Safety First

Boating Safety Guide

Essential safety information, equipment requirements, and best practices for Texas Gulf Coast waterways

Coast Guard Approved
Expert Verified
Safety Resources
Life Jacket Requirements

Texas law requires one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway.

Type I

Offshore life jackets - Best for rough waters

Type II

Near-shore vests - Most common for recreational boating

Type III

Flotation aids - Comfortable for continuous wear

Type V

Special use devices - Inflatable vests for adults

Pre-Departure Checklist
Check weather forecast and water conditions
File a float plan with someone onshore
Inspect all safety equipment
Test navigation lights
Check fuel levels and bilge
Ensure fire extinguisher is accessible
Verify VHF radio operation
Distribute life jackets to all passengers

Please log in to create your boating profile

Ask the Safety Assistant
Hi! I'm your Texas Sportfishing Yacht Sales boating safety assistant. Ask me anything about boating safety, equipment requirements, navigation rules, or emergency procedures on Texas Gulf Coast waterways!
Safety Learning Center
Your Learning Progress
0/0 Modules
0
Badges Earned
0
Completed
0%
Progress
Pre-Departure Safety Checklist

Before Departure

  • ☐Check weather forecast and water conditions
  • ☐File float plan with someone onshore
  • ☐Inspect all safety equipment
  • ☐Test navigation lights
  • ☐Check fuel levels and oil
  • ☐Inspect bilge and drain plugs
  • ☐Verify VHF radio operation
  • ☐Check battery charge
  • ☐Review navigation charts

Safety Equipment

  • ☐USCG-approved life jacket for each person
  • ☐Throwable flotation device (boats 16ft+)
  • ☐Fire extinguisher (check pressure)
  • ☐Sound-producing device (horn/whistle)
  • ☐Visual distress signals (flares)
  • ☐First aid kit
  • ☐Anchor and line
  • ☐Paddle or oars
  • ☐Flashlight with extra batteries

Navigation & Communication

  • ☐GPS or navigation system
  • ☐VHF marine radio
  • ☐Cell phone in waterproof case
  • ☐Navigation charts or maps
  • ☐Compass
  • ☐Binoculars

Passenger Safety

  • ☐Brief passengers on safety procedures
  • ☐Show location of life jackets
  • ☐Demonstrate man overboard procedures
  • ☐Assign spotter for water sports
  • ☐Ensure children wear life jackets
  • ☐Establish emergency signals

After Departure

  • ☐Monitor weather conditions
  • ☐Check fuel consumption
  • ☐Maintain safe speed
  • ☐Keep proper lookout
  • ☐Follow navigation rules
  • ☐Stay in designated channels

Before Returning to Dock

  • ☐Check for approaching weather
  • ☐Verify all passengers accounted for
  • ☐Prepare dock lines and fenders
  • ☐Slow to no-wake speed
  • ☐Check for other boats
  • ☐Have crew ready to assist
Community Safety Tips

No community tips yet. Be the first to share!

Share Your Safety Tip