boating

In the wake of Tropical Storm Fay and because we are in the prime eight weeks of hurricane season, I thought that a reminder on how to take care of your boat before a storm arrives might be in order.

Planning for the Storm
The four sources of danger to your boat are wind, rain, storm surge and flying debris, but with some preparation, you can reduce the damage to your boat. Always have a visual record of your boat in its undamaged condition, either by a video camera or still pictures.

After you have documented the condition of your boat, you can start preparing for the storm. What you do depends on where your boat is stored.

By Richard Trollope
 It is a fact that safe boats save lives. For recreational boaters operating any size or type of boat, safety should be an all-important part of the boating experience. In addition to wearing lifejackets and completing a boating safety course, getting an annual Vessel Safety Check of your boat is an ideal way to boat smart from the start.

What is a Vessel Safety Check? It is a free courtesy check of your boat to verify the presence and condition of specific safety equipment required by federal, state and local regulations. A VSC usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to perform.

By RICHARD TROLLOPE

In order to enhance safety, federal rules require all recreational boats to carry one wearable personal flotation device or life jacket for each person on board your boat, plus one throwable life cushion.
There are four types of life jackets and the type you carry depends on how you are using your boat. In addition, state regulations require that children under a certain age must wear the life jacket or PFD at all times while they are on the boat.

• Type I PFDs, or offshore life jackets, are designed to turn most unconscious wearers face up in the water. These are mostly used on cruise and other ocean ships.
• Type II PFDs are near-shore buoyancy vests and will turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water.
• Type III PFDs are flotation aids for conscious users in calm, inland waters where there is a good chance of a quick rescue.
• Type IV PFDs are throwable devices, including seat cushions, life rings or horseshoe buoys. Unlike the other types of PFDs, the Type IV is not designed to be worn, but rather to assist a person to float in the water until rescued. Type IV PFDs must be immediately available for use.