Common Sense Boating

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Southport


It is amazing when boaters stop and ask “How do I get to 
Wilmington?", or some other port.  The smart answer is go to 
Intra-Coastal Waterway number 1 and turn left, but the 
correct answer is a question, “are you prepared?”

The other day a boater stopped and asked that very question. 
After looking at the boat and the number of people in the boat 
the captain was asked several questions. It was found that 
they were totally unprepared for that trip, or really for 
any trip.

Common sense boating starts with preparation on the part of not 
only the captain, but the crew as well. Make sure that you have 
the following equipment on board as a minimum.

- Life Jackets for everyone and that they will fit everyone
- A bucket to bail water if necessary
- A whistle or horn to signal a distress situation or the need 
  for assistance.
- A radio for updated weather and assistance
- A chart of the local area with water depths

Leave a short float plan with a neighbor as to where you are going 
and when you plan to return. Include your boat name and a 
description if possible as well as a cell phone number.

Common sense boating means that you are responsible for your boat 
and your crew and that you will do everything possible to insure a 
safe and pleasant day on the water.

Boat Smart...Boat Safe...Wear It!

This message was brought to you by...

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 10-5 Southport, 
North Carolina

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