Being a boater sounds like an exhilarating experience; you get to own your boat and you get to drive and navigate it out in the rivers or the ocean. Not only that, it provides you with an opportunity for a livelihood since you can use your boat to catch fish or use it for commercial use. But it requires a lot of responsibility. Sometimes, we take things for granted and while you’re busy feeling good about owning a boat, you also have to realize that you need to take good care of your boat and train yourself on how to practice safety when you’re travelling. With that said, there are habits that a boater should practice and maintain and there are habits that should be discouraged.

Being Lazy

No matter how often or how rarely you use your boat, you need to clean it regularly. Boats get dirty easily, both in and out. If you don’t clean your boat regularly, gunk and dust will accumulate making your boat look shabby and dingy. And if you don’t wash your boat with fresh water after you took it out for a spin in the ocean, rust will develop on your boat, especially if it’s an aluminium boat. Make sure to take care of your boat engines as well. Make sure they are always in good condition. Part of being a responsible boater is to take care of your boat and strive to maintain its pristine condition.

Throwing Trash Overboard

To be a responsible boater, one should take care of the environment. Refrain from ever throwing trash into the ocean, rivers, lakes, and any bodies of water. This is definitely the worst habit that boaters have. Provide a garbage can in your boat so you can throw your trash in it.

Being a Jerk to Other Boaters

Sometimes operating a boat in a popular boating spot can be like driving a car during rush hour. Boats can be congested at the boat dock sometimes. Be a dear and consider other boaters when you’re out in the water. Give some space to other boaters and be careful when navigating your boats; avoid hitting anyone and make sure your vessel’s wake wave does not affect small boats which could lead to dangerous situations.

Driving Recklessly

Just as we’re taught to not Overspeed when we’re driving our cars, the same rule applies to driving a boat. Driving the boat over the speed limit can lead to accidents and other unfortunate events that could leave you and your passengers hurt. Better be safe than sorry, so do drive your boat at a normal speed.

Operating the Boat While Inebriated

It’s a bad idea to drink alcoholic beverages to the point of intoxication when you’re navigating a boat. This is just an unfortunate incident waiting to happen. Be responsible enough not to lose insight into your responsibility as the boat captain and ensure that safety should always come first.

Not Prioritising Safety

Safety is of the utmost importance for every boater out there. It should always come to your mind to keep you and everyone else safe onboard, especially if you’re sailing. You need to have the essential boating supplies and safety equipment ready such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, flare guns, mirrors, whistle, smoke signals, GPS equipment, and VHF radio.