No matter how much experience you have, it’s always important for everyone to review safety rules before heading out to the water. Here are some basic safety tips that will help you and your passengers stay safe:

1.       Be Weather-Wise

Utilize BOM.GOV.AU’s weather reporting METEYE before departure. Since Melbourne weather is ever so changing, if you notice that clouds are getting dark and/or if climate sudden drops in temperature play it safe by getting off the water.

2.       Pre-Departure Checklist

Correct boating safety involves being prepared for any possibility on the water. If you follow a pre-departure checklist, is it to make sure that nothing has been overlooked or forgotten.

3.       Use Navionics

While operating at safe speed is already a given, it is best to know which areas of the water are shallow. Install Navionics on your iPhone or Android and it will guide you  where not to take the vessel to avoid any hazards.

4.       Designate a Knowledgeable Deckhand

It is crucial to make sure that more than one person knows boat’s handling, operations, and general boating safety. If the primary driver has been incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure that someone else can get everyone back to shore.

5.       Day Plan

Always let someone at Pleasure Cruising Club know about how you’d like your boating day to go. This includes where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone. Always obtain a staff’s phone number prior to heading out.

6.       Use your Lifejackets

Many drowning victims are result of boaters not wearing their PFDs. Make sure your family and friends knows where the lifejackets are located. Assign and fit each passenger with a life jacket before departing. Always wear them.

7.       Never Drink and Drive

The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved. Members are trusted to be sober at all times while driving the boat. The effects of alcohol is elevated by sun and wind.

Feb 27th, 20180 comments