Are You Ready for the Boating Season?

Following a pre-launch checklist, doing routine maintenance and understanding responsible boating will ensure a smooth season on the water.

Courtesy Nancy Thompson/Orillia Power and Sail Squadron

Adhering to a comprehensive pre-launch checklist and exercising best boating practices this time of year and throughout the season just ensures safety for everyone on board and trouble-free boating experiences. 

Some tasks are only required before the first launch while others should be completed on an as-needed basis. Regardless, pre-launch and boating checklists are an effective way to get ready and reduce your chances of unpleasant boating experiences.

Never Overlook the Obvious Before That First Run (or Anytime)

  • Check the pleasure craft license listed on your boat’s hull. Are the numbers legible and in good condition? If you bought a new or pre-owned boat, it needs to be properly registered. According to Transport Canada, registration is required if it has an engine of 10 hp or more. For more details visit www.tc.canada.ca.
  • Make sure your boat is equipped with all of the mandatory safety equipment as outlined by Transport Canada. Your life jackets should be free of mildew and tears and even replace them if they are showing signs of wear. Remember, the new PFDs available are more comfortable and very functional. You should also have the appropriate sizes for every passenger on board.  
  • Among the mandatory safety gear are fire extinguishers and they need to be properly charged. Buy a new one if it isn’t or if it’s expired. Also, replace or restock any supplies in your first aid kit if necessary. 

It’s pertinent that your boat’s engine and all of its vital parts and systems work properly and are in good condition. If you stored your boat at a marina over the winter, the marine techs can do this for you. Otherwise, be sure to do the following:

  • Inspect the thru-hull fittings below the waterline and make sure they are secure. The sea valves should operate freely and the boat plug needs to be in good condition. Also, look for winter damage. Non-metallic thru-hull fittings can become brittle, crack and even loosen over time or during winter storage. Also, look for hoses that are damaged or are showing signs of wear and replace them immediately. 
  • For the fuel system, all of the fittings and hoses should be free of cracks or other damage. It’s a good idea to replace the fuel filters as well. If you stored your boat at a marina, they will do all of the pre-season maintenance on your engine. If you didn’t,  it’s always best to get it serviced before that first run. 
  • Check electronic gear. Add new batteries to portable radios, handheld GPS units and flashlights. Additionally, the navigation lights, horn and other instruments at the helm should all function properly. 
  • Other gear like anchor lines should be free of chafing and fraying, paddles need to be in good shape and balers should function as they should.
  • One item onboard that may be overlooked is your navigation charts. Do you have a current chart aboard? Are they easy to read? Channel markers and buoys can get out of position due to ice movements or inclement weather, so take extra care.
  • If you have a boat trailer, check the tires for flat spots, uneven tread patterns or other signs of wear. The trailer frame should be solid at vital points and test the tail lights, turn signals, and reflectors.

Beyond the Pre-Launch List

Even though the days may be warm in the spring and early summer, the water is still very cold in many areas along the BC Coast. Minor boating incidents in warmer weather can quickly cause tragedy. 

Always be prepared for the air temperature and also for the water temperature. Canada’s cold waters can be dangerous and the difference in celsius between a sheltered river and open water can be significant. One of the causes of boating fatalities is cold water shock, which can be experienced when you unexpectedly fall overboard.

It likely causes more deaths than hypothermia and can reduce your body temperature at a rapid rate. For three to five minutes, you may gasp for air, experience muscle spasms or your heart rate and blood pressure will increase. 

Even worse, you could choke on water or have a heart attack or a stroke. Even the strongest swimmers can suffer the effects of cold water shock. Always wear a life jacket this time of year since it will keep you afloat while you gain control of your breathing and prevent drowning from loss of muscle control. 

Hypothermia is also very dangerous as it causes your body temperature to drop below its normal temperature levels. You can lose control of your muscles and thought process. Some other symptoms include: 

  • Shivering, slurred speech and you fall into semi-conscious
  • Have a weak, irregular pulse.
  • Lose control of body movements.
  • Become confused or experience drowsiness. 

If you fall overboard in freezing water you may survive longer water if you:

  • Wear a Canadian-approved PFD to prevent losing valuable energy trying to keep your head above water.
  • Climb onto a nearby floating object to get as much of your body out of the water as possible.
  • Cross your arms tightly and draw your knees up close to your chest to maintain body heat.

If passengers are in the water with you, form a huddle with chests close together, place arms around the lower back, and intertwine your legs. For more information about hypothermia and prevention visit www.coldwaterbootcamp.com. 

While it’s important to bring mandatory safety gear, try to limit extra gear since your boat should never exceed its total weight capacity. An overloaded boat sits lower in the water, which increases the chance of swamping or capsizing in rough conditions. If you need a lot of extra gear, closely monitor the combined weight and store as much of it as possible amidships. 

Final Thoughts

Pre-launch checklists and establishing best practices throughout the season are all part of boating responsibly. For more information and details about courses, boating seminars and events, visit the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons at www.cps-ecp.ca.

Have a safe and happy boating season!