The incredible coastlines we have here in Florida are alluring to many, with some of the best fishing and boating spots in the world. But instead of heading out in the blazing heat, many have developed an interest in going boating at night. Night boating comes with a unique set of additional challenges, but the experience can be fantastic if you and your group work together to stay safe.
Boating at night is legal almost everywhere unless otherwise specified. Here, we will discuss additional things to keep in mind to ensure your outing is eventful, safe, and fun.
Prepare Well and Prepare Early
To start, anything you are required to bring for boating midday should also be brought along when night boating. There should be as many PFDs, Personal Flotation Devices, as people on the boat. Make sure to bring a working fire extinguisher, and check all mandatory functions of your boat beforehand. A complete list of required equipment can be found here, provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
For a nighttime outing, make sure to have ample lighting, whether on your boat or through handheld devices. Think about all the unique challenges that limited visibility may bring, and plan accordingly. If you plan on going far out to sea, radios and additional communication devices are recommended in the case that your other electronics fail and you cannot navigate safely back to shore. Having extra survival supplies, such as food, water, and clothes, will help tremendously should you be stranded at sea at night and can not flag down help until the morning. Don’t forget to update the boat insurance!
Create a Float Plan
Float Plans are a detailed overview of your boating plans. Many templates can be found online. Your float plan should include information such as the type of boat, destination and route, time of expected arrival, and occupancy. If something happens while out at night and you do not arrive at the destination, a float plan will help your family or authorities locate you in a safe timeframe. Always leave a float plan with a trusted individual who has the capability of checking in with you at a predestined time.
Night Boating – Only In Familiar Waters
It would be best if you aimed to mimic your daytime outings when going out at night. This means that you should only plan to boat in waters with which you are intimately familiar and only during calm weather. Have a plan on how to return to shore in the case of unexpected weather. Unknown variables are much scarier at night compared to day – and you don’t want to have to use your boat insurance.
Follow All Rules
This should be obvious, but all rules must still be followed at night. Just because you might be harder to see does not mean you should be lax with precautions and regulations. In fact, breaking these rules is much more dangerous at night. Going at excessive speeds or into restricted areas can have dire consequences if your vision is impaired more than usual. Depending on the location, larger ships may be moving through the area, and dangerously boating near or around these ships can lead to serious injury.
Additionally, authorities may hit you with more fines or penalties based on the time of day.
Boating at night can be a wholly unique experience for those who have never tried it. If you follow precautions and plan well, you should expect to have a great time and arrive home safely.
Boat insurance provides essential protection for boat owners and their passengers. If you live in the Sarasota or Palmetto area need to discuss the best boat insurance for you, call the experts at Anderson & Associates Insurance Group.
