Safety

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Advice & How-To

Ten Safety Tips for New Boaters

Following these ten safety tips will help avoid most common boating injuries and make every outing on your boat a safe and fun experience for everyone on board.

By Brian Gordon, Last Updated: 10/30/2022

Advice

Safe Boating Checklist

A safe day on the water requires some preparation before you cast off, while on the water and after you return to the dock.

By West Marine Staff, Last updated: 5/12/2023

Advice

U.S. Coast Guard Required Equipment for Recreational Vessels

When outfitting your boat, follow this comprehensive guide to make your boat "Coast Guard legal".

By Tom Burden, Last updated 1/30/2024

Advice

How to Select a Life Vest

West Marine offers a variety of life jackets to meet the needs of most every type of boating activity. This article will acquaint you with features to look for so you can select a life jacket that is right for you.

By West Marine Staff, Last updated: 2/15/2024

Buyers Guide

Selecting Crew Overboard Equipment

Turning a crew-overboard situation into a managed event with the best possible outcome is what this article is about.

By Tom Burden, Last updated: 9/24/2019

Advice

Preparing a Ditch Bag

Learn about ditch bags and the key items needed to summon help and to survive in a life raft while waiting for rescue to arrive.

By Brian Gordon, Last updated: 9/24/2020

Advice

Put Boat Safety First

Shop our complete selection of boat safety gear. At a minimum, you need to meet US Coast Guard requirements for marine safety. Required safety equipment includes personal flotation devices like life jackets or other PFDs. Some boats must carry throwable flotation such as buoyant cushions, life preserver rings and horseshoe buoys. Boats must carry a sound producing device. Examples include horns and whistles. Regulations require most boats carry visual distress signals. These include aerial flares and handheld flares. For going offshore, we suggest SOLAS flares. Strangely enough, you are not required to carry an EPIRB or a PLB. We recommend that you do.