Hawaii is a unique land with ancient culture, authentic traditions inspired by the rich and diverse nature of the islands. However, it is impossible to explore and experience the wonders of Hawaiian Nature fully without booking a boat trip.
Not only does it allow you to observe the beauty of Hawaiian Islands from the ocean, the way they were first seen and discovered by the captain James Cook himself, but a boat trip arranged and guided by a reputable agency like the Hawaii Ocean Charters allows you get in touch with one of the most diverse and unique marine ecosystems in the world, come as close to the famous Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins as possible or observe the majestic Humpback Whales at their whole beauty.
In other words, a boat tour in Hawaii is a thrilling and educational experience that will provide life-lasting memories and unforgettable experiences for you, your friends, and your family.
However, even during the most thrilling experience, safety comes first. While a professional crew will guarantee your safety, it is essential to be prepared and know the basics of safe and secure boating. This knowledge will be useful whether you are planning to operate the boat yourself or look for the most reliable business to organize your boat trip to Hawaii.
In this article, we shall discuss the special gear for a safe boat trip and provide the necessary tips that will allow you to get the most out of your marine experience and avoid dangers and pitfalls that can turn it into an ultimate nightmare.

The Boat Safety Kit – things that have to be on your boat when you heat for the sail.

A boat trip is exactly the case when you have to be prepared for all possible dangers. Even the slightest complication can lead to a pretty severe consequence.

For example, when you head on a road trip, and your car gets broken in the middle of nowhere, there is still a big chance that some kind Samaritan will pass by and help you our or you will manage to call a towing service that will deliver you to the closest body shop.

Emergency cases are much more complicated when it comes to marine trips. There is a lesser chance that someone will casually pass by and help you out. Even if you manage to make contact on the radio and address for help, your location can change dramatically within just several minutes due to strong ocean current. It will take more time for the rescue team to locate and reach you.

That is why it is essential to have all the necessary gear and equipment to keep you safe throughout the voyage, especially in case of emergency.

• Life Jackets – it is imperative that you have U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person that is present on the boat at the moment. The life jackets should be age-appropriate and checked thoroughly before each sale. Even if you are an Olympic swimmer, you do need a life jacket when you head on a boat trip;
• Fire extinguisher – many people think that as long as they are on the water, a fire extinguisher would not be necessary as you have enough water around you to put down any fire. However, trying to put down fire on a boat with seawater can be inefficient and even dangerous. There can be different kinds of fire, including the electrical one, which simply cannot be neutralized with water. Every passenger (including kids) should know the location of a fire extinguisher on a boat;
• Flashlight – although night boat tours are extremely romantic, they can also be pretty risky. Once you run out of fuel or your boat gets stuck for any other reason in the dark, a flashlight can be an ultimate life saviour as it will help you draw attention and ask for help and move safely around the boat if the power goes off;
• Whistle – it is another great way to draw attention and call for help, especially if the boat gets stalled in the dark;
• Mirror – while a flashlight is a perfect way to reach for help during the night, it is hardly useful in the middle of a sunny Hawaiian day. In this case, a mirror or another shiny reflective surface will help you send a signal;
• A first aid kit – make sure that you have a proper-equipped first aid kit, its contents are relevant, and everyone on the boat knows where it is and how to use it;
• Duct tape – there are 1001 used for duct tape on a boat, from a temporary leak fix to securing objects during severe rocking.

Heading to a boat trip organized by a professional agency, you are guaranteed to have all the essential gear on board as well as the assistance of a qualified crew in case of emergency. However, the items we have mentioned above are the most crucial ones; they don’t take much place and can easily fit into a standard backpack, giving you peace of mind during the trip.

Things you have to know about life jackets

Life jackets are the essential gear for a safe boat trip. No matter your age, fitness, or swimming abilities, there has to be a life jacket for every person on the boat trip. According to the U.S. Coast Guard regulations, children should wear life jackets at all times on a boat.

Life jackets do much more than just help you float in water. For example, they are designed the way to keep your face above water at any time, even if you lose consciousness. They have flashlights and whistles that will help you draw attention and call for help, etc.

Like any safety gear, life jackets should be adjusted according to your weight and height. Here are some more things you should know that your lifejacket will really do its job in case of emergency:

• Try on the life jacket and adjust it for your body – to make sure that it fits properly, put your hands up and ask someone to try and pull it over your head. A proper fit life jacket will remain intact; you won’t be able to slip out of it;
• Age-appropriate jacket – not all life jackets fit everyone. For example, the auto-inflatable models save you a great deal of time and effort. They are also designed to keep your face over the water even if you go unconscious. But they are not recommended for children under 16.

What else can you do to ensure your safety during a boat trip?

Statistically, over 70% of injuries and other severe consequences after boating accidents happen not because the boat was poorly maintained or not equipped with the proper gear but because people started to panic and lose control.
While quality life jackets, flashlights, and fire extinguishers will ensure your safety during the voyage, they will be useful if you get stressed out a start acting erratically in case of emergency.
There is a reason why any reputable agency in Hawaii will conduct a thorough safety instruction before the sail to familiarize you with the boat and its equipment. Please, make sure to pay attention and ask questions if something is unclear before the boat heads out of the dock.
Another good idea is to take an online boating safety course. Most of them are free and don’t take much time but provide you with all the necessary knowledge about every person’s safety rules and responsibilities on the boat.

Conclusion

A boating trip might be one of the most thrilling adventures for your friends and family. It is an educational experience that teaches people to communicate, be responsible for their actions, and at the same time discover a whole new lifestyle inaccessible for most city dwellers.
Renting a boat on Waikiki, you get in touch with a mysterious marine world that will gladly reveal its secrets to those who approach with respect and care.
Contact Hawaii Ocean Charters today and make sure that your next boat trip in Hawaii will be safe and filled with breathtaking impressions and life-lasting memories under the supervision and care of a qualified and highly-reputed team.