Canadian Boating June 2024 - 38

Tips for Boating at Night: Pre-Planning and the
Right Working Equipment for a Fun Time!
Unfortunately, we too often hear about boating accidents
that occur at night. Many of these incidents take place
after groups of boaters have gathered together to enjoy
an evening lakeside concert or fireworks display. Often
these events start during evening daylight hours and
finish up well after dark. Boaters and their friends and
families have arrived when it is easy to see what is going
on around them and where they are in relation to other
boaters and their immediate surroundings. After the show
is over it is often very dark. You can no longer make out
points of reference, aids to navigation and even other
boats. Sometimes you might have forgotten to check
your navigation lights before you set out and now, when
you need them, they are not working properly. Other boats
are moving about in close proximity, and they might not
be able to see you or you them.
Speed and alcohol may also be playing a role here. While
anchored watching the show you may be tempted to
have an alcoholic drink or two and after the show another
temptation is to try to get to your next destination too
quickly.
Let's step back a bit and consider the situation. As with
any boating trip, day or night, pre-planning and having
the right equipment in good working order is the key to
success and enjoyment.
Consider where you are going and how you are going
to get back. Check your up-to-date charts, note any
potential hazards and any potential aids to navigation,
especially those that will be clearly visible at night. At
38 CANADIAN BOATING | JUNE 2024
- by John Gullick
night, all lights often look the same so try to find ways
of identifying which is which. As the sun goes down and
lights come on look around and make note of clear points
of reference.
Also, alert yourself to which way other boats are traveling
depending on what navigation lights you can see.
Remember who has right of way but more importantly,
always keep a constant lookout and don't presume that
others will know who has the right of way, that they will be
traveling at a safe speed, or that they will be maintaining
a lookout.
In one particularly tragic example, a boat hit the line
between a tug and the barge it was towing because the
operator did not know the meaning of the lights being
displayed by both the tug and its tow.
At night, travel at a slower speed that reflects the actual
conditions. Often on a clear night with a full moon visibility
is quite good but incoming cloud cover can end that very
quickly.
Make sure all your electronic equipment and navigation
lights are working properly before setting out. Check all
safety equipment, make sure that everyone has a properly
fitting lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and
that they are all in good condition. Better still, make sure
everyone is wearing their PFDs and let everyone on board
know where all the safety equipment is located. Check
the batteries in your flashlight and keep your charts close
at hand. ■
Canadian Boating June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Boating June 2024
