Summer and recreational boating just naturally go together. To make sure your vessel is seaworthy and that all essentials are on board, set aside 15 minutes for a quick inspection before every launch.

Tips from the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division

Published: July, 2010 

Summer and recreational boating just naturally go together. To make sure your vessel is seaworthy and that all essentials are on board, set aside 15 minutes for a quick inspection before every launch.  

•     Check the operating condition of your boat: motor, steering, battery, hoses, clamps, bilge pumps, wiring, lines, float switches, and lights.  Make sure you have sufficient fuel and that the drain plug is in.  A missing drain plug has meant an early end to many a boating trip.

•     Make sure you have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket of the correct size and type for you and every passenger aboard.  The Coast Guard recommends that you always wear your life jacket when underway.

•     If your boat is greater than 16 feet in length, be sure you also have a Coast Guard-approved throwable flotation device – i.e. buoyant cushion or ring life buoy  (kayaks and canoes are exempted from this requirement).

•     Check for other required or recommended safety equipment appropriate to the size of your boat and the area where it will be operating; for example, fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, flashlight, tool kit, first-aid kit and sunscreen, paddle, anchor and anchor line, charts of the local area, and a VHF-FM marine radio.

•     If applicable, check the boat’s capacity plate information to ensure that you don’t overload the boat with passengers and gear.

The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!” For more information and tips on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.