Know Your Vessel and Your Equipment

While at sea, are you equipped for emergencies? Can you clear an obstruction that disables your vessel? Do you carry any tools for these emergency situations? Do you know how far and how long you can run or tow another vessel before you’re out of fuel? Do you understand what to do in a capsizing and how your vessel will operate in nominal conditions? Remember, in a whitewash or a shore break, a thrill craft may not generate thrust because of sea foam filling the engine intake. Seconds count when you lose propulsion, and the inability to avoid this type of situation could put your vessel on the rocks. If diving off your vessel, use the proper equipment—or even multiple anchors—to make sure your vessel is still where you left it when you resurface.