The staff at Tom-N-Jerrys Boats believes that each boating trip should begin with a pre-departure checklist and inventory of supplies. There are certain items that every boat should have, and every boat captain should own. The first and most important of these items is life jackets. The coast guard requires that there is a life jacket on board for each passenger on the boat, and a minimum of two life jackets at all times. The life jackets must be coast guard approved. For boats that are longer than sixteen feet, you should also have an extra floatation device on board. Make sure everyone on your boat knows where to find the life jackets and throw-able floatation devices.
They also suggest that each boat and captain have the proper emergency locator beacons. If you don’t already have one, get an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). This beacon is registered to your individual boat. In case of an emergency, setting off this beacon will tell the coast guard and other rescue services exactly who is in trouble. All EPIRB beacons are registered through the NOAA Satellite and Information Service. Another great safety option is a Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB. These beacons are worn on the body, and are registered to the specific user. Offshore voyages that take boaters far from land or into areas that are known to be treacherous are especially dangerous.Tom-N-Jerrys Boat Center says having a PLB on your person will allow the coast guard and NOAA to locate your exact position if you call overboard.
Tom-N-Jerrys Boats Center 