Have you decided to rent a boat for a cruise or family trip? Congratulations, you have made a wise decision. However, before stepping into a boat and setting out, you take the essential precautions to ensure a safe trip. Here is a complete safety checklist for renting a boat to help you prepare.
Complete Boat Rental Safety Checklist to Help You Prepare
Visually Check the Exterior of the Boat
The first and foremost thing to do is to inspect the hull above the waterline. Cross-check if there are any dents, scratches, cracks, or blisters. Dents in the propeller blades may cause vibrations while sailing and may affect the performance of the boat. Examine them carefully. The drive leg shouldn’t be rusted. Ensure the rails and other fittings on the deck are in the best condition. Inspect the shackles that connect the chain and anchor. Ensure all damages are recorded in the documents before signing the contract. Take photos and videos of the boat as proof to avoid issues with the rental company when returning it.
Ensure All Essential Safety Gear is on Board
Make sure all the necessary safety equipment, referred to as personal floating devices, is onboard. There should be enough life jackets of the right size for all people on the boat. If the life jacket is too loose or too tight, it won’t provide complete protection. So, it should fit snugly for everyone, including children. Life jackets are of two types: offshore life jackets and near-shore buoyant vests. Other personal floating devices include throwable devices like ring buoys and buoyant cushions, and flotation aids used for water sports activities like kayaking and water skiing. Ensure all PFDs are in excellent working condition.
Ensure the Boat is Equipped with Communication Devices
Even if you are not planning to go away from the shore, communication tools are a must on the boat. The most important communication device to check for while renting a boat is a VHF marine radio, the device used to connect with the Coast Guard. You can connect VHF radios with a digital calling feature to your GPS and use them to send distress signals to the guards. You need a fully charged mobile phone with a power bank for backup if the boat is not equipped with a VHF radio. Sometimes, unfortunately, there may not be a signal for the cell phone, and the VHF radio may not be functional. In such a scenario, you need sound-producing devices like a whistle, bell, or air horn.
Inspect the Docking and Anchoring Equipment
Ensure there are enough bumpers on both sides of the boat and a sufficient number of bows, sterns, and lines. Verify that the fenders or bumpers are not cracked or deflated. The lines should be inspected for appropriate length, cuts, frays, and wear. The anchor should be the appropriate one for the seabed. Make sure the anchor is attached to the rode. The rope connecting the vessel and the anchor should be of sufficient length. The recommended ratio between the rod length and the water depth should be 5:1. You should ensure that the anchor windlass is operating properly.
Review the Local Waterways Maps Needed for Navigation
It’s important to review maps and navigation if you want to have a hazard-free, smooth trip without collisions with land masses and other boats. Moreover, local waterway maps are useful for avoiding submerged objects, rocks, and wrecks underwater. In some places, the water can be shallow. Riding in a shallow area can damage the parts of a boat, like the hull, propeller, etc. You can stay in safe places and avoid damage. Plan your route and passage using the maps. Stay in the channel and reduce the chances of getting lost. If you are on a fishing trip, you will know the spots. Therefore, you should review the maps for safe navigation.
Check the Navigation Lights
Navigation lights are important not only for lighting but also for communication. What are the different navigation lights, and what are they used for? The red sidelight and green sidelight from the front side help to identify the direction in which the vessel is traveling. The stern light at the back of the vessel helps other boats to know in which direction you are moving. The masthead light on the mast shows that a powerful vessel is on the way. Other navigation lights include towing light, anchor light, and maneuvering light. Determine if all the navigation lights are working properly.
Make Sure the Fire Extinguisher is Accessible and Operational
The fire extinguisher should be visible and easily accessible. It should be placed in its designated location. You should verify that the nozzle is not clogged and that there is no leakage. Determine the date of manufacture to ensure it has not expired. You should also verify if the pin is locked and the seal is unbroken. Lift the fire extinguisher to see if it is full. You should also read the instructions and learn how to use them.
Keep a Well-Equipped First Aid Kit on Board
You should inspect the first aid kit to ensure it has all the essentials. Here is a list of the things a kit should consist of. The first aid kit in a boat should include all that is essential for treating minor cuts and injuries. It should have bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, and scissors. There should be pain relievers, cold packs, creams for minor burns, antacids for digestion, seasickness pills, and eye drops to cool them when they come into contact with seawater. Check if there is a manual on what to use and how to do it for different incidents.
Inspect the Bilge Pump
A bilge pump is used to remove water that gets collected in the bilge, the lowest part of the hull. It is a critical part, essential for the safety of the vessel. First, visually inspect the bilge area and check the pumps and hoses. Verify that the manual and automatic operations are functional and working properly.
Boating is fun only if you are prepared to face the hazards. Make sure all safety measures are in place before you depart. If you want to have a safe trip, you should rent your boat from a trustworthy rental company like SlipStream. Visit their site, book your boat directly, and avail special offers.
