there’s lots of it! Do you know the rules on the number of personal flotation devices (PFD’s) you are required to carry on board. How about fire extinguishers? You should have at least two, one at the bow, and one aft, so that wherever a fire breaks out there will be an extinguisher near. If you are sailing Once you've made the purchase on a brand new boat you'll be very excited – and so you should be! The first thing you want to do is celebrate with your family and friends, and get out there. However, you shouldn't rush out on the water immediately after the purchase, as there are a few things to take care of first.

If you are new to boating, you should take a safety course first. There is a lot to know about boats, eg safety issues, local regulations etc. Being out on the water is a lot of fun, but it can be a dangerous place to be if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Depending on the kind of boat you have bought, you should go on a relevant seamanship course to learn about winds, tides, rules of the seas and rivers, boating etiquette etc. Try to get a proficiency certificate in basic seamanship, to give both you and your passengers confidence in your ability.

After buying your boat, you should register it and re-name the boat and trailer if necessary. Pay your sales tax and bring any registration requirements up to date. Also, make sure you buy the proper insurance for your boat, as it will protect you while you are on the water.

Then you will have to get all the required safety equipment, and there’s lots of it! Do you know the rules on the number of personal flotation devices (PFD’s) you are required to carry on board. How about fire extinguishers? You should have at least two, one at the bow, and one aft, so that wherever a fire breaks out there will be an extinguisher near. If you are sailing o

first.

If you are new to boating, you should take a safety course first. There is a lot to know about boats, eg safety issues, local regulations etc. Being out on the water is a lot of fun, but it can be a dangerous place to be if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Depending on the kind of boat you have bought, you should go on a relevant seamanship course to learn about winds, tides, rules of the seas and rivers, boating etiquette etc. Try to get a proficiency certificate in basic seamanship, to give both you and your passengers confidence in your ability.

After buying your boat, you should register it and re-name the boat and trailer if necessary. Pay your sales tax and bring any registration requirements up to date. Also, make sure you buy the proper insurance for your boat, as it will protect you while you are on the water.

Then you will have to get all the required safety equipment, and there’s lots of it! Do you know the rules on the number of personal flotation devices (PFD’s) you are required to carry on board. How about fire extinguishers? You should have at least two, one at the bow, and one aft, so that wherever a fire breaks out there will be an extinguisher near. If you are sailing

ou have bought, you should go on a relevant seamanship course to learn about winds, tides, rules of the seas and rivers, boating etiquette etc. Try to get a proficiency certificate in basic seamanship, to give both you and your passengers confidence in your ability.

After buying your boat, you should register it and re-name the boat and trailer if necessary. Pay your sales tax and bring any registration requirements up to date. Also, make sure you buy the proper insurance for your boat, as it will protect you while you are on the water.

Then you will have to get all the required safety equipment, and there’s lots of it! Do you know the rules on the number of personal flotation devices (PFD’s) you are required to carry on board. How about fire extinguishers? You should have at least two, one at the bow, and one aft, so that wherever a fire breaks out there will be an extinguisher near. If you are sailing

gister it and re-name the boat and trailer if necessary. Pay your sales tax and bring any registration requirements up to date. Also, make sure you buy the proper insurance for your boat, as it will protect you while you are on the water.

Then you will have to get all the required safety equipment, and there’s lots of it! Do you know the rules on the number of personal flotation devices (PFD’s) you are required to carry on board. How about fire extinguishers? You should have at least two, one at the bow, and one aft, so that wherever a fire breaks out there will be an extinguisher near. If you are sailing

there’s lots of it! Do you know the rules on the number of personal flotation devices (PFD’s) you are required to carry on board. How about fire extinguishers? You should have at least two, one at the bow, and one aft, so that wherever a fire breaks out there will be an extinguisher near. If you are sailing offshore, you will need an approved and tested life raft, large enough to accommodate all on board, an EPIRB (preferably three!) to alert searchers to your position, if you have to abandon ship.

Will you be doing any cooking on board? Propane powered stoves are a major cause of fire on board, and if such a fire gets out of control, it could be fatal.

When you make your first trip on the water, you should do so with an experienced boater. You can have them show you turning in tight spaces, even trailering and docking. Practice docking in different currents and take the helm with the boater there to help you. Get enough confidence at the helm to feel comfortable taking others out for a ride.

The world of boating can be lots of fun, offering you many things to do and a lot to see, but it also carries a lot of responsibility, not only to yourself, but to your passengers, who are relying on you to bring them back safely. Boating offers plenty of freedom as well, especially for those who are completely new to boating. Your first boat purchase is very important, as it opens up new doors in life.

Just remember that boating can be a lonely occupation if things go wrong. Don’t rely on other people to come