Re: Avoidable Tragedy
I felt cold in the bones from head to feet when reading this story. I'm new to boating, just 1 yr since my partner and I acquired the Tai-Tai (21.5 ft, open center console) for coastal ocean fun. We both have kids. Mine are twins, just 2 yrs old (a girl and a boy). My partner has a 1 yr old baby. Being an aviation mechanic long time ago and now working for large industrial complex, I really know about safety meaning. Safety first. Safety first. Safety first.<br /><br />I was introduced to boating by a friend. Even when he loved the speed of his "Low Profile" (a 18 ft racing boat), he insisted from the first time: Safety First. That is the only way to go to the ocean, with safety in mind all the time.<br /><br />Since the beginning of my boating experience I have been very concerned about safety in our boat. I dont have the intention of teaching anybody, but I would like to share what I do so others can see. Someone may learn something, someone may help me with more ideas. Here goes my list. I will try to keep it short.<br /><br />1. New to boating: Do your homework. Read First. It is not enough to see what your friend does with his boat in 2 or 3 trips together. It's a good start, but it is not enough. There are many good books for newbies. I read the one called "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Boating and Sailing" by Frank Sargeant. I think this is the fastest way to get familiar with many boating aspects. Normally you don't have enough time to talk with your buddy about those aspects. In fact, I think it is better to read the book, and then you can make specific questions to more experienced boaters. <br /><br />2. Know your boat. Have a pro check it (engine, fuel system, hull integrity, electrical systems, onboard electronics, bilge pumps) BEFORE buying. Get several opinions before taking a decision. Look for signs of good, regular maintenance from previous owner. Boats DO require a lot of maintenance. If boats "looks" like poor maintained, you can bet there are LOTS of hidden problems waiting for you. Some small, some big.<br /><br />3. Attend a Boaters Safety Course. This is A MUST. You will learn about many things, from distress signals to vhf, to safety equipment, navigation aids, etc. THERE IS AN EXCELLENT, FREE, ONLINE COURSE AT:
http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/ <br /><br />4. After attending the course, APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO YOUR BOAT. Have safety equipment on board (signals, fire extinguisher, etc). KIDS ALWAYS WEARING PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES. ALL TIME, WHEN BOARDING AND WHILE ON BOAT. NO EXCEPTIONS, NEVER. Ask adults if they know how to swim BEFORE BOARDING, so you know your passengers and be prepared. Have them use a PFD in case not. Have enough adults on board to help with the kids. As we have twins, I NEVER go alone with them. I NEVER go alone with them and wife. I always invite at least one more adult to help with the kids. I have to confess that adults dont always use a PFD. If seas are calm and weather is nice, we just keep the PFDs nearby at hand. But kids are enforced to wear the PFDs ALL THE TIME, AND TO PUT IT ON BEFORE BOARDING (many accidents happen when boarding. I prefer to have the kids wearing the PFD before boarding just in case...the device could help to minimize a shock if falling and will facilitate rescue, even at the dock). If seas are rough, I DONT GO OUT. I read a weather forecast from one or two sources before leaving. If seas become rough when I am out at the beach in an island, I WILL STAY DOCKED BEFORE TRYING TO GET BACK HOME. Never, ever, risk a long trip with bad weather if you can avoid it.<br /><br />5. Make sure you have GOOD COMMUNICATION on board. Cell phone is NOT ENOUGH. It is a good addition to have the cell phone on board (I ALWAYS HAVE IT, CHARGED AND ON), but it is not enough as it can loss signal very easily. Have a FIXED VHF radio and a good antenna. Check them each time before leaving the dock. I have a second radio, a handheld one, as a backup. I make sure the handheld is charged the day before the trip, and I check it is working before leaving the dock. I have it OFF in order to save batteries and I have it inside a waterproof bag. Learn how to use your VHF and channels to use in your area. Learn how to make a proper emergency call.<br /><br />6. NEVER LEAVE THE DOCK without a NAVIGATION PLAN, AND MAKE SURE IT IS COMMUNICATED TO A) THE MARINA WHERE YOU HAVE YOUR BOAT OR B) YOUR FRIEND THAT WILL STAY AT HOME OR C) ANY OTHER PERSON FROM THE FAMILY. Tell them how many people on board (adults and kids), your destination, estimated time for return. Make sure people know where are you going and when you plan to come back.<br /><br />7. Have a medicine kit onboard. I have mine in a plastic, sealed container to help it last. Ah, also, I use plastic zip bag for cell phone.<br /><br />8. Have some basic tools onboard (there is another topic here in iboats that talks about the items to carry..a very good list from experienced people). I am a good mechanic, so I can fix minor problems on the way. But even if you are not a mechanic, other people can help you to fix a minor problem if you have the tools onboard, or your tools can help another boater.<br /><br />9. MAINTAIN YOUR BOAT PROPERLY. Do regular checks of all systems, do regular maintenance. Fix what is wrong. Dont wait till its too late. <br /><br />10. Dont push your boat beyond its design limits. Dont carry lots of people above the boats capacity. Dont go too offshore if you have a bay boat. Dont go into rough seas with a small boat. Dont do stupid things with your boat. If you are the captain, you are not allowed to drink alcohol. Period. Even if you are not the captain, a drunk man can be a problem in a boat.<br /><br />11. If you have friends with boats and you enjoy to go out together, do it so. Two boats give me a sense of security and releases a lot of stress from me. I have been helped by a friend, and I have also helped other friends.<br /><br />I am not paranoid about security. I really enjoy the boat when fishing or when having fun with the family, but I also enjoy knowing that I am concerned about security and that I have somehow minimized the risks for a tragedy. Tragedies can occur at any time, to everybody. But I wont sit waiting for tragedies to catch me without a minimal preparation. I will make my part, and I hope God will help me with the rest.<br /><br />Also my prayers are with the parents and their families. May God help them.
