The weather is getting warmer and the 2014/15 boating season is ramping up. But no matter what type of boat you are going out in or how experienced you are, your next trip should begin with a few simple tasks before you even leave the driveway!
Check your vessel over.
Particularly if it has been a while since it was last used you need to give your boat the once over to make sure it is still seaworthy. Nothing is worse than getting it on the water and finding out that something is not right with your boat. Aside from making sure the motor starts (run it in a tank or with hose attachment if possible) the key areas to check are
- Batteries
- Fuel
- Safety equipment
- Registration
Don’t forget the bungs!
Check the trailer
A lot of people will take great care of the boat but will forget about the trailer. A trailer failure is not an adventure you want to have. Check that the
- Bearings are greased
- Lights are functioning
- Tow hitch is secure (don’t forget to check tow bar on the car too!)
- Brakes are working
- Tie down straps are in good condition
If you don’t want to do it yourself, have a trailer specialist such as Bold Trailers have a look at it for you.
Look at the weather forecast
Planning a boat trip is always subject to the weather conditions you, your boat and your passengers can handle. The motto here is “If in doubt, don’t go out”
Looking out the window can be a good indicator but smart skippers will check out the marine forecast to get a complete picture – just because the sun is shining doesn’t mean the boating conditions are favourable, or that good conditions will last.
There are some pretty good weather apps available on smart phones or go straight to the source and visit the Bureau of Meteorology website. If you have a marine radio you can listen on channel 16 to pick up a forecast at regular intervals.
Be prepared for rapid weather changes by taking both sun protection and wet weather gear every time you go out.
Tell someone who cares
Like the RMS has been chanting for years now, let someone know, before you go. This gives you the best chance of the alarm being raised should you fail to return. But don’t just tell anyone… make sure they fit the following criteria
- They are not going with you. – They can’t help you if they are in the same boat
- They care if you don’t come home. – Your ex-wife or husband is possibly not the best choice
- They are able to take action should you not return. – Your best mate on his way out on a big night at the pub is not going to be much help later
If you don’t have anyone in your circle who meets all three criteria contact Marine Rescue NSW and register your trip with them.
Make sure you give them all the information they might need to pass on to emergency services, check out our free “Gone Boating” template here
If you follow these simple steps prior to leaving home, you should be well on your way to having a great day out on the water and making it home safely afterwards.
If you would like to hear more boating tips from Excite Safety Training or find out how you can undertake further training to become a better skipper, Sign up to our newsletter below, like us on facebook or contact us via enquiries@excitesafety.com.au ,
