Boating is one of the most relaxing hobbies out there. Whether you’re going out fishing or just want to sail and explore, you can definitely take things off your mind and enjoy a stunning view. Just like other hobbies, there are some essential gears that you need to prepare for your boating hobby. From basic accessories to safety gears and spare parts, you’ll need them all to make your boating experience convenient and safe.

Here are the basic boating gears you need to have before setting off on your first boating journey.

Boat Registration

First of all, you need to have your boat registered so you can officially operate your boat in the waters. Keep the registration documents always on board and at a safe and dry place so you’re always ready in case of an inspection.

Personal Flotation Devices

Personal flotation devices are at the top of the list when it comes to essential boating accessories. You should have one PFD per person riding on the boat for safety purposes. Aside from that, when your yacht is over 16 feet, you should also have a Type IV throw able flotation device to carry people on board in case of an emergency.

Personal Locator Beacon

Aside from flotation devices, your boat should also have a personal locator beacon so it could be easily located when the boat is swept out of range during emergency situations. This device is really useful when your marine radio stops working. You could also attach smaller locator beacons to life vests to easily locate passengers who are washed away from your range.

Compass

Although many newer boats have built-in navigation devices, unexpected times could happen that these devices stops working suddenly while you are on the waters. Having a hand-held compass helps a lot during this situation. You could determine your location and determine what direction you should be going even the built-in navigation system stops working.

Flashlight

Flashlights are really important to have in your boat. This helps a lot especially when you are boating at night. Opt for waterproof flashlights so they would still work even in wet conditions. Don’t forget to have some spare flashlight batteries ready in your kit as well.

First Aid Kit

Injuries can happen to anyone at any time, even while you’re just boating. Be sure to have a first aid kit filled with all the essentials such as disinfectant, bandages, and many more. Place it in a dry spot in your boat to preserve the contents. It would also help if you use a kit with reflective material so you can easily locate the first aid kit even in the dark.

Having these basic items in your boat will surely make your adventure safe and more convenient as well. Whether it is your boat or just renting, be sure that you have those important gears first before setting sail and going out on a fishing or sailing adventure with family, friends, or even just yourself.