The season is coming and safety is number one in boating. Winterization and preseason preparation are key to boat maintenance and, naturally, boat safety. As your marine repair experts, we know that the first concern in boat safety is the physical condition of your boat. If you’re not sure if your boat needs repair, don’t hesitate to call us. Secondly, every item on your boat safety checklist is vital to your well-being on the water. Finally, make sure you have identification and paperwork on display for everyone's safety.
The Art of Boat Safety and Maintenance
Federal boat safety requirements decrease the likelihood of boating accidents. Getting a head start on maintenance makes sure you're underway at the earliest opportunity. So you should always try to stay ahead of inspection. Consider the following coast guard guidelines when getting ready for boating season:
- All boats must be in good physical condition and have a hull free of visible structural flaws.
- The deck should be stable, clean, free of fire hazards, and the bilges clear.
- Make sure the galley and heating systems are clean, neat, and secured.
- Electrical systems must have fuses or manual reset breakers. Protect your switch or fuse panel box from water and ocean spray. The wiring needs to be properly installed with insulation intact. Batteries need to be secured with the terminals covered to prevent accidental arcing. Lastly, check your kill-switch if you have one.
- Fuel systems need to be made of the proper materials and in like-new condition. Both portable and permanent fuel tanks need to be properly sealed and ventilated.
Our marine repair craftsmen pool decades of varied experience in-shop and on the water. We know how important boat safety is for you. If you've found structural damage, we can help you with your fiberglass boat hull repair or fiberglass deck repair. We can keep you safe on the water with our many marine service options.
Boat Safety Equipment
A safely operating boat has a number of unique features. A safe boat has proper ventilation. Also, don't forget that your on-board toilet or sanitation system must meet marine sanitation standards.
Additionally, you aren't safely prepared without boat safety equipment:
- Regulation personal flotation devices (or PFD). Some larger boats may need additional flotation devices. As a result, 90% of drowning victims didn’t have a PFD
- Both visual and auditory distress signals. Visual signal requirements vary by boat size and location. Boats under 20 feet no longer require a bell, but must still have a noise device.
- Navigation lights visible between sunset and sunrise for signaling other boats. Boats over 16 feet need properly installed lights that are independent of "running" lights.
- Well-maintained and stored fire-extinguishers due to the high risk of marine fires.
Boat Identification Information
Boat safety is preparing for the unexpected, and accountability is an important part of that. That means boats need paperwork and decals in the right places. Beyond your inspection decal, you'll also need to make sure you have your boat registration clearly displayed. Of course, it has to be in a legible block font, taller than three inches, and easily visible on its background.
A look through the law shows that larger boats have additional boat safety and operation requirements. So anything 26 feet or over needs to have a properly displayed pollution placard and MARPOL trash placard. Similarly, 40-foot boats also need a written trash disposal plan. Beyond that, boats measuring 39.4 feet need a copy of the navigation rules.
Marine Insurance
Your boat safety plan isn't just about your boating experience or your physical boat. Marine insurance* can offer additional protection and peace of mind. So don't leave home or shore without consulting a certified marine insurance agent.
Getting Your Boat Back on the Water
Call us today at (856) 393-7720 to learn how our boat craftsmen could get you the best fiberglass boat repair, at the right price, with superior service right here in Riverside NJ! You could also Request A FREE FIBERGLASS BOAT REPAIR QUOTE on our website or to request more information.
