Take the time to plan your boating adventures

Summer may still feel like a long way off however the longer days and calmer weather are seeing more boaties getting back out on the water.

No matter how keen you are to fire up your engine and hit the open seas, it’s important to make sure you take the time to plan correctly. There’s no point ruining a great day by getting into trouble and having no one there to help. So before you head out, make sure you follow some simple tips to keep safe.

Equipment

Unless you’re sailing, on a kayak or stand-up paddle board, you’ll need to have enough fuel for your entire journey. A good rule of thumb is the Thirds Rule – you’ll need a third of your fuel to get to your destination, a third of your fuel to get back, and a third of your fuel as a reserve.

Other important supplies include two forms of communication, food, first-aid kits, ropes, torches, and a fresh water supply.

Last, but certainly not least, make sure you have a correctly-fitted lifejacket for every single person travelling on your vessel. Lifejackets save lives and are your number one piece of safety equipment.

Training

Undertake some basic training and enrol in a boating education course to suit the type of boating you do. Some courses are available as home study, online study or classroom study. Day Skipper gives you essential boating knowledge relevant to all boating types. Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate teaches you the correct maritime VHF radio operation. Sea Kayak is a short course covering equipment, communication, emergencies, planning, weather, rules and navigation. For more information https://www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/

If things go wrong, know Coastguard’s got your back

One of the best things you can do for your safety and wellbeing out on the water is become a Coastguard Member. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that every time you set out to sea, Coastguard will have your back. No matter if you break down, get a flat battery, or run out of fuel - Coastguard volunteers will turn up and make sure you get home safely, free of charge.

Coastguard membership costs $115 and new members get a $100 discount off popular Boating Education courses ensuring you hit the water knowing what to do to keep yourself and others safe. https://www.coastguard.nz/membership/ that Along with a Coastguard Membership, the new Coastguard app is a must have for any boatie in the South. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, you’ll have all the weather, tide and VHF channel information you need at your fingertips. The new app also has the ground-breaking ability to allow Trip Reports to be made from your smartphone - an innovation that makes the app unique in the market, and a great safety tool for every boatie.

You can download the app today for just $2.99 from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Local volunteers make a difference thanks to your support

Volunteers from Coastguard units in Bluff and Riverton spend hours training to be ready should a call for help come. Thanks to the support of the local community ‘Bluff Rescue’ launched in 2015 has attracted new volunteers and been involved many rescues. Our next major project will be the replacement of the rescue vessel based in Riverton. The continued support of the community enables our dedicated volunteers to save lives at sea. - Coastguard New Zealand