Boating collisions are the most common kind of boat accident in the USA, as we discussed in this article. When two boats crash, people often fall overboard and vessels can start taking in water. It’s a very dangerous situation.

When it comes to boating, prevention is everything. Stopping collisions and accidents from happening is a lot easier than remedying them. The good news is that being a responsible boater is all about small, consistent habits. It’s not rocket science.

Let’s look at the 11 best ways to prevent a boating collision from happening.

1) KEEP A SHARP LOOKOUT AT ALL TIMES

The number one way to prevent a boating collision is to constantly keep a sharp lookout while out on the water. The faster you travel, the more focused you need to be.

Other craft, including cruise ships and fishing vessels, can suddenly appear in your field of view out of nowhere, especially in situations of reduced visibility. For this reason, it’s crucial that you stay focused on driving or sailing, no matter what goes on around you. Scan the area around you (including your back) regularly.

To find out more about how to keep a proper lookout, head here.

2) KNOW THE COLREGS

The rules of the road are different on the water. Having a driving license doesn’t provide you with the necessary knowledge to go boating. For example, right of way changes based on the type of vessel you’re on and whether it’s motoring or sailing.

The COLREGs are a set of rules for navigation, valid worldwide, which were created in 1972 with the specific purpose to prevent collisions at sea. So if you aren’t familiar with them, you risk confusing fellow boaters and potentially causing an accident.

Need a refresher? Check out this handy article about the essential COLREGs to memorise before going boating.

3) RESPECT SPEED LIMITS

When you’re near the coast, some areas are subject to speed limits. Just like on a road, the limit has been imposed based on data and risk management. So make sure to always follow speed limits to reduce the chance of causing a boating collision.

On the Deckee app, speed zones are clearly marked on the map. Download the app now to stay safe on the water.

4) DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE OR BEFORE BOATING

Alcohol can affect your senses even after only one drink. Consuming alcohol makes you less alert and affects your coordination, judgement, and reaction time. That’s why it’s very important that you don’t drink while or before boating.

5) MAINTAIN YOUR BOAT TO A GOOD STANDARD

Boats need regular maintenance in order to keep working smoothly. A malfunction, such as an engine failure, can put you in danger. Make sure to keep on top of your to-do list when it comes to boat maintenance. The carburetor may be close to getting clogged up or a sail may have a small, barely visible tear, which will suddenly turn into a big rip.

6) STAY WELL CLEAR OF SHIPPING LANES

Shipping lanes are navigable routes for large vessels, such as ships and tankers. They are like highways on the sea. You can easily spot them on charts. They have been established to facilitate the orderly traffic of ships in high traffic areas. A small boat won’t be very visible to a large and tall vessel. For this reason, the safest thing to do is to stay well clear of them.

If you need to cross a shipping lane, do so at a right angle and make sure you have plenty of time to clear the lane.

7) DON’T BOAT AFTER A BAD NIGHT SLEEP

Some studies have demonstrated that sleep deprivation hinders your ability to drive as much as drinking alcohol.

Make sure you are well-rested before you go on a boat trip. You need to be able to make sound decisions when you’re out on the water.

8) INSPECT YOUR SAFETY GEAR REGULARLY

Before you leave the dock, inspect your safety equipment, such as bilge pumps, EPIRB, and life jackets. The wet and salty environment of a boat can slowly damage gear without you noticing.

9) KEEP THE VHF RADIO ON WHILE UNDERWAY AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT

If you can, invest in a VHF radio and license. It’s not a complicated exam to pass, but you need to know how to communicate with other boats in a clear and concise way on it. This is because channel 16, which is the international distress frequency, needs to be used only for very short periods of time. Once you have established a line of communication with a vessel, you need to invite them to join you on a different channel.

After getting your license, keep the radio on at all times while underway, so another vessel can attract your attention, should they want to know how you plan to approach them.

10) KNOW THE NAVIGATION AIDS

Navigation aids are markers that signify isolated dangers, indicate the route to be followed, and provide a path for precise plotting. You need to know what they mean in order to navigate any waterway, all over the world. Some common navigation aids are danger markers and port or starboard lateral markers.

11) USE YOUR NAV LIGHTS TO STAY VISIBLE

While on the water, you need to stay visible to other vessels at all times. Using your nav and anchor lights becomes fundamental in reduced visibility, such as fog. Make sure you have working nav lights installed on your boat. It’s worth testing them regularly, so you’re not caught off guard if the weather gets foggy or you are delayed getting home.

Ok, we’ll admit it - there’s a little learning to do to be a responsible boater. But it’s nothing overly complicated. Building this knowledge and using your judgement will keep you safe. It’s a matter of studying the fundamentals of navigation and developing good habits that will keep you safe.

Download the Deckee app from the App Store or Google Play for free. Check the detailed marine weather forecast, find your heading, measure distances, and look up navigation aids. The app will help you stay safe, but it will also help you find lots of useful information, such as fishing spots, marinas, and boat ramps. Join our community of passionate boaters and share your favourite routes, diving spots, anchorages, and more.

BOATING COLLISION: HOW TO PREVENT A BOAT CRASH