Whether you’re hunting for fish or just enjoying the water, boating is an undeniably relaxing endeavor. There’s nothing quite like an offshore excursion to unwind, appreciate nature, and have fun. Sometimes, though, a boating expedition can turn treacherous if the weather suddenly becomes unfavorable. When winds kick in and the waves become turbulent, do you have a safety plan in place? Do you know how to navigate choppy waters? If you can’t confidently answer yes to these questions, consider the following four tips for preventing boating collisions in bad weather.
Use Lighting Properly
The only thing worse than getting caught in a storm is getting caught in a storm without lighting. Your vessel is equipped with specialized lighting settings that are designed for use in turbulent weather. Your boat’s navigation lights are more than just useful, though — they’re required. If you’re operating a vessel any time between sunset and sunrise, navigation lights must be on. During a storm, the most important of these is your boat’s masthead light, which projects light forward so that you can see in front of your vessel.
Navigate Strategically
Using the right lights isn’t the only important safety measure when you’re boating in the midst of bad weather. It’s also imperative that you navigate strategically, so that you are steering away from the storm and not into it. The best way to do this is to slow down the speed of your boat and head towards the wind at a 45-degree angle. Safe boat handling in bad weather allows you to maintain better control of the vessel even in turbulence.
Develop a Storm Plan
Most people don’t set out on the water when they know that a storm is rolling in, but unfortunately, storms can catch you by surprise. The best way to prepare for the unexpected is to develop a plan. A storm plan outlines the responsibilities of each crew member on board a vessel in the event of a storm. It also outlines a general safety plan delegating tasks as needed and identifying the most essential safety equipment and features on the boat. Understanding weather signals while boating is important, so you know when to implement your storm plan.
Wear the Right Life Jacket
It is reported that in 86% of fatal boating accidents, the victim was not wearing a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket is one of the most vital safety steps to follow when you find yourself on a boat amidst bad weather. Damage to your vessel that is incurred in a storm can often be covered by OC boat insurance, but lost lives cannot be retrieved. Make sure that everybody on your boat is protected by supplying everybody with a life vest.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
