Don’t Be That Guy: Your Boating Safety Checklist
We’ve all seen him. The guy at the boat ramp struggling because he forgot the drain plug. The guy offshore frantically waving because his engine died and his radio is dead. Don’t be that guy. A safe, successful day on the water starts long before you ever leave the driveway. It starts with preparation and a healthy respect for the water. This checklist is your foundation. Review it before every single trip. It’s the most important piece of gear on your boat.
The “Must-Haves”: Legally Required Boat Safety Gear
These are the items the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities require you to have on board. Not having them can result in a hefty fine and a terminated voyage.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
You must have a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved PFD (life jacket) for every single person on your boat. They need to be readily accessible, not buried in a sealed compartment. Children are often required by law to wear theirs at all times.
Fire Extinguisher
Your boat must have a marine-rated fire extinguisher on board and in a location that is easy to get to. Check the charge gauge and expiration date regularly.
Signaling Devices
You need a way to signal for help or alert other boaters. This includes a horn or whistle. For coastal waters, you are also required to carry visual distress signals like flares or an electronic distress light.
Registration and Documentation
Your boat’s registration or documentation must be current and on board at all times, along with your state fishing license.
The “Should-Haves”: Captain Sal’s Recommended Gear
The law is the bare minimum. A smart captain carries a bit more. I never leave the dock without these items.
- First-Aid Kit: A well-stocked, waterproof first-aid kit is non-negotiable. From hooks and knives to sunburn and seasickness, things can happen on the water.
- VHF Radio: A cell phone is not a reliable safety device on the water. A VHF radio allows you to communicate with the Coast Guard and other boaters directly. It’s the most important piece of safety electronics you can own.
- Anchor and Ample Rope: If your engine dies, an anchor is the only thing that will keep you from drifting onto the rocks or into dangerous shipping lanes.
- A Good Set of Tools: A basic toolkit with wrenches, screwdrivers, zip ties, and duct tape can solve a surprising number of problems on the water.
The Pre-Trip Check: What to Do Before You Launch
Run through this quick checklist every single time.
- Check the Weather Forecast: Look at the wind and storm predictions. If it looks questionable, don’t go. The fish will be there another day.
- Check Your Fuel and Oil: The rule of thumb is 1/3 of your fuel to get out, 1/3 to get back, and 1/3 in reserve for emergencies.
- Put the Drain Plug In! Do it before you leave the driveway.
- Check Your Batteries and Bilge Pump: Make sure your batteries are charged and your bilge pump is working correctly.
- Check Your Trailer: Ensure the tires are properly inflated, the lights are working, and the boat is securely strapped down.
File a Float Plan
This is simple, but it can save your life. Before you leave, tell a responsible person on shore where you are going, who is with you, and when you plan to return. If you don’t return on time, they know who to call and where to send them. Never leave the dock without someone knowing your plan.
A safe boat is the only boat worth having, a core principle of our Guide to Choosing a Fishing Boat.
-Captain Sal
