SUMMER BOATING SAFETY TIPS
Summer is just around the corner (or so Met Eireann keep telling us), which means you’re likely gearing up for a few months enjoying the open water and warm(er) weather. Before you do, we have some top Safety Tips you need to keep in mind every time you take to the water this summer.
Training & Certification
Given how long driving licenses last, it can be easy to forget that a Passenger Boat License is only valid for 2 years! If you have and/or need one, be sure yours is in date and valid before setting off. If it’s not, apply for a new one here: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/21fe88-apply-for-a-passenger-boat-licence/?referrer=http://www.dttas.ie/maritime/maritimesafetydirectorate/maritimesafety/passengerboats/passenger-boats
If your boat can carry more than 12 people it’s officially classed as a “Passenger Ship” and you will need a Passenger Ship Certificate for it. These are only valid for 1 year at a time so you’ll almost certainly need to renew it before heading out this year. Learn more about what you need for a Passenger Ship Certificate here: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/sport_and_leisure/licensing_of_boats_and_watercraft_in_ireland.html
Life Jackets
It’s amazing how often this one is overlooked, leading to entirely avoidable injuries and deaths. When on a boat, Irish Law states that all passengers on board a boat or watercraft of less than 7 meters in length must wear a lifejacket (or personal floatation device) at all times.
Be sure your boat has enough life jackets for everyone on board – child or adult – every time you go out on the water. Also bear in mind that if your passenger ship is licensed to carry more than 12 people, it must pass an annual safety inspection carried out by the Department of Transport.
Alcohol
This one goes without saying but, never ever drink while at the helm of any boat or watercraft. The same rules that apply to cars, apply to boats. Most boat and water-related accidents and deaths are alcohol related. Do not take the risk.
If you want a drink, make sure the boat is fully moored up and do not attempt to sail on after drinking, wait until the next day.
ECOS
We highly recommend using an Engine Cut-Off Switch whenever you’re at the helm of your boat. These intelligent safety devices loop around your wrist and attach you to a kill switch for the engine. Should you fall or get thrown away from the controls by heavy waves, the switch will pull out and the engine will immediately cut out.
If your boat has it, it’s recommended you use it every time. If not, you can purchase one directly from us at Boatspares.ie - https://boatspares.ie/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage%2Ccollection&q=cut-off* 
Float Plan
Before you head out on the water, for any reason and any length of time, you should always file a ‘Float Plan’ with friends, family, neighbours or authorities on land. At least 1 person should be made aware where you’re sailing to, how long you expect to be gone, and how many people will be with you.
Should you not return at a pre-determined time or location, and you have not been able to call back to land to inform them of any changes, someone on land will be aware that something may have gone wrong and can inform the coast guard immediately.
Weather
Always keep a close eye on weather reports before you take to the water. Granted, Met Eireann’s reports are not always the most accurate – they say it’ll be 20 degrees and sunny when it’s actually lashing rain.
But even still, check your weather apps, check weather reports on TV, take a good old fashioned walk outside and survey the wind, temperature, clouds and choppiness of the water for yourself. The last thing you want is to head out on a seemingly sunny day only to get caught in a thunderstorm.
Propellers
Be sure to check your boat’s propellers for wear, damage, cracks, and faults before any and every trip out on the water. Some may think that one check at the start of the season is enough, but propellers can pick up damage any and every time you’re on the water. They might hit stones, get tangled in seaweed, or become burned out due to excessive use in particularly choppy weather.
If you need a new propeller or propeller maintenance kits, check out our extensive stock of both on boatspares.ie.
Engine
Much like the propellers, your boat’s engine can accumulate wear and tear more regularly than you might expect. You should of course check your engine at the start of the season and perform any post-winter maintenance work that may be needed.
But you should also check the engine before each journey to ensure there’s no build up of silt & dirt in the block, no oil leaks, and no damage to the pistons.
Boatspares.ie is the largest stockist of Honda Marine Outboard Motors in Ireland, so if you’re looking for a new engine, be sure to check out our stock of over 200 Honda motors on our website or in store.
Speed Limits
Much like the roads, speed limits apply to most inland waterways in Ireland. Before you set off, be sure to check the speed limit on whatever waterway you are entering. The average speed limit on Irish inland waterways in 5kph, enforced to prevent damage to close banks, jetty’s and harbours.
Hydrate!
Arguably the most important safety tip we have: Stay Hydrated! Being out on the water, whether it’s a river, lake or open sea, can dehydrate you extremely quickly. Air wash, sea water, and sun can quickly dry you out, so it’s extremely important to stay hydrated at all times.
Bring large bottles of water on the boat and be sure to always have one to hand at all times, particularly when at the helm.