Boating Safety

Trappers must exercise special care when using boats while trapping.

• Take a boater education course to learn about boating safety practices.
• Leave a trapping plan with family or friends with details on the boating portion of your trip. It should include your planned route and when you plan to return.
• Be sure the boat is large enough to carry you and your gear safely. Do not overload the boat.
• Load gear low in the boat, and distribute the weight evenly.
• Have each person on board wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (PFD), or life jacket.
• Have throwable devices, such as a ring buoy, on board in case someone falls overboard.
• Stow required visual distress signals.
• Check an up-to-date weather forecast before heading out.
• Avoid boating during severe weather. Cancel your trip if wind and water conditions are not safe.
• Be extra careful when navigating in or near dangerous current rivers, tidal areas, dams, or other obstructions.