If your passion is being out in the open water on an aluminium boat where you get to be close to mother nature’s vast natural resources, then being a boater is what you should become. Becoming a skilled boater requires extensive training to learn vessel navigation, boat operation, and safety practices. This process can take years, often involving formal courses or apprenticeships with experienced captains. Regardless of the path you choose, mastering essential skills is crucial for success on the water. Curious to know what these are, read the rest of the article below:

Understand the Boating Jargons Well

To be an efficient boater, familiarise yourself with the basic boating terminology and the different parts and features of a boat. The best way to do this is to study it through research and firsthand experience. Let an experienced boater teach you this. If you already understand the essential boating terminologies, then you will be guaranteed a smooth boating experience.

Reading Navigation Aids

Aside from learning boating terminologies, you need to also familiarise yourself with navigational aids as well. Just like a driver having to learn the different traffic signs and road conditions, a boater should also know how to navigate their boats out in the different bodies of water. Various scenarios will happen when you’re boating and knowing what to do can help keep your boat safe and your trip hassle-free. We suggest you take a boating course for you to learn navigation aids properly since a professional instructor will teach you.

Filling Out a Float Plan

Knowing how to fill out a float plan can literally save your life. It is a crucial document to give to authorities and your mates before you leave the dock. A float plan is used to obtain your and your boat’s information in the event of an emergency.

Being Responsible for Onboard Safety

It's essential to prioritise safety onboard at all times. Familiarise yourself with the safety equipment and procedures, as you will need to guide everyone during an emergency and help keep them calm. For example, whether you’re boating at sea with a Stacer boat or a large yacht, you have to know the vessel you’re navigating like the back of your hand.

Launching a Boat Into the Water

This skill is crucial because you will know how to safely trailer and launch a boat. If you can do this, then you can launch and trailer a boat in multiple waterways without any difficulty. This skill will not only be helpful on the water but also helpful when you’re on the land as well; towing a boat with your car will require you to learn to turn, brake, and shift when you are on the road.

Anchoring and Docking a Boat Safely

Knowing where to anchor your boat helps you keep safe as well. You want to protect your boat from volatile weather conditions, strong currents, and boat traffic.

Docking is also a great skill to master. Like anchoring, docking helps you determine how to adjust the boat for tides, currents, and weather conditions.

Operating a VHF Radio

One of your must-have boating supplies on board is a VHF radio. Just like any other equipment in existence, you need to know how to operate a VHF radio. This radio is the one that you will use if make a mayday call to the authorities, especially if you’re offshore or in locations where cell service is spotty. Treat a VHF radio as your lifeline because it is.