Be Prepared: Making Your Eco-Friendly Boating Preparation Checklist

The Marine Bio Conservation Society has stated that eco-friendly boating is becoming a more popular pastime. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to prepare for their eco-boating excursion.

The good news is that there are a lot of ways that you can embark on a green boating excursion. You just need to know what steps to take.

Your Guide to Green Boating

Discover Boating recently talked about the approaches people need to take for eco-friendly boating. It is important to make sure that you know what you need to do manage fuel appropriately. You also need to follow other important steps. We covered some green boating tips in a previous article, so we wanted to share some general tips that we missed.

Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing day boating on the water or preparing for an extended fishing trip, packing the right items will make sure you stay safe and have fun. You never want to weigh your boat down with nonessential stuff, but you should never leave this list of important items behind. Also, packing too much makes your boat less fuel efficient, which isn’t good for the environment!

Safety Equipment

Safety should always come first, so make sure you pack life jackets for each person on board, as well as oars, bailing devices, life buoys, repair kits, a first aid kit, and other safety equipment. Certain safety items are required by law, but these can vary among different locales. Make sure you’re familiar with the guidelines in the place you’re boating to make sure you don’t leave any essential boat safety equipment behind. Some types of boating require additional safety equipment. For example, only the foolhardiest game fishers would set off without a VHF radio. Keep in mind that if your boat is heavily damaged, it won’t just cost you money. It will also hurt the environment too.

Licenses and Registrations

In many cases, simply obtaining the right licenses or registration isn’t enough. You’ll need the right paperwork on board to present to the authorities on random inspections. At a bare minimum, you’ll need your boat registration and license. Many states also require licenses for all people operating the boat. If you want to drop a line, you and other anglers will need fishing licenses. Make sure all licenses and registrations are valid before you set off.

Extra Clothing

Extra clothing might seem unnecessary, especially if you only plan on boating for a few hours. However, spray from the water can make clothes wet unexpectedly. You might also need to wade out into the water to launch your boat. Changing into new socks, tops, and pants can make you feel refreshed. It’s often cooler on the water than it is on land, so take a waterproof jacket to protect you from a potential chill.

Extra Food and Drinks

Most boaters bring some food and drinks with them. However, you shouldn’t skimp on the refreshments. If you veer off course or need rescuing, you’ll be glad for the extra sustenance. Water is the best option for beverages, as it can most efficiently combat the dehydration many people experience outdoors. Keeping lots of water handy will help you feel your best when boating.

Sun Protection Gear

The sun’s rays bounce off the water, causing damage even on cloudy days. A hat, a pair of sunglasses, and sunscreen should help you stay protected from the elements. Hats with chinstraps will stay put even if the wind picks up. Remember to reapply your sunscreen as recommended and more regularly if you’re swimming.

A Full Gas Tank

It might seem obvious, but running out of fuel is the leading reason boats break down. Boat fuel gauges can also be unreliable. Don’t take your chances; fill your tank before you set off to make sure you have enough fuel to get back to shore.

With the right items on board, all that’s left to think about is having fun! Spending time boating is one of life’s great joys, so pack the right items and you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

Take the Right Green Boating Steps

There are a lot of things that you need to do when going on an eco-friendly boating trip. Make sure that you follow the steps listed above.