As the captain, it is your job to keep your crew and passengers safe and lead a smooth day on the water. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a safe return to the dock from Discover Boating.
Before you take the helm, think about taking a boater safety course to learn and brush up on your basics. As the captain, you should always stay away from alcohol, so your awareness and reaction time is sharp.
Before heading out make sure you've checked the latest weather conditions. For any trip, have a storm preparedness plan in case the weather turns on you.
The more time on the water, the better & unless you're stranded. Always check your fuel level while you’re at the dock. It's a good rule to plan for using one third of the tank on the way out, one third to return and keeping one third as reserve.
Always drive at a responsible speed for your surroundings. Know the boating regulatory zones including no wake zones, which are marked by white and orange buoys.
Do a quick check to make sure your navigation lights are working properly. You’ll need them at any time there is restricted visibility like at night, in fog or inclement weather.
Make sure that everybody on the boat has a U.S. Coastguard approved life jacket that fits. Typically, the lower the number the better the protection. For example, a type 1 life jacket provides long upright flotation which is best for large open waters and oceans.
Make sure your emergency cut-off lanyard is operational and attached to the captain while the boat is underway. This lanyard is critical if you’re ejected from your seat as it will immediately turn the boat off to avoid any additional danger.
Before returning to shore prepare your fenders, hooks and mooring lines so you’ll be ready to dock. Once you’re there, make sure the engine is off before anyone leaves the boat.
As a captain, you need to ensure that you’re respecting other boaters. Always follow navigation rules such as red right return. Be courteous with your wake and never anchor in the channel.
Chaparral has been building quality family boats since 1965. Founded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Chaparral has called Nashville, Georgia home since 1976. Encompassing over 1 million square feet of manufacturing facilities, we are one of South Georgia’s largest employers with a full time roster of over 800 employees. Building high quality boats is still a process completed by hand by skilled craftsmen. At Chaparral, many of our builders are second or third generation boat builders that take personal pride in every boat they build.
