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Some Safe Boating Tips
Pro Tip: Always have a VHF radio onboard. However, having a phone charger or external battery that doesn't depend on the boat for power has become an essential part of our Captain's equipment bags.
If your boat develops an electrical issue or a dead battery, you won't be able to charge your phone from the boat. But with an external battery you'll be able to keep your phone battery ready for use.
Also, know how to get your GPS location from a cell phone. We often get calls from people who don't know their location, even while using a cell phone to make the call. They simply don’t know how to share their location or retrieve their GPS coordinates on their device.
Pro Tip: Carry two anchors aboard, in case one takes a dive unexpectedly.
Pro Tip: Carry extra lines and fenders. Many new boaters don’t realize that you’ll need those lines and fenders to raft up with other boaters or tie up at waterfronts restaurants. Lines commonly aren’t provided (even at establishments with their own docks), and fenders are a must to prevent damage and to make sure body parts don’t get pinched between boats (a potential danger when rafted boats are not properly secured).
Pro Tip: Designate a sober skipper for your boat you’re not only protecting yourself, you’re also protecting all the other boaters out there.