| Spring is here and summer is fast approaching so | | | | with a functioning co detector. |
| captains everywhere are smiling as perfect boating | | | | EPIRB - Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons |
| weather is on the horizon. Along with the new | | | | send a signal to rescue teams when you are in |
| season comes the need to replace worn out gear | | | | distress. Specifically designed for maritime distress, |
| and ensure you have all the boating equipment | | | | EPIRB's is a necessity if your boat ever becomes |
| essentials for a safe day on the water. Here are five | | | | disabled or starts taking on water. Bring extra piece |
| marine supplies every captain needs on board so | | | | of mind to passengers, the crew and captain |
| every emergency can be handled in a calm manner | | | | knowing you can be found in a time of need. |
| resulting in a safe journey back home. | | | | Compass or GPS - Even the most experienced boat |
| Life Jackets - Any captain worth his salt should know | | | | captain may lose their bearing every once in a while |
| plenty of life jackets are always needed. Even | | | | and when that happens a compass will help you |
| though they are not required to be worn at all times | | | | quickly get back on course. A more sophisticated and |
| in every location; you always need to have them on | | | | expensive approach is a modern GPS system |
| board. In times of bad weather, it is best to have | | | | specifically designed to withstand marine |
| everyone on board strap on a life vest just in case | | | | environments. Even on a small lake a compass will |
| some one goes over board. | | | | prevent getting lost so you can find the dock at the |
| VHF Radio - Emergency situations require a solid | | | | end of the day. |
| communication channel to resolve safely. An onboard | | | | There are many cool boating accessories but life |
| marine radio or a personal hand held vhf radio is one | | | | jackets, a vhf radio, fume detector, EPIRB and |
| item every boat captain should carry. You will be able | | | | compass or GPS system are something you need to |
| to communicate with other boat captains and the | | | | make sure you have on board before your first trip |
| coast guard in your area. | | | | out for the season. If you are new to boating |
| Fume Detector - Despite being surrounded by water | | | | consider taking a local boat safety course to get a |
| a fire on your boat is never fun. Discover problems | | | | basic knowledge of the rules on the water and what |
| before they occur with fume detectors for propane, | | | | to do when disaster strikes. Every outing on your |
| smoke and carbon monoxide. You may not smell | | | | boat should be a fun adventure and proper boating |
| smoke or propane out on the water and carbon | | | | equipment helps you come back safe so you can |
| monoxide is odorless so the only way to know is | | | | have another pleasurable outing. |