Plan & Prepare

Boating is something I like to do all year round. Whether it’s fishing with friends or just mucking around with my family … it doesn’t matter.

What does matter is to m ake the time to plan and prepare.

On a calm summer’s day boating on a quiet river the risk of hypothermia is low.

B ut compare that with boating offshore, or in high country areas in winter and it’ s totally different.

Good skippers and crew wear the right clothes for the conditions so they don’t get cold and risk hypothermia .

But when you’re getting rugged up ask yourself - “could I swim in this gear if I had to” ? If you’re not sure , wear a lifejacket – it’s a lifesaver and can also keep you warm .

You’re the skipper, you’re responsible so watch out for your passengers especially encourage them not to  wear waders. You can’t swim in waders even with a lifejacket .

There’s a boat for just about every conceivable activity, from canoes to jetskis, tinnies, yachts and luxury cruisers.

But every boat has its limits and no matter what sort of boat you’re heading out o n make sure it’ s suitable for the conditions.

Check the weather forecast before you go, ask about localised river, lake or sea conditions and ask yourself “can you and your boat handle it” ?

You’re the skipper, you’re responsible so if in doubt … don’t go out.

 

 

Boating offshore is an adventure and can be quite risky.

A good skipper plans the trip, makes sure the boats up to it, uses different sources to check the weather, and makes sure all safety gear is on board and working.

Planning includes thinking about wind, waves, tides and safe havens should the conditions change.

If you’re going more than 2 miles offshore you need a marine radio and 406 EPIRB emergency beacon. 

And tell someone where you’ re going and when you expect to return and make sure they’ll check. The easiest way is to use your marine radio to log on with the coastal radio network.

You’re the skipper, you’re responsible. Plan, prepare, have fun, log on and don’t forget to log off when you’re safe home.