Has the weather started to turn in your area from winter to spring? Have there been more wonderful unseasonably warm days and it feels like it’s time to get your vessel back out on the water? Even though the groundhog saw his shadow, there are some days around America where the air is warm, the skies are clear, and everything feels right for getting on the water. That said, there are many safety precautions that you want to take when you go out on the water. Our USCG vessel documentation site always wants our customers to be safe when they head out.
USCG Vessel Documentation & Safety
An unseasonably warm day can be a regular, seasonably cold day in the blink of an eye. How many times have you seen storm clouds suddenly roll in, the temperature drop and the seas turn tempestuous? Going out on the water during a warm day is great, but be sure to bring cold weather clothes with you. You don’t have to wear them all the time, but it behooves you as well as any guests to have them readily accessible. “Dress for the water, not the air” is good advice, but “dress for the water, as well as what the air could be if the temp drops” can be a good adjustment, too.
Float Plans and Packing Properly
You pack so that you don’t leave something important on land. However, there’s one important thing you should always leave on land: a float plan. Always let someone know where you’re going, how long you’ll be, when you’ll be back, and so forth. Packing personal flotation devices is important, of course, but make sure they fit over all of your clothes, too. Remember: it’s not that you want them to “fit over the clothes you have on now,” (although that’s important) but so that they can fit over the clothes you may have to put on (extra layers, etc).
Always Have Multiple Ways to communicate With Land
When things change on the water quickly, you want to be able to get in contact with those who are going to be on the land quickly, too. There’s nothing wrong with taking your phone, of course, but there might be some areas around the body of water where it won’t work. Flares, lights, and a working VHF radio can make sure you’re always in contact with those who can help pronto.
USCG Vessel Documentation in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Beyond
The winter and spring are some of the best times, vessel owners tell us, to complete your documentation. As you’re not out on the water as often, you have the time to sit down and complete these forms. Of course, as we’ve streamlined our site, you only need a small amount of time to fill them all out. Besides, if you do it now, you can be fully in compliance when the summer months come again. See all that we offer or fill out our contact form and speak to our experts.
