How to be a responsible powerboat owner

Powerboating © Vladislav Murashko

Buying a boat is a pretty big deal, and boating in general can be a great way to spend your leisure time. Of course, as with any kind of vehicle, owning a powerboat also comes with responsibilities. You have a duty to your fellow human beings and the environment around you.

When you use a powerboat, it's important that you use it safely and in an eco friendly manner. This means cleaning up after any hazardous waste and making sure that the boat is maintained well. If you are looking to become a responsible powerboat owner, here's a few pointers.

Make Sure That Your Boat Is Licensed

When you drive a car you need to have it insured, right? Well, it's the same thing with your powerboat. With that being said, it does sometimes depend on the sort of boat you possess and how large it is.

A license is especially important if you become lost out on the water, as your registration and license will help a search and rescue team to find you. You should also regularly check to see that this information is all up to date.

Thoroughly Assess Your Responsibilities Before Buying

Before you even buy your boat you should be thinking about how you can be a responsible powerboat owner. Make sure that you think about things such as your budget, how you plan to maintain the boat, look into insurance. You should also think about how you will fuel the boat, and dispose of hazardous waste. Do your research before you buy your boat - you'll thank yourself later on.

Take A Boating Course

Do you know how to drive the second you step foot in a car? Well, the same goes for driving a boat. It can take a while to get used to using your boat, and considering the fact that it is a vehicle, it's often best to know what you're doing before you take her out for a spin on the waters. You should check to see if there are any courses near you that will show you how to properly work the boat so that you're safe out on the water.

The boating course will usually tell you things to remember when out on the ocean too. For instance it may teach you to read ocean traffic signals, speed limit regulations and how to keep yourself and others safe while steering your watercraft.

Follow Safety Guidelines

Being a responsible powerboat owner also means looking after your own safety. This means having the right safety gear such as life jackets in case you somehow fall in the water and having buoyancy aids. You should also ensure that you have some form of communication with you if possible in the event that you're stuck in an emergency situation. Keep an eye out for your fellow boaters too - this means following the correct traffic protocols and knowing your signals.

Waste Management

You need to make sure that any waste on your watercraft is properly disposed of. This means putting things such as plastics into a secure waste bag and disposing of it properly when you get onto the shore. Don't throw any waste into the ocean as this can be harmful to the wildlife in the ocean. If you have any hazardous waste you should also ensure that it is properly disposed of.

Consider the Noise

The waterfront is a popular place to live! As a result of that, it goes without saying that perhaps not everyone is going to want to listen to the loud noises produced by you boat, especially during the night time hours when people want to get some sleep. Be considerate when using your boat. It is also important to regularly check on the exhaust, as a poorly maintained exhaust can make a lot of noise. It can also be illegal, so it's worth keeping that in mind.

Properly Maintain Your Watercraft

Proper boat maintenance is essential when you're out on the open ocean! Not only is it more fun when your boat is well maintained, but it's also a lot safer. The last thing you want is to have to call someone to help you because you're stuck in the middle of the ocean. Before you leave, write a list of everything that you need to do to your boat. It's also a good idea to maintain a good maintenance routine every now and then.

The environment also needs to be considered. Any pollution you produce is your responsibility, and if you damage anything you will be the one that's liable for any costs incurred for cleaning it up or repairing it.

Conclusion

Those are just a few of the ways that you can be a responsible powerboat owner. Of course, some of it is down to common sense and basic respect of your peers, fellow boat owners and the world around you. Some may not be so obvious. It's often best to make sure that you do your research so that you can be certain that you are being a responsible powerboat owner. That way, you and the environment are happy while you enjoy your boating experience!