Remember when you were just a little kid and you pretended to be the captain of your own pirate ship or the commander of a fleet of warships? Ah, yes… the days of imagining you’re on a boat feeling the breeze on your face, yelling “land ho,” handling the sail, and using different boating gear.
You know what, matey? You can fulfill your dream of owning a boat and sailing off into the vast ocean. Just don’t be a real modern-day pirate me hearty or off to the plank you go.
The first step to sailing the seas is to have a boat, of course. You also need to undergo training on how to properly handle a boat and to learn the safety protocols on board. It is also necessary to obtain a boating license.
All these necessary steps may seem too burdensome but wait until you hear about the cool boating gear you can use.
Basic Boating Gear
Light Source
Night-boating is a totally different experience, which you should consider. You need the right boating gear for this. Your boat should be equipped with the right lights such as courtesy lights, docking lights, cabin lights, navigation lights and spotlights.
It’s also a good idea to pack other light sources such as LED lanterns, headlamps and flashlights.
Anemometer
You can get a wind reading from apps nowadays. It is still better, however, to measure the wind using an anemometer.
Dry Sack/Dry Box
Pack all your valuables and important boating gear in a waterproof container or bag.
Boating Gear for Safety and Survival
Fire Extinguisher
Your boat should have fire extinguishers even if you’re surrounded by water. Make sure your fire extinguishers are approved by the Coast Guard. They should be in the green zone, which means they are full. Also, read the instructions and learn how to use them.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
If there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave behind during a boat trip, it’s a personal floatation device. You should have enough life jackets for everyone on board. Check them regularly just as you would every other boating gear you have. Life jackets should be in pristine condition as your life will depend on it.
Sound-Producing Device
Every boat should have at least one sound-producing device that’s also approved by the Coast Guard. It can be operated by mouth, hand or power. These devices should be capable of producing sounds that can be heard up to half a mile away.
You should learn how to use your air horn or whistle. Boaters use sound signals to communicate with other boaters.
If your boat is longer than 65.6 feet, you are required to have a whistle or horn and a bell. Sirens are out of the question. Only boats used by authorities can have sirens.
Visual Distress Signal (VDS)
Aside from hearing your call for help, rescuers will find it easier to find you if you can send out visual distress signals. All boats are required to have night signals when they sail at night until early morning. During the day, recreational boats more than 16 feet long and non-motorized open vessels at least 26 feet long should have day signals.
There are pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic VDS. The former include orange smoke, red meteors, and red flares. Examples of the latter are electric lights, orange flag, and arm signals.
Flares
As mentioned, flares are examples of a VDS. The U.S. Coast Guard only requires three handheld red flares in each vessel. If you want to be on the safe side, bring more. Better yet, get yourself some aerial flares, which can reach up to 500 feet up in the air. This will give you a better chance to be spotted and rescued in case you’re lost at sea.
Make sure your flares are kept in a waterproof case. You should also buy your flares as the boating season start to ensure they’re within the required 42-month expiration range. Flares need to be replaced very three years.
First Aid Kit
This is a no-brainer. Whether you encounter a violent storm or you cut yourself with a fishing hook, you must have a first aid kit among your boating gear. Pack different kinds of medicines such as those for drowsiness, pain relievers, and even insect repellents.
Personal Boating Gear
Food and Water
It goes without saying that you need to pack food and water. If you’re in the water to catch some fish, you still need to bring food for sustenance. You also need lots of drinking water since it’s easy to become dehydrated out in the open sea. Remember, salty water is not safe to drink.
Sun Protection
Most of you will go boating to have some fun under the sun and probably get some tan while at it. However, you must not forget about the health of your skin. Avoid getting sunburned by packing the right sunscreen and wearing the right clothes. You can also pack a wide-brimmed hat.
Bring a lip balm with high SPF to keep your lips from drying and a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. It will also help you see better especially with the glare of the sun reflecting on the water.
Swimming Gear
It would be bummer if you’re surrounded by all that water and you can’t go for a swim. Bring swimming attire and equipment for snorkeling, scuba diving, or free diving such as snorkels, masks, flippers, and tanks.
Fishing Gear
Fishing is another fun activity for everyone. Pack some fishing gear so you can while away the time trying to catch dinner.
Communication
Your boat should have equipment for communication such as a marine radio or HAM radio. If you’re using a smaller boat, you should have your phone so you can still communicate with other people. Pack an extra battery pack for your phone. It would be better if you have a solar charger for your devices.
Cooler
What good is a boating trip if you can’t enjoy a cold can of your favorite beverage? Keep things cold by bringing a cooler and lots of ice.
These are just a few of the boating gear you need to have before you board a vessel. Aside from making sure you have the right equipment, you should also have your boat checked before a wondrous voyage.
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