Whether you’re fishing, skiing, wake surfing, overnighting, or day cruising, it’s crucial to pack all the boating essentials with you when out on the water. The things you carry with yourself on-board are the items to inevitably help you when you’re stuck in a potentially dangerous situation.
Here is a list of essentials to have on-board when you’re heading out on the water for any purpose whatsoever:
1- Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A well-fitted personal flotation device is the first thing you should have on yourself. This is one of the essential items to secure you in case you fall off your vessel.
2- Quality Navigation System and Marine Radio
A functional navigation system is necessary to find your way back to the shoreline if you lose track. Moreover, a marine radio should be the next item in your backpack so that you can contact the professionals who can guide you in the worst-case scenarios.
3- Fire Extinguisher
Fires on-board can be no less than a real-life nightmare. That’s why it is advisable to have fire extinguishers on the boat in an easily accessible range.
4- Water, Food, and Sun Cream
No matter how short a trip you’re making, you should always carry some water and food with you in case of emergencies. Moreover, sun cream should be able to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
5- First-Aid Kit
A small first aid kit with bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and pain relievers are the next best essentials to have on-board when you’re out on the water.
6- Toolbox
As a minimum, you should at least carry a screwdriver, all-size nuts and screws, duct tape, a small hammer, and a knife with you when you’re on-board.
7- Waterproof Phone Case
You don’t know when you might accidentally drop your phone on a wet surface when you’re on the water, so protecting your mobile phone with a waterproof case should also lie in your topmost priorities.
8- Visual and Sound Signaling Device
Flares or some other device to use as a visual distress signal should always be with you on-board so that you can flag some help from the nearby boaters when in need. Moreover, sounds can help you attract other people’s attention, even when there’s fog. Carrying portable or fixed horns are the next best thing after a visual signaling device.
9- Extra Paddle
If you’re rowing a boat, canoe, or kayak, you must have an extra paddle with you on the craft. You never know when you might lose or damage the first paddle, that’s why carrying another one is extremely important.
It’s best to keep these boating essentials with you on-board for ensuring your safety when out on the water. Moreover, if you’re looking to install a secure floating dock on your waterfront property, EZ Dock Texas can help you with that. For more information, please contact us through our website or call us at (800) 654-8168!
