Must Haves

All of the items listed below are required by law to be kept on your vessel at all times. Here’s a little bit about each item.

Lifejackets

Lifejackets are an essential part of any boating safety kit. By law, you must have as many lifejackets as persons aboard your vessel. Just like a seatbelt in the event of a car crash, a lifejacket is a simple device that can absolutely save your life in an emergency situation.

Throwable

Again, a simple device that can prove lifesaving in an emergency. It must be kept in an easily accessible location on the boat. It is aptly named, because unlike a lifejacket, it is not worn, you literally throw the device to a person struggling in the water. A throwable will help keep the person afloat.

Fire Extinguisher

Just like your at-home extinguisher, make sure that the needle on the gauge is in the green, or else your extinguisher may not function properly. To use your extinguisher, stand 6-8 feet away, pull the pin out, aim at the base of the fire and simply squeeze the trigger. Remember PASS to ensure proper operation. PASS stands for pull, aim, squeeze, sweep - Pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger and sweep back and forth hitting the base of the fire. Depending on the size of your boat you may need several extinguishers.

Flares/Flare Gun

It is important to note that both handheld and flare gun flares expire after three years. Be sure to check your flares and be sure they are still good, expired flares will not work. There are two types of handheld flares.  

Daytime only flares: Are orange in color and have a sun on the cap

Anytime flares: Are red in color and have a sun and a moon on the cap ‘

To use a flare gun, snap the back of the gun open, drop in the flare, close the gun, cock the hammer back and pull the trigger. To use a handheld flare, remove the cap off the flare to reveal the primer. Next, remove the black top off the top of the cap which will expose the striker - very similar to sandpaper. Strike the primer with the striker as you would a match and the flare will ignite.

Noisemaker

Despite the fact that many boats are equipped with a horn, a manual noise producing device is still required. This can be a whistle or an airhorn. The goal of these devices is todraw attention to yourself from far off in order to solicit assistance.

Other Tips

Here are some other tips and things to keep in mind before heading out on the water.

Check battery charge and that all batteries are in good condition 

Inspect fuel filters and pumps for leaks 

Verify that all electronics are connected and functioning properly 

Be sure to have enough gas for your trip 

Ensure that there is no water in the bilge 

Test to make sure that your radio is receiving and transmitting properly 

Toggle bilge and horn on and off to ensure they work

Happy 4th!

We hope that you have a happy, fun and safe Fourth of July. Here at MarineMax we’re here to help. From how to build your own boating safety kit to classes and other resources to help you learn how to boat safely, we’ve got you covered with all your boating safety needs. We’ll see you out on the water.  

NEED MORE BOATING NEWS? 

You can see or hear more episodes of Boating Tips and our sister podcast, From the Helm Boating Broadcast, on The MarineMax Blog, accessible on the website or via mobile phone through the MarineMax App. You can also access more episodes on Amazon, Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast news. See you out on the water! 

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