A Resource Guide to Boating and Yacht Safety

Written By: Rob Bowman

The gentle waves and surf, birds flying overhead, and a variety of marine life in the water are just some of the wonderful things you can see while you're out on a boat. If you're an angler, there's nothing quite like the feeling of reeling in your first fish after hours of casting in the hot sun. Going out on a boat or yacht gives you a liberating feeling that's hard to match. But with these great pleasures comes great responsibility. Piloting a motorized watercraft is not a simple operation and requires focus, preparation, and attention to detail. If you are at the helm of the boat, you are responsible for the people and animals on board, the people and animals around the boat, and the craft itself. Motorized boats, especially those with outboard motors, can be powerful but dangerous machines, and operating them requires the care and focus you would give when operating any piece of heavy equipment. Knowing the proper safety procedures is necessary for everyone riding on a boat, but it's crucial for the captain to know the safety rules, communicate them clearly, and be able to take charge in case of an emergency. In fact, a good captain has a safety checklist they review before every trip to make sure they're prepared for every contingency.

• U.S. Aids to Navigation System: Ignorance of the law and proper boating procedures is no excuse! Before piloting a yacht, it's important to familiarize yourself with boating regulations in your area, including the different navigational aids and what they mean.
• Recreational Boating: Stay Safe on the Water: The National Safety Council is a government agency dedicated to improving safety in certain hazardous areas, one of which is boating. They also provide statistics on boating accidents and fatalities.
• Life Jackets Are for Everyone: Everyone aboard your yacht should have a properly fitted life jacket to keep them safe.
• Ten Reasons Why You Should Wear a Life Jacket: Life jackets are like seat belts on boats; they take almost no effort to put on and save countless lives.
• State Requirements on Life Jackets: Each state and locality has its own regulations regarding life jackets on vessels, but a general rule of thumb is that you should always have a life jacket for each person on board, with a minimum of two on the craft.
• BUI and Operation Dry Water: Everyone knows that driving a car under the influence of alcohol is inherently dangerous, but boating under the influence is even more reckless. Operation Dry Water is a campaign focused on ending boating under the influence.
• Yacht and Marina Fire Safety: A fire on a boat or dock is especially hazardous, as the presence of open water often limits escape routes and access for fire safety equipment. Make sure you're prepared for fire emergencies on the open water.
• Fire on Board! If there's a fire on your vessel, you need to know what to do. This article goes over the bullet points of how to respond in case of a boat fire.
• Boating Knots for Beginners: Securing items and your vessel itself is important to ensure everyone's safety. Learn some of the basic knots you'll need on the open water and impress your friends by tying a few the next time you take them out fishing.
• How to Keep Your Boating Guests Safe: As captain, you are responsible for everyone on the boat. It's important to have a safety checklist prior to departure to ensure that nothing is missed.
• How a Boat Engine Cut-Off Switch Works: A large majority of boats are equipped with this vital piece of safety equipment, allowing the power to be immediately cut to the engine in case of an emergency.
• Federal Law Requires Boat Cut-Off Switches: Here's a handy breakdown of the federal law passed in 2021 that requires boat captains to wear an engine cut-off lanyard and its impact on the boating world.
• Regulation Requires Cut-Off Switches for Small Boats: This article provides a little more information on the engine cut-off switch law as well as more safety tips for a day out on the water.
• What to Do When Someone Falls Overboard: There's nothing more terrifying while out on the water than hearing "man overboard!" Don't panic: Here's how to respond quickly and calmly in the face of danger.
• Top Fishing Safety Tips: Fishing from a boat, especially with several people, requires extra care, as your boating guests will be more focused on their catch and may not pay adequate attention to their surroundings. Follow these procedures to keep your next fishing trip accident-free.
• Required Boating Safety Equipment: These are the minimum requirements for a vessel and crew as stipulated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Check with your country's authorities if you are outside the United States.
• Pre-Departure Boating Safety and Equipment Checklist: It's always a good idea to run down your safety checklist prior to departure and again right at departure. Make sure to communicate all important safety information to any guests onboard your yacht.
• Outboard Boat Engine Maintenance Basics: Even if you're just renting a boat for the day, it's a good idea to understand the basics of how an outboard engine works.
• The Anatomy of a Marine Outboard Motor: UTI is known for their automotive and engine repair programs, and their breakdown of a marine outboard motor is helpful for a beginning boater or seasoned veteran.
• Boat Captain's License Guide: If you really enjoy recreational boating and want to make it your career, consider getting a captain's license.
• Boating Safety Tips for Kids: Just as driving a bus filled with children requires extra care and focus, piloting a boat with children on board presents a new set of challenges. Here's how to keep the kids safe when out on the water.
• Boating in Bad Weather: It's important to know how to properly handle a boat on the water, no matter the weather. This list of bad weather boating tips and best practices will help you to stay safe, should a storm pop up.
• Boating in Bad Weather and Rough Water: Entering and exiting port during bad weather can be tricky. Boating during periods of high wind can also require additional caution. Learn how to boat safely in these conditions.