How do I Emergency-Proof My Boat?
How safe is your boat? If there’s an emergency, are you ready for it? There’s more to boating than just enjoying the sun and fun and you need to prepare for a potential hazard. Here’s what you need to know:
Emergency Rations and Supplies
You have a picnic lunch on board, but what if you get stuck for a while? You should always have extra food and water on board. A simple bag with some granola or protein bars, crackers or cookies, and some tinned goods can be enough to keep you going if you’re stranded for a few hours or a day or two.
Water is the most important resource and you should ensure that you have plenty on board. If your boat is smaller and you don’t have a source of freshwater, be sure to store an additional gallon of freshwater per person aboard.
You may also want to consider a water desalination tool. While expensive this would help if you really got lost and needed fresh water.
Fire Extinguishers and Systems
A fire is always a possibility, even in the middle of the sea. In order to protect your boat and the people on it, you should carry at least two fire extinguishers, one above deck and one below. If you have a larger boat, more will be needed. You will also want a fire suppression system on larger boats, including sprinklers.
While one always hopes that fires won’t happen, your best option is to be ready for it if one breaks out. Be sure that everyone on board knows how to use a fire extinguisher and be prepared.
Life Jackets and Life Rafts
Even a fairly small boat can use a life raft. Since there are inflatable ones, you don’t have to store a massive one on board. Larger yachts and the like can drag their boats along behind them, which allows for mini-trips on the side if necessary. It also provides an escape should something happen to the main boat.
You will also need life jackets for everyone. These should be in sizes that will fit the people aboard. For example, if there are children or petite people, you want a life jack that will keep them afloat in the water. Too large jackets will cause them to slip right out and can result in drowning.
It’s a good idea to have your boat inspected to ensure you have all the necessary protections in place. If you’re looking for someone to do that and to help you prepare for an emergency, Thameside Fire Protection is ready to come to your aid.
