Equipment Outfitters

Simply having emergency equipment on board your boat is not enough. Both you and your entire crew must know exactly where each item is located and how to use it. Even an item as seemingly simple as a life jacket can be difficult to don in a crisis, and there is never time to read the instructions in an emergency. Regular practice sessions can save lives.

Distress signals, intended to attract help in an emergency, should be stored in a cool, dry spot that is readily accessible at a moment’s notice. Since flares burn with great heat, precautions must be taken by anyone who is using them. Aerial flare guns must be registered in some states as firearms. These should always be treated with the same respect accorded to any firearm.

Life Jacket

Enough life jackets in the proper sizes should be available for the entire crew, and easily accessible from the cockpit. Remove them from their plastic covers, and undo the straps so that they are ready to use. Even though it seems tidy, a vinyl “storage case” for life jackets can be a hindrance in an emergency.

Fire Extinguisher

Each fire extinguisher mounts to a bulkhead differently. Understand how to remove it quickly. Some extinguishers also have a pin that must be removed before it can be used, or a nozzle that must be aimed at the fire. Don’t test your extinguisher until needed, however, because you will want full pressure.

Bilge Pump

The crew should know where the electric bilge pump is located in case you need to clear it if the intake is clogged. A manual pump should also be aboard or, better yet, one or two large buckets with sturdy handles.

Handheld Flares

These may be ignited by scraping against a rough surface, or they may light when exposed to the air. In either case, hold them by the handle, point the flame away from your body and hold the flare over the side of the boat so that any burning particles fall harmlessly overboard.

Smoke Flares

Ignited like other flares, these should be held at the downwind corner of the boat so that the crew’s visibility is not obstructed. Some smoke flares also have hot drippings, so hold them over the side of the boat as well.

Aerial Flare Pistols

To load the pistol, make sure the hammer is not cocked. Open the barrel while aiming away from the boat. Insert the flare, close and lock the barrel. Cock the pistol by pulling the hammer back. Point the flare up at a 45° angle away from the boat and pull the trigger. Wait a few seconds for the cartridge to cool before reloading. Do not fire a second flare until the first one has completely burned out.

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