Boating is indeed loads of fun but sometimes, accidents happen when we least expect it. Some accidents may not be as dangerous and can be solved right away but some accidents can adversely affect our boating experience.

Safety is always the utmost priority while out on a boat on the water, especially when you're in the middle of the sea. Accidents on the water are appalling since they can compromise our safety and wellness. That’s why the captain of the boat and anyone who operates it must safely navigate the waters.

However, it is also helpful to know what causes boating accidents. Boating accidents that usually happen in the water include:

• A casualty while swimming to an undocked vessel

• A casualty/injury occurring from colliding with a vessel

• An explosion or fire while docked or operating

• A mishap while towing someone doing a watersport

• Man overboard

• The vessel flooding or capsizing

• An individual drowning

These accidents, unfortunately, can cause disastrous consequences such as vessel loss, property damage, injuries, missing individuals, and even death. These can be all avoided simply by following safety procedures and having the initiative to do what’s right.

This article will break down each cause of boating accidents in detail to know what to do if any of these instances happen to you and prevent any harm from befalling you:

Operator Error

Sometimes boating accidents occur due to the boat operators. Negligence, lack of experience, and inattention can fall under operator error. As the captain of your boat, you are responsible for everyone’s safety onboard. Make sure to take extra care when you’re navigating out in the water, focus on it (lessen distractions around), and invest time and money to enrol in boating courses to master operating your boat.

Intoxication

Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or other substances not only compromises everyone’s safety on board, but it is also illegal. This irresponsible act can cause major damage to the boat, injuries and even death. When one is intoxicated, it is hard for them to control their balance, remember things, see, hear, speak properly and make proper judgments. Because of this, the chances of negative outcomes that may happen are higher. It is crucial to always stay sober onboard, especially when you’re operating the boat.

Speeding

Just like overspeeding on the road is dangerous and illegal, the same principle applies to operating boats. Speeding causes accidents such as injury and even death. The impact of colliding with another vessel or an obstacle at full speed is disastrous that’s why it’s best to avoid doing this at all times. Unfortunately, speeding is one of the main causes of water accidents. So please, if you’re used to speeding, stop acting like a macho man and operate your boat at normal speed. Don’t wait for an accident to learn your lesson.

Mechanical Failure

Defects, glitches, or breakdowns from your boat engine, rudder, navigational tools and other boating equipment can cause accidents that compromise the safety of your boat and everyone on board. Mechanical failure can also cause you to crash into another boat or water obstacle light your boat on fire or leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Even though machines and equipment break down over time, you can prevent them from zonking out with proper maintenance, manufacturing, and inspection. If you have a Mercury outboard motor or a Honda boat engine, or any type of engine have them serviced regularly by certified marine technicians qualified to tinker with those engines.

Extreme Weather Conditions

Storms can wreak havoc within their vicinities and unfortunately, sometimes, when boats get caught in merciless storms, it can wreck the boat and cause it to sink. Although some boats can weather these extreme conditions, it’s best to avoid the storms as much as possible. Always consult the weather updates through your marine radio or other marine equipment that can give weather forecasts. If you have a stereo, tweak its setting to connect to weather channels. Don’t forget to keep a weather lookout at all times, especially during stormy seasons. If you think that the weather is not looking good for sailing, then don’t leave port or go back to port if you’re out in the water.