Boating Safely in Florida

Coastal living is one of the best gifts that life brought us. We are grateful every day for having the opportunity to cruise in our boat the beautiful waters of Florida.

Here some tips to stay safe while having fun on the water!

1. Take the Florida Boating Safety Course (BoatUS Foundation)

The Boat US Foundation's Online Course is the only free online Boating Safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and a boater safety identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

2. Create and follow a Pre-

Departure Checklist

Life Jackets

Have at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket per passenger and a minimum of two onboard.
An additional throwable device is required if the vessel is more than 16 feet long.
Explain the location and use of all life jackets to passengers and crew that may be new to the vessel.

Sound Producing Devices

Have a horn capable of producing a four-second blast audible for at least 1/2 mile on board.
If you use a portable air horn, have a spare can of air or an alternate device.
Attach a whistle to each life jacket.

Lights and Shapes

Have all navigation lights as required for your boat.
Make sure all instrument lights are working.
If you intend to engage in a recreational boating activity that requires a day-shape, have the required shapes.
Have aboard a flashlight and spare batteries.

Distress Signals

Make flares, day signals, etc., accessible and ensure they are stored in a dry location.
Inform the crew and passengers of their location and safety rules for proper usage.

Tools and Spares

Carry a basic toolbox with tools appropriate for your boat.
Carry a box of spares including fuel filter, light bulbs, head parts, through-hull plugs, etc.
Carry a standard first-aid kit onboard

Fuel and Oil

Top off your fuel tanks.
If you can't, have enough fuel to provide a reasonable margin of safety for your return.
Check the engine oil and coolant levels.

Fire Extinguishers

Carry at least one fire extinguisher and make sure it is accessible. Make sure you have at least the number required by Coast Guard rules.
Check to be sure mounts are secure and functional before departure.
Take the time to point out locations to passengers and crew.

Weather Forecast

Always check the weather forecast before boating.
Have a radio on board to receive weather updates.

Battery Care

If you have a dual charging system, make sure the selector switch in the proper position.
Make sure the power is on to the entire vessel.
Have aboard spare batteries for accessories such as your handheld radio, flashlight, portable navigational aid, etc.
If the batteries are rechargeable, make sure they're charged.

Docking and Anchoring

Have at least one anchor set up and bent-on to your anchor line.
Carry two or three extra dock lines in case you encounter unusual conditions dockside.
Visually inspect the lines you use for chafe or wear.
Carry at least two fenders on-board for docking or towing if required.

3. Develop a Float Plan

Whether you choose to inform your family or friends, let someone else know where you are going and how long you are going to be gone. A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of Captain and passengers; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; and, types of communication and signal equipment onboard, such as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

4. Know the Nautical Rules of the Road

Maintain proper lookout and be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, they have been placed there to ensure your safety and the safety of the boats around you.

5. Use Common Sense

Operate at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), stay alert and steer clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn.

6. Designate an Assistant Skipper

Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of the boat’s handling, operations, and general boating safety, in case the primary operator is incapacitated and someone else needs to get the boat back to shore.

7. Stay Clear of the Engine

Drivers should wear the boat’s engine cut-off switch lanyard at all times. Keep watch around the propeller area when people are in the water. Never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when engines are on—or idling. Take extra precautions near boats towing skiers or tubers.

8. Avoid Swimming in a Marina

Never swim in a marina or in other areas where boats are connected to shore power. Stray power in the water can create an electric shock hazard.

9. Use Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.
Remember to reapply every two hours, following a swim or when sweating excessively because protection will diminish over time.
As for sprays versus lotions versus rub-on sticks, choose the option that works best for you and will encourage you to reapply as directed.
Don’t forget often-neglected spots such as your lips, the part in your hair, tops of the ears and feet, and backs of the legs. Sunscreen sprays often work best for those with thinning hair. Choose a lip balm with at least SPF 15.
For best results, plan your initial sunscreen application for 15 to 30 minutes before you go out into the sun to allow the sunscreen to properly absorb into the skin. Shoot for a portion that could fill a shot glass to cover the average adult body.

10. Be Mindful

Each year, more than 100,000 marine mammals die when they ingest debris or become entangled in ropes, fishing lines, fishing nets, and other debris dumped into the ocean. As many as 2 million seabirds also die every year due to debris ingestion and entanglement.
Over 1 million marine animals (including mammals, fish, sharks, turtles, and birds) are killed each year due to plastic debris in the ocean. Currently, it is estimated that there are 100 million tons of plastic in oceans around the world. ... Eighty percent of the plastic debris comes from land.

Thank for reading!

Tannya & Julio