Boat Emergency Plan Tips

While it is fun to prepare for fun boating activities, you must take some time to come up with a boat emergency plan, too. No matter how well-maintained your boat is or how calm the weather and water may seem, something can always go wrong in the middle of a perfect boating trip. It is every boater’s responsibility to have an emergency plan set in place to be prepared when injuries occur, someone falls off-board, water starts to leak in, and many other life-threatening situations.

To help you create a personalized boat emergency plan, L&M has rounded up the basic things you need to know, do, and have before going taking your boat out on the water. We are your most trusted boat dealer in Stapleton, AL, and we welcome all those from Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL. Visit us today!

Emergency Equipment You Must Have

As you prepare to head into the water, make sure all safety equipment is inside the boat and in good working condition before each outing. 

The following are some of the things every boater should have onboard:

• Functioning navigational lights.
• Lifejackets for each passenger.
• At least one lifebuoy ring.
• Fully charged fire extinguishers.
• Well-packed first aid kit.
• Flares.
• Paddles.
• Towing rope.
• VHF radio.
• Map.
• Extra fuel.

Of course, these are just some of the items you should be sure to have. Put it this way, the more emergency supplies you have, the more prepared you will be. You can never have too much when it comes to your safety and of others. However, if you have a small craft with limited space, select the basic and most essential things that can be used for any type of emergency.

Create a Checklist

Part of becoming a responsible captain involves creating a checklist. This checklist will serve you as a pre-launch safety measure to ensure all aspects surrounding your boat are functioning, and ready for the open water.

Here are a few things your checklist should include:

• Checking the weather forecast.
• Informing a friend or family member where you are going.
• Ensuring all safety gear is onboard.
• Testing the VHF radio.
• Inspecting the oil levels and boat engine.

Creating a personalized checklist will involve figuring out how many people are on board, your boat model, the type of water activity planned out for the day, and so on. Make sure to include everything you think you need to guarantee comfort and safety when you’re out on the water. Following this tip not only prepares you for an emergency but also helps in preventing one.

Emergency Leaks

Part of boating preparation involves inspecting your boat for any signs of holes or cracks, especially on the hull. Keep an eye out for any signs of damage and make sure to repair it before heading out to the waters, no matter how small they may appear to be. Nevertheless, sometimes, even the most rigorous inspection doesn’t spare you from emergency leaks. 

It is highly recommended to include a collision mat on your checklist. This is a heavy-duty mat that you can pull under the boat and cover the damage. Depending on how severe the crack is, it will slow down the leak or even stop it for a while. Another temporary solution is using a sealant spray. Although it won’t work for huge leaks, it will take care of those small cracks before they get worse.

Sailing with a reliable and trustworthy boat minimizes the probability of a boat emergency as well. So, whenever you need a boat, come select your model at L&M Marine. Our inventory includes boats from top manufacturers that are guaranteed to enhance your boating experience and safety. And if you need marine parts, or are looking for a trusted servicing department, we got you covered. We are in Stapleton, AL, and we also serve Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL.