Three Must-Have Safety Supplies For Your Boat

Even if you only enjoy boating for recreational reasons, you are still required to have basic safety boat equipment onboard at all times. It's very important that you have certain, safe boat supplies with you while boating. So what type of safe boat supplies will you need? Well, they're all pretty obvious-life jackets, paddles, ladders, lights, rope and anchor, first aid kit, etc. There are some additional safety boat supplies that you should consider using, as well.
A VHF marine radio, for instance, should be equipped on your boat should the need ever arise for you to get a hold of someone during an emergency. VHF marine radios are equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC), so it will be very easy to you to call the Coast Guard or other boaters close to your area. You can either have a traditional VHF radio installed on your boat, or buy a handheld one. It's totally up to you, all that matters is that you have some way of getting a hold of help in times of distress.
Another good idea for boat equipment (and this may be obvious to some), is to have a GPS tracking device installed. This will make it easier for the Coast Guard to find you after you contact them with your VHF marine radio. A GPS device will alert the Coast Guard to your exact position so that they can find you as quickly as possible.
The third piece of extra safety boat equipment you need onboard is a Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon (EPIRB). If your boat begins to capsize or sink, the EPIRB will alert the Coast Guard.. They will then make you their top priority, and will use all of their resources to get to you. It will transmit a beacon to the Coast Guard, and they will pick it up as quickly as possible and send rescue your way.
by Elisha Westmen.