Boat safety is essential in having a good time on your vessel. In this post by Vaughan Distributing in Jackson, we’ll cover the basics of safely taking your boat out for a ride and some tips for your next adventure. 

Knowing the Nautical Rules of the Road

Similar to how vehicles on the road have rules, vessels in water also have regulations for safe and enjoyable boating. You can find these rules printed by the U.S. Government Printing Office at any boating supply store. By law, every boat owner should have a copy available onboard their vessel if it measures over 394 feet (12 meters) in length. It’s the responsibility of the person operating the boat to be knowledgeable of the nautical rules in their area before taking out their vessel. It’s also important to remember that there are different rules for international waters, inland waters, great lakes, and western rivers, so knowing which ones apply to your area will do for safer boating.

Pay Attention to the Weather

Weather is one of the most critical factors in boat safety as conditions can change at a moment’s notice, and inexperienced captains can struggle in handling a boat. That’s why knowing how to read weather conditions is such a vital skill when it comes to boating. A rule of thumb is to follow professional weather services such as NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio marine forecasts.

Boat safety is as many parts skill as to proper maintenance of your vessel. Use only top products like AMSOIL 10W-30 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil from Vaughan Distributing. Call them today for more excellent products at (307) 413-1011 or place your order online.

Safety Equipment and Checklist

Onboard every vessel, there is some essential safety equipment you should consider for you and your passengers. Five of the top pieces of equipment that would come in handy in an emergency are:

• Sound signaling devices like horns and whistles.
• Visual signaling devices like flares or pyrotechnic devices.
• Fire extinguishers
• Throwable flotation devices like ring buoys.
• Personal flotation devices (PFDs) or life jackets.

You should consider taking other things as a safety precaution when heading out into the water; these can include extra fuel and oil, tools and spares, and a VHF radio to communicate in case of an emergency. You should also ensure that enclosed spaces on your vessel are well ventilated, that your boat’s battery is well taken care of, and that you have enough lights on board for safe navigation.

Ensure that you follow these tips for boat safety and continuous maintenance to ensure your boat is in the best shape for your next adventure. Speak to a friendly oil pro at Vaughan Distributing by calling (307) 413-1011 for more information on products for your boat, or visit their online store 24/7.

Always Have a Float Plan

A float plan is a guide to a boat’s trip that can help authorities locate the vessel if it were not to reach its destination. It’s a helpful document to hand over as it should include a description of the boat, the number of persons on board, the general route you’re planning to take, a timeframe of the outing, and contact information. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but in case that you do, authorities could have a head start in locating your vessel by knowing the general direction it was going in. Safety tip: Whether you're heading down a river in a personal watercraft or you're an experienced captain doing offshore sailing, filling out a float plan is a safety precaution that you should follow in case it's needed.

Take a Boat Safety Course

As a last suggestion, if you’re planning on making boating a part of your life, it might be helpful to take a boating safety course. The United States Coast Guard has many resources online and recommended associations that have boating safety courses year-round all over the country for people of all ages that want to learn how to be safe on the water. These courses encompass many different aspects of boating, like learning navigational skills, knowing how to read the weather, and safety for kids while boating. The types of courses offered in your area might vary on the courses they offer. Still, a good resource is the park staff at Grand Teton National Park that have previously participated in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide program to promote boating safety.

Protect your boat and yourself with having the proper maintenance routine. The oil pros at Vaughan Distributing can advise you today by calling (307) 413-1011.