NH Boat Insurance & Boating safety tips

Part A: Docking, Launching & General Safety Tips

If your NH boaters insurance is your “plan b”, consider these safety tips your “plan a”.  The goal is to avoid claims and exercise these techniques first. Claims can lead to an increased premium in the long run. Here at Noyes Insurance, we help our clients find loss control techniques that are realistic and will lend to affordable premiums into the future.

Try to keep losses at bay by using these safety tips on your water-related adventures.

General

• Take a Boating Safety Course.  New Hampshire has a mandatory boating education law. Visit the  NH Marine Patrol Bureau and make sure you’re in compliance. 
• Always wear a personal flotation device when on the water. Remeber, you could be held liable for injuries sustained by a third party on your boat. Do your due diligence and require others to wear appropriate flotation devices – especially those that cannot swim and children.
• Do not swim near a marina since boaters cannot see you when they are trying to dock.
• Wear non-slip shoes on the boat and dock.
• Keep your boat in good condition with all equipment meeting New Hampshire safety standards.
• NEVER drive a boat under the influence or allow others to. It’s not worth the repercussions that could come from boating under the influence. You might as well wait until you’re safely back on dry land before cracking that beer.
• Add fuel to portable tanks on the dock only; never on the deck of your boat.
• To avoid a potential fire onboard, inspect fuel hoses and containers on a regular basis to prevent the escaping vapors from going into bilges. Also, check the wiring and all appliances on deck for damage frequently.

Docking

• Use forward and reverse at an idle speed when docking and moving your boat near the marina.
• Dock at a marina that has standpipes, fire extinguishers, good lighting, surveillance cameras and security measures in place.
• Have bumpers, mooring lines and boat hooks ready before docking.
• Keep all body parts in the boat until you have come to a complete stop.
• Tie the line that holds the boat against the wind first when docking.

Launching

• Novice boaters should practice towing and backing up in an obstacle-free space – like an empty parking lot – before their initial launch. This will give you a feel for towing your boat and maneuvering the trailer.
• Always set the parking brake on the towing vehicle.