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Having an emergency kit on board at all times, ensures safety on the water is paramount for any boater, whether for leisurely days on the lake or adventurous ocean escapades. An accident on the boat can happen on any type of water regardless of location to the shore. A well-stocked emergency kit is a critical component of boating safety – it’s not just a good idea, it’s a fundamental necessity. Being prepared for the unexpected lies at the heart of responsible boating. The unpredictable nature of the water demands a kit that covers all the bases, from minor mishaps to severe emergencies.
In my experience, the essentials of a boat emergency kit extend well beyond the basic first aid supplies. It must include items to signal distress, tackle mechanical failures, and ensure survival if help is delayed. Reflective tape, for example, is indispensable for visibility, while a reliable flashlight with extra batteries is essential, even for daytime boaters. Distress signals, such as a distress flag and air horn, are non-negotiable elements, as they can make all the difference in being spotted by rescuers.
The diversity of boating activities and the varying conditions of the waters navigated also dictate that a board-specific approach to the contents of an emergency kit is wise. I would further customize it with items relevant to my vessel’s size, the nature of trips typically undertaken, and my personal needs. For example, a robust fix-it kit with epoxy sticks or JB Weld might be prudent for quick repairs. The goal is clear: equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge to ensure every journey on the water is as safe as it is enjoyable. For this article, I will review everything I feel is important as well as some optional items. You will have to decide as to what items are right for your trip and boat.
Fundamental Safety Equipment
In preparing for any boating excursion, I ensure my boat is equipped with key safety gear. This gear is not just a matter of compliance with the U.S. Coast Guard regulations, but it is essential for the safety and well-being of everyone on board. You need to ensure that all items listed below are not only on the boat but also in good working order. Below are all the items you must have on your boat; for additional resources, BoatUS put together a comprehensive listing based on the size of your boat.
Personal Flotation Devices
Life Jackets (PFDs): Each person aboard my boat must have access to a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD). There is no exception to this rule as the Coast Guard requires that every passenger has access to their own lifejacket. I make it a point to have the right sizes for adults and children, ensuring they are easily accessible and not locked away. Life jackets should be:
- Type I PFDs: Offshore life jackets for all waters, especially open or rough waters. These lifejackets are designed to make sure the person’s head stays above water in the event of an emergency.
- Type II PFDs: Near-shore vests suitable for calm waters where quick rescue is possible. These are ideal for activities such as kayaking or when you’re fishing out on the water.
- Type III PFDs: Flotation aids for general boating or specialized activities such as waterskiing or fishing. The O’Brien life jacket shown above is an example of this.
- Type IV PFDs: Throwable devices like cushions or ring buoys. In addition to lifejackets available for all passengers, at least one of these devices is required on board at all times.
- Type V PFDs: Special use devices for specific activities. these are usually used by specialized occupations for certain jobs.
Visual Distress Signals
Flares and Distress Flags: To signal for help, I keep onboard U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals. Visual distress signals include pyrotechnic devices, such as flares, and non-pyrotechnic devices, like an orange distress flag, which is especially useful during daylight hours. I ensure these devices are in a watertight container and are easily reachable in an emergency.
Fire Safety
Fire Extinguishers: My emergency kit contains fire extinguishers classified by the U.S. Coast Guard. This is another item that is a requirement on board every motorized boat. In relation to the fire extinguisher, I follow these guidelines:
- Class B extinguishers are required on boats to extinguish flammable liquids. These need to be kept in an accessible location on the boat as well, all passengers should be aware of the locations of the fire extinguishers.
- You must regularly check the gauges to ensure they are fully charged, within date, and operable.
- Ensure adequate numbers onboard depending on the size of my boat, as specified by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher 1A10BC, 1 Pack, red
$25.49
Use to fight basic fires common to the home involving trash, wood, paper (Class A), flammable liquids and gases (Class B), and electrical equipment (Class C)
Tough, aluminum valve assembly & easy to pull safety pin
Lightweight aluminum cylinder with durable, all metal construction
Easy to read pressure gauge tells you when the fire extinguisher is charged & ready for use
Rust and impact resistant painted steel handle
UL-approved strap bracket (included) for safe & easy mounting & storage
Clear instruction label on the front
UL Listed with a 6-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Sound-Producing Devices
In addition to visual signals, an effective emergency kit includes sound-producing devices:
- Horns and Whistles: I carry these so I can signal effectively in low visibility conditions. A loud whistle can also be attached to each life jacket. As with the fire extinguisher, a noise making device is required on your boat at all times.
- Bell or Gong: Larger vessels are often required to have a bell or gong as an audible signal device.
By ensuring my boat is equipped with these fundamental safety items, I can be confident that indispensable measures have been enacted for responsible boating safety. This also gives my passengers and me the peace of mind of knowing that we’re prepared for less-than-ideal situations that may arise.
Emergency Kit- Medical Supplies
In preparing for any boating adventure, ensuring the availability and quality of an emergency kit can be lifesaving. A thoughtfully stocked emergency kit is indispensable for addressing injuries and ailments that could occur on the water. While this may not be a required item in your state, this optional item is highly encouraged for you to carry.
First Aid Kit Essentials
Every boat should have a comprehensive first aid kit that includes the following items:
- Bandages: A variety of sizes for covering different wound types.
- Gauze Pads: For larger wounds where a bandage may not suffice.
- Adhesive Bandages: To protect minor cuts and scrapes.
- Scissors and Tweezers: For cutting tape, gauze, and removing debris from injuries.
- Antiseptic Wipes: To clean wounds before bandaging.
- Safety Pins: Useful for securing bandages or making a sling.
- Elastic Bandages: For sprains or strains, providing support and reducing swelling.
More information on a well-stocked boat first aid kit can be found in a guide provided by BoatUS.
Injury-Specific Items
For more specific injuries or conditions, the following items are essential in a well-prepared kit:
- Eye Wash Solution: To flush out irritants or foreign matter from the eyes.
- Jellyfish Sting Relief Ointment: If boating in jellyfish-prone areas, this provides targeted relief.
- Additional supplies may be found through resources such as Scout Boats, which recommend various medical items for boating emergencies.
Each item in the emergency kit serves a purpose, whether for a minor injury or a more serious condition. I ensure these supplies are regularly checked for expiration dates and replenished as necessary. With these measures in place, I’m more confident about handling medical emergencies on the water.
Navigation and Communication Devices
In addition to the items previously discussed, when setting sail, ensuring robust navigation and communication devices are on board is crucial for maintaining safety and orientation at sea. These devices not only aid in navigating waters but also serve as a lifeline during emergencies.
Marine VHF Radio
A Marine VHF Radio is essential for two-way communication between your vessel and others, including the harbor master, nearby ships, and marina personnel. I need to have a VHF radio to send out distress signals in the event of an emergency. I carry this radio with me whether I’m taking my boat out on the lake or into the bay, you never know when this radio will be needed. Most importantly, a VHF radio provides channels specifically dedicated to distress calls, ensuring quick assistance. Keeping extra batteries for my mobile VHF radio or ensuring the installed unit is well-maintained helps me prepare for power outages or system failures.
Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon
An Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a device I consider indispensable for long journeys. In case of an emergency where my boat is in distress, activating an EPIRB sends out an alert along with my boat’s location to search and rescue services. This beacon is critical because it works with global satellite systems to provide rescuers with my exact position. Same as with the VHF radio, I make sure the EPIRB is properly registered and tested regularly, which is essential for the device to function accurately during emergencies.
In addition to these devices, I always ensure my boat is equipped with a functioning GPS system to aid in navigation. These tools, coupled with traditional navigational skills, keep me on the right course. Finally, a waterproof flashlight with spare batteries is a simple yet critical item that I make sure is readily accessible, as it aids in signaling and visibility during low-light situations.
Additional Supplies and Tools
In preparing for any boating excursion beyond the essential safety and navigation equipment, some additional supplies and tools are paramount for emergencies. This includes items for repairs, survival, and ensuring the comfort of all passengers.
Essential Tools
Repair Kit: A well-prepared boat should have a repair kit that includes epoxy sticks and JB Weld for temporary fixes to a variety of materials, including fiberglass.
- Duct Tape: Often considered a universal fix-it solution, duct tape is versatile for quick and effective temporary repairs.
- Spare Fuses: To prevent electrical issues, carrying spare fuses specific to the boat’s requirements is crucial.
- Tool Kit: A comprehensive tool kit with items like screwdrivers, pliers, and a wrench set can address many minor mechanical issues.
- Knife: A sharp and sturdy knife is invaluable for cutting rope or as a general-purpose tool in many situations.
By including these tools and supplies, I can ensure that my fish and ski boat or any other type of vessel is better equipped for handling unforeseen circumstances while on the water. In my state of Virginia, each boater must take a Boater Safety Course. I have found this course to be very valuable, as, among other things, the safety information discussed above is reviewed in great detail. During my many years on the water, I have found that there is nothing more important than boater safety. Ensuring that you have all the required items will only enhance your time on the water.