Photo by Doklite

Boating is a fantastic pastime that brings joy and excitement to our lives, but practicing safety rules should always be front and center of every boating trip.

If you’re planning to hit the open water at night, there are a few crucial boat safety tips to keep in mind.

Read on to learn more about a few boat safety tips at night that every boater and passenger should practice when the sun goes down.

Maintain a Reasonable Speed

Just like driving a vehicle, your visibility is greatly reduced when boating at night. It’s much more difficult to judge distances or see obstacles, which means it’s very important to slow down when you’re out on the water.

Even things like cooler weather or a bit of mist can cause your vision to become distorted. if you’re going too fast, you run the risk of hitting another boat or getting into an accident. Always go at a slower, more reasonable speed when boating at night to avoid run-ins with other boats, docks, or anything that could turn a fun night into a bad one.

Practice Nighttime Dock Safety

While most boat safety advice pertains to times when you’re on the water, it’s also important to practice a few dock safety tips, too. Start by making sure that your dock is properly illuminated with bright lights so you can easily see the shore.

Solar piling caps are a great way to light up your deck and add an attractive look, too. These ultra-bright lights make it easy to see so you can safely return when your night boating adventure is over. They’re also a great way to provide light for passengers as they board and get off the boat.

Boat Safety and Night Vision

When boating at night, it’s important to preserve your night vision as much as possible for clearer vision while operating your boat in the darkness. Start by dimming all onboard lights including instrument and cabin lights, and keep them dimmed for as long as possible.

It can take 20 minutes or longer for your night vision to re-adapt back to darkness after exposure to light. To stay safe at night, use flashlights that include a red filter to preserve your vision. Only check your plotter when you need to, even when it’s dimmed or it can make it more difficult to see out of the boat while navigating.

Be Vigilant, Stay Safe

The most important way to practice night boating safety is to remain cautious and vigilant throughout your trip. Take your time, use all precautions available to you, and do your best to enjoy yourself while staying safe in the process.

With the right boat safety methods and procedures in place, you can enjoy a fun night of boating any time.

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