If you own a boat (or better yet, as the joke goes, you know someone with a boat), you鈥檝e probably thought about spending some evenings on the water — especially in the summertime.
It鈥檚 a great thought, of course. But, when you鈥檙e boating after dark, you need to think about staying safe, even as you enjoy the stillness of the water and the starry sky.
Here are seven things to keep in mind, both before you hit the water and once you鈥檙e out cruising around:
Have a plan — and tools to help if it goes wrong.
Don鈥檛 go boating at night in an unfamiliar place. You can鈥檛 see as well, obviously, so stick to where you know the ropes, so to speak. And because things look different in the dark, make sure you have the correct navigational tools in case you get lost.Share your plan.
Always give a friend or family member your 鈥渇loat plan.鈥� Include where you鈥檙e going, your boat鈥檚 description and registration information, who鈥檚 with you and when you鈥檒l be back.Check 鈥� and dress for 鈥� the weather.
On top of the other difficulties of boating at night, you don鈥檛 want to get caught in a storm if you can help it. And you want to be comfortable, so be sure to bring clothing appropriate for the forecast. A sweatshirt, blanket and extra towels may come in handy, even in the summertime.Do a pre-trip inspection.
This is good advice for daytime boating as well, but at night it鈥檚 crucial that your navigation lights work, for starters. You also need a horn, plenty of fuel, a radio, a flashlight, flares, fire extinguishers and life jackets for all passengers.Slow down.
Speed is a factor in many boating accidents, and the limited visibility at night makes the water even more dangerous. Remember, you aren鈥檛 going to be the only one on the water at night, so know the right-of-way rules.Pay attention.
Know how to monitor the navigation lights of other vessels to recognize which direction they are going. Be particularly cautious about small vessels, such as canoes and kayaks, as well as anchored or drifting boats. Their lights can be easily confused with onshore lights.Don鈥檛 get distracted — or drunk.
It鈥檚 never okay to drink and operate a boat, so be sure you have a designated driver. And, though you鈥檙e out there to have fun, make sure you can still hear the sounds from approaching vessels. Keep the stereo low and your ears open.
While these tips are important, there鈥檚 nothing like experience to help ensure a safe voyage. If you鈥檙e a new boater or just in an unfamiliar vessel, you may want to put in more hours during the day before tackling an area at night. Even then, start with short evening outings and work your way up to a moonlight ride. And don鈥檛 forget to turn on the lights at the dock before you go!