Are you finally ready to take your vessel out on the water this spring, but want to make sure that everything is safe? Has the weather gotten warm enough to the point where it’s time to get your vessel out of storage? There is nothing, nothing like taking your boat out after it’s been locked up for a long time. That said, you always want to be safe. Indeed, at our Maritime Documentation Center, while our focus may be the documentation for USCG vessels, we always want you to be safe out there. There are some things to keep in mind as you go back out on the water.
Float Plan and the Right Supplies
Whenever you go out on the water, a float plan is a good idea. THat’s true in the spring, summer, winter, and any other time. Let someone know you’re headed out on the water, where you’re going, and when you’ll be back. That way, should something go awry, you’ll know that someone knows it. Moreover, make sure you’ve got a personal flotation device for everyone on the boat, too. Specifically, one that fits them and fits them over the layers they might be wearing.
Checking Your Vessel
If it’s been a while since you went out on the water (like, say, several months) then you want to check the safety equipment, first off. That means the flares, fire extinguishers, first aid, and more. Check the lights, too — make sure they’re working exactly as they should. If it’s during the daytime, put your hand over the lights to make sure they’re bright. The fuel tank and fuel filters should be high on your list of things to check as well. You never want to head out away from shore until you’re absolutely certain that your boat is ready to go.
Being Wary of the Weather
Hopefully, you’re reading this in a place at a time of year where the weather is always warm. However, odds are that isn’t the case. Instead, it could be that (especially in spring in certain parts of the country) that the weather can change on a dime, so to speak. It can go from “warm summer day” to “late fall early winter squall” at the top of a hat. So, dress for the weather, and even if you aren’t wearing them, make sure that you have layers nearby you can throw on if necessary.
The Documentation for USCG Vessels All Year Long
At our site, we have the forms you’ll need to be able to use your vessel how you want all year long. For many vessel owners, this is the time of year that they’re starting to get into documentation, that they’re renewing it, and seeing everything that they have to deal with before they go back out on the water. If you have any questions about how any of this works, we’ll be more than glad to answer them. Just call: (800) 535-8570 or fill out our contact form.