Some boaters treat safety gear and anchors the same way: They have it all buried in a locker and will get it out when and if they need it. In this article, I suggest a more proactive approach. I encourage you to make an annual inventory of your safety equipment and schedule an inspection of each item (including your anchor, which, while not included below, does bear on your safety). Read on to find out how to inspect and update many items of boating safety.
Flares
You are required by the United States Coast Guard to carry aboard a minimum of three pyrotechnic flares. So check yours, and replace those that have expired. Also replace any that may have gotten wet. For electronic flares, such as the ACR E-flare, check the batteries and perform a self-test according to the manual. And be sure to have an SOS flag aboard. This orange flag with the black square and circle is required to fulfill your daytime signaling requirement if you choose an electronic flare.
Fire Extinguishers
The quantity and type of fire extinguishers required aboard varies by boat type. Check the regulations to make sure you have at least the required number of fire extinguishers of the proper type. Many extinguishers feature a gauge: Examine those for a reading in the “green.” A “red” reading means discard or recharge the extinguisher. Additionally, check that the lock pin fits firmly in place and that the nozzle is not cracked or blocked. Nonrechargeable fire extinguishers must be replaced 12 years after the date of manufacture. This date is embossed on the bottom of the cylinder. Remember also that the USCG approval of your extinguisher is valid only if it’s mounted with a Coast Guard-approved bracket.
Life Jackets
Examine life jackets for signs of wear. Tears, rips or missing buckles are all cause to discard a life jacket. Next, make a count of your crew. You’ll need one for each person aboard. The life jackets also must be of the appropriate size for those who will wear them. Be sure to consider new additions to your crew, and examine possibilities such as your children having grown since the previous year. Ill-fitting life jackets are not safe. Finally, consider the use case. Life jackets suitable for calm water nearshore with imminent rescue expected are not suitable for open water, where rescue can take more time. Your life-jacket ratings must align with the type of boating you intend to do.
Read Next: Essential Boating Safety Equipment & Checklist
Beacons
The USCG recommends a monthly check of your EPIRB, PLB or other rescue beacons. Review the owner’s manual, and learn how to perform a self-test to ensure proper operation. Improper testing can result in a distress signal being sent: Follow the manual explicitly. EPIRB batteries are usually good for five years. Check the unit’s battery-replacement cycle and replace them, if specified. Also inspect for damage such as corrosion and cracking. What about mounts and clips? Are these still in good shape?
Sound-Signaling Devices
This requirement is usually fulfilled by virtue of an operating electric boat horn. Make sure it works, and always carry a spare fuse for it. As a backup, we recommend having aboard an air horn, a manually blown horn or a whistle. Check that these work too. Whistles are simple devices, but gunk, corrosion and time can do them in. Consider pinning a whistle to each life jacket. This is not required, but it will be a big help if ever needed in an emergency.
