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.