It can be easy to forget to renew your registration and can get you in trouble with the law.
A Waterproof Camera
Make sure you capture all your memorable memories on the boat. Get a waterproof camera to be sure the water will not destroy it, and if possible, a camera that has a long lasting battery.
A Working Mobile Phone or Marine Radio
In case something happens you need to be able get in touch with the emergency.
Extra Clothes
You can get very wet on the boat from the water and the weather can suddenly change, getting warmer or colder. Make sure you are prepared for that by having extra warm and waterproof clothes with you.
Sunscreen
On the boat you are very exposed to the sun and there are not many places to hide from the sun. This is why putting on sunscreen with a high SPF is very important, to avoid skin burn.
First Aid Kit
As much careful as we are trying to be, accidents do happen. If they happen on a boat, you are usually many kilometers away from the coast where professional medical help is. This is why it is important to have a well equipped First Aid Kit onboard and to know how to use it. Waterproof bandages, medical tape, motion sickness bags and cold medication are just a few.
Life Jackets
Make sure there are enough jackets for every person onboard.
List of Emergency Phone Numbers
It is always essential to have a list of important phone numbers – should the worst strike even the most ingrained phone number could be forgotten!
Fuel
Monitor the fuel consumption and make sure you have enough. A good rule to remember: One third of the tank to go out, one third to go back and one third for emergency.
Make sure you have all the essentials to give yourself peace of mind and be able to enjoy your adventures on the boat to the fullest. Don’t forget to insure your boat too.
Sources:
https://blog.allstate.com/22-essentials-bring-aboard-day-boating/
http://www.discoverboating.com/resources/article.aspx?id=184
https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Safe-Boating-Checklist
http://www.boatingmag.com/photos/essential-marine-accessories#page-6