DIY: Check Your Inflatable Life Vest
We like inflatable life vests because they’re light and comfortable, eliminating many excuses for not wearing them. However, they have to work reliably and that requires a bit of owner-maintenance. Unlike traditional, foam-filled vests, inflatables have several components that have to work together for the vest to function and that is doubly true for vests with automatic inflators and safety harnesses.
Throw Rope Bags
A throw rope bag is a wonderful addition to your safety arsenal. Their core function is to allow you or your crew to throw a line accurately. Many boaters have no problem tossing a line to someone on the dock or to a capsized boat, but having a throw bag on board ensures that any member of your crew will be able to effectively throw a line in an emergency.
Top Life Jackets for Kids: Keep Your Little Ones Safe & Happy on the Water! 🚤🧒👶
Discover the best life jackets for toddlers and infants to ensure a safe and fun time on the water. Our comprehensive guide helps you choose the right life jacket, offering top picks that combine safety, comfort, and style. Perfect for mothers looking to keep their little adventurers protected while enjoying boating or beach days.
Selecting a Radar Reflector
Radar Reflectors (more accurately called Radar Target Enhancers, or RTEs) reflect radar energy from other vessels’ radars so that your boat shows up as a larger and more consistent “target.” If you operate your boat in areas with shipping traffic or where fog and low visibility are common, the ability to be seen by radar-equipped ships can make the difference between being seen and being sunk.
Selecting Vapor Detectors
Fume detectors monitor the concentration of dangerous gasses in the air and sound an alarm to warn of a potentially dangerous situation. They help prevent explosions or fires from concentrations of gasoline vapor or propane gas. Fuel vapor detectors will react to some—but not all—combustible vapors like cooking fuels, hydrogen, solvents, and certain cleaning compounds.
Selecting Visual Distress Signals
At some time, it is likely that most boaters may face a situation where you need assistance, if you run aground, have an engine failure, fire, leak or an injury to a member of your crew. Boaters use visual distress signals to attract attention in an emergency, either in the daytime or at night. Of course, using a VHF radio is another very effective way to communicate your situation to potential rescuers, but if your batteries are dead, visual distress signals may be your best hope.
Selecting an Emergency Beacon
EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacons) and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) provide life insurance that we hope you'll never need to use. No matter where you are in the world, in the event of a life-threatening situation, either of these devices can save your life or that of your crew.