Check your fire extinguisher
By Don Braga Possibly the least used but second most important safety devices on any boat, fire extinguishers should always be ready for action. The …
How to assemble a first-aid kit
One of the most neglected pieces of safety equipment on a small boat is the first-aid kit. As a vessel examiner, I have asked many …
How to prevent motion sickness
By Keith Dahlin Ninety percent of people suffer from motion sickness at some point, but prescription, over-the-counter and natural remedies can help prevent it. Different …
Avoid common sailing injuries
By Anthony Pozun A sailboat’s many working parts combined with its movement can result in sailing injuries and accidents, but you can avoid them with …
Store propane cylinders safely on deck
Summer’s here! Now’s the time to get in the boat, visit your favorite cove and drop the hook. Before long, you’ll get out the propane …
BUI laws carry tough penalties
By Tim Akpinar As boaters look forward to summer, they will sometimes hear public service announcements about the risks of operating a vessel under the …
Rig your own emergency lightning protection
In my 14 years as a vessel examiner, I have rarely seen a set of jumper cables on a boat, and I don’t carry jumper …
Joining onboard grills to propane tanks
By Richard H. Eckhouse Like many of you, I enjoy using a grill on my boat. My Mainship trawler came with a propane stove in the …
10 tips for navigating unknown waters
When it comes to cruising in unfamiliar waters, even veteran boaters get sweaty palms and make beginner mistakes. Instead of regaling you with mine, I’m …
A flare for safety — how and when to use them
As a boater, you should have the required flares on board, but do you know how and when to use them? When to use flares …
