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BOATING |
By Learnzat.com In addition to that towrope used for tubing and wake boarding you'll need a few more items for cruising in your vessel. But what you'll need depends on where you're based and what type of cruising you'll be doing. We'll look at near shore cruising, day cruises and weekend escapes. There are a few things that all boaters should have aboard or at least consider fully. Essential safety equipment: PFDs, a throw ring and a flare gun. The most basic piece of boating equipment is the VHF radio. The VHF is vital piece of equipment and should not be replaced by cell phones, since cell phones are often out of service range while off the coast. Electronic navigation equipment is today more than just a luxury; it allows boaters to be safer than ever before. Electronic charts give boaters unparalleled accuracy and detail that enable them to pilot around hazards and make smart decisions. Every boat should still carry paper charts (and every captain should know basic chart reading) in case of equipment failure. Having a laptop aboard gives you many other advantages, including the ability to create travel logs and maintenance logs. You can also get WiFi Internet service, which opens up a whole other world to you. Radar is a useful tool. It can also be incorporated into a laptop computer. Extra stores of fuel and fresh water is advisable. Carrying plugs, wires, replacement belts and other "disposable" mechanical parts is a good idea. You should also carry fuel treatment to add to your tank in case you take on tainted fuel while you're away from home. Extra rope is easy to stow and extremely handy in many situations. Most importantly, have at least one spare ignition key attached to a floating key ring; it has saved more than one boater. The law requires fire extinguishers for most boats-a good idea, if there's anything on your boat that could possibly burn. You should have them mounted where they are easily accessible. Put a fire extinguisher near the engine, in the galley, at the helm and in each cabin. The more extinguishers you have on board, the greater your chances are of putting out a fire before it gets out of control. Having smoke detectors on your boat is particularly important if you spend the night on board. Accidents can happen while we are boating-usually miles away from professional medical care. That's why it's important to have a well-stocked first aid kit on board, and that you know how to use it. Your boat's first aid kit should be stocked with items appropriate for more serious medical situations. Things like antiseptic, butterfly bandages to close open wounds, gauze sponges, medical adhesive tape, Ace bandages to wrap sprained ankles and wrists, splint material to stabilize broken bones and motion-sickness medications, just to name a few. Also, any first aid kit you put together should have an easy-to-understand first aid instruction book included. You should really consider enrolling in a Red Cross First Aid and CPR class, so you'll be prepared to treat an injured crewmember-and possibly save a life. Lastly, don't forget, keep at least one spare ignition key attached to a floating key ring on your boat, it has saved more than one boater. |
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