Owning a boat offers up a type of adventurous freedom that only a boat can provide. Finding those hard to reach spots to camp, cruising through the lake fishing, or even pulling around a couple of water skiers. It’s all open to you when you own a boat. Whichever your dream adventure, if it’s on a boat, it should start with safety.

Keep Yourself and Your Passengers Safe on Your Boat

If you own a boat or are looking at buying one, below is a list of basic safety items to consider each time that you consider heading out on the water.

It All Starts With a Plan

As tempting as it may be, heading out on the water without planning where you will be going and the conditions is not a good idea. A few days ahead of your outing, speak with local weather and marine authorities to get accurate condition information. On the day of your journey, call again to see if anything has changed. If their advice is to remain out of the water, take it.

Where Are You Going?

When you’re driving your car along the freeway and you run into trouble, you can pull over and call for a service. This isn’t the case with a boat. Once you’ve planned your journey, including GPS coordinates and average times to when you expect to reach each point and return. Once you have your plan - share it.

Inspect the Body

Something as simple as a visual inspection of your boat while it’s out of the water can be enough to identify any damage or cause for concern. A few days before you head out, inspect the body of your boat and make sure there isn’t any damage. If you notice anything, get it repaired before you leave.

Check the Electronics

Apart from being your primary source to call for help, the electronics on your boat also provide you with engine levels and radar information. Flip it all on before you leave and make sure everything is in working order. Take a quick look for any exposed wiring which may be affected by the salt water air.

Life Jackets for Everybody

If there isn’t a lifejacket for one of your passengers, then there isn’t any room on your boat for them. As your passengers get on the boat, give them a life jacket and make sure it fits. Remember that adult and children sized life jackets are not interchangeable.

Emergency Kit

Every boat needs an emergency kit, and every boat needs it to contain the right equipment. Speak with your local marine authorities about any advice they have to add, however, the below items will get you started:

• Signal flares
• First-aid kit
• Battery powered radios
• Battery powered lighting
• GPS device
• Reflective blanket
• Whistle
• List of emergency frequencies
• Small tool kit

Once your emergency box is packed, be sure it’s stored somewhere that is easy to access and somewhere visible. If you need engine lubricants and fluids for your marine engine, speak with USA Synthetics at (405) 388-6170 and ask about the AMSOIL range. If you know the product that you need, their online store is a great place to read additional information on each product.

Boating Engine Fluids

Each boat is different, but they all need one thing to run - fluids. Instead of checking them every few months like your car, your boat’s fluids need to be checked before each journey. The best place to start is with your general motor oil, coolant, and hydraulic steering fluid. Check your owner’s manual for information about any additional fluid requirements your boat has.

Educate Your Passengers

Keeping your passengers safe is your ;top priority, however, emergencies can also happen to the driver. Be sure that each of the passengers knows what to do in an emergency, and how to signal for help. If your boat has any specific safety features, educate passengers on these also.

Change Your Style

Pulling into hard corners and pushing full throttle make for great tricks, until you hit a wave the wrong way and you cause damage to your boat and injury to your passengers. For the safety (and enjoyment) of all people on board, adjust your driving style to be steady and relaxed.

Give Your Boat a Synthetic Oil Change

Boating can be a great adventure for everybody, as long as it’s done safely. Along with these tips, speak with your local authorities or fellow boat owners for any additions. If you need to top up or replace any of your engine fluids before your trip, speak with USA Synthetics (405) 388-6170 and ask about the range of AMSOIL marine lubricants available. The online store also has information available for each product to help you find the right engine oil for your boat.