Ingredients to a Disaster

1. All boaters, regardless of the type of craft they operate (power, sail, jet ski, kayak, rowboat, paddleboat, etc.) should take at a minimum a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved safe boating course. Most states where licensing is in effect will accept these courses as meeting their requirements.


2. When using a jet ski or kayak (and similar type vessels), always have a buddy.


3. When sailing or using a power boat, you should also always boat with a buddy.


4. File a Float Plan. Float Plans are filed with friends, family, your marina and in some communities, the Bay Constables or other law enforcement (most communities and the Coast Guard will not hold on to them). A Float Plan contains important information about the vessel, its capabilities, the crew, and the proposed itinerary of destinations. The concept is that friends, family or the marina will contact the Coast Guard or Local Law Enforcement when a vessel is overdue, based on the Float Plan. The Coast Guard and local law enforcement will then use the Float Plan as the focus of their search and rescue operation (SAR).


5. Always carry identification for yourself and your vessel. In our example, for whatever reason, the New York State records were not up to date or the operator is not the owner. In an emergency, anything that saves time is a positive attribute.


6. In the event that you abandon or lose your vessel (such as a jet ski floating away) and you are able to get to shore, call the Coast Guard or local Law Enforcement and tell them about it. It can ultimately save lives and property and in these times, limited budgets of rescue agencies.