Your guide to safe boating in Bermuda
Boating is a beloved pastime for many Bermudians and visitors to the island. Whether you’re taking a leisurely ride at sunset or zooming around with the kids, there are some essential safety rules you should always keep in mind when boating.
How to have a safe boat trip
- Prepare a float plan. Before leaving shore in your boat, plan out your route and share it, along with your vessel’s name, how many people are on board, and the time you expect to return, with a trusted friend or neighbour. In case of an emergency, this information can be crucial.
- Check the weather forecast before you leave shore. Strong winds accompanied by a small craft warning can make for dangerous boating conditions, and it may be safer to reschedule your trip for another day.
- Obey boating speed limits. When you’re boating in Bermuda, obey the 5-knot speed limit and make sure you travel at a speed that won’t cause you to create a wake within 100 metres of shore or near docks and fuel stations. Always maintain a safe distance from other boats, especially in crowded areas.
- Don’t boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only can boating under the influence slow down your reaction time and increase your chances of getting into in an accident, but it’s also illegal and can result in a fine or other legal penalty.
- Make sure you have all required safety gear onboard. Accidents can happen and it’s important to be prepared.
- Light up your boat if you’re on the water at night. Make sure your boat’s lights work before you leave shore in case you’re still out on the water after the sun sets. Your lights should be visible from far away to alert others on the water that you’re nearby.
- Maintain your boat regularly. Check for leaks, loose fittings, and other potential hazards. Be sure to check your radio, engine bilge pumps, and steering mechanisms to ensure everything is in working order before you leave.
- Be mindful of your propeller. Always remember to turn off your boat’s engine when people are in the water. Propellers can cause serious injuries.
What to keep in your boat’s safety kit
Bermuda’s Marine Board Safety Regulations require most boats to keep certain items on board at all times in case of emergency, including:
- One life jacket for every passenger on board
- Two oars or paddles
- A bailer or manual bilge pump
- An anchor with a chain or rope
- A noise device such as a whistle, bell, or air horn
- Flares, red rockets, orange daylight smoke
- A flashlight
- A fire extinguisher
- A mirror
Review the Bermuda government’s maritime regulations to find out if there are any additional requirements for your specific boat, as rules vary by boat size and purpose.
How to get the best marine insurance for your boat
Sometimes accidents can happen despite your best efforts to prevent them, and having
a good marine insurance policy is the best way to protect your boat — and your finances — in case of a collision, fire, theft, sinking at the mooring, severe weather, or a liability issue.
Marine insurance can protect you from a wide variety of expenses you might face if your boat is damaged, or if you accidentally cause an injury, death, or damage to someone else’s property while on the water. We offer a comprehensive marine insurance policy that includes coverage for third-party liability and repair or replacement of your boat in the event that it gets damaged or sinks.
Get a quote for marine insurance from BF&M
Before you head out on the water,
get a quote and buy marine insurance. If you’re a safe boater and have had no claims, accidents, or boating offences, you could save up to 30% off your premium. If you have questions about BF&M’s marine insurance options for boaters, give us a call at +1 441 295 5566 today.