Big Sky Canvas cares about our customers safety while out on the water. Use this list as a guide to the supplies you should have for a boating trip. Your needs will vary depending on the type of boat, the water you will be in, and the activities planned.
Items Required by Montana or Federal Law
- Wearable Life Jackets (Types I, II or III)
- Throwable PFD (Type IV for boats 16' or longer)
- Fire Extinguisher(s) (motorboats)
- Backfire Flame Arrester (motorboats)
- entilation System (motorboats)
- Whistle or Horn
- Navigational Lights
- Registration Document
- Boat Number, Permanent Decal and Validation Decals
Pre-launch Checklist
- Complete check for leaks; boat plug in
- Motor in good operating condition
- Propeller in good condition
- Fuel tanks full
- Suitable weather and water conditions
- Passengers seated and briefed on emergency procedures; life jackets checked for fit
- Properly stored and secured gear
- Float plan left with responsible person on shore
Emergency Gear
- Throw Rope/Bag
- Signaling Mirror
- Whistle (on life jacket)
- Light/Strobe (on life jacket)
- Rescue Blanket
- Extra Warm Hats, Mittens, Socks
- Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
- Matches (in a waterproof container), Lighter or Flint and Steel
- Fire Starter
- Water Purification Tablets, Filter or Purifier
- Distress Signal Devices
- Emergency Food and Water
- Dry Bag(s)
Personal Comfort Items
- Sunglasses
- Sun Screen
- Hat
- Food
- Water
- Cooler
- Warm Clothes
- Seat Cushion(s)
- Drysuit or Wetsuit & Boots
- Insect Repellant
- Binoculars
Recommended Items
- Dewatering Device (bucket, bailer, bilge pump)
- Anchor and Line
- Mooring Lines
- Extra Lines
- Toolkit or Multipurpose Tool
- Navigation Equipment (maps, compass, GPS)
- Extra Paddle/Oar
- Spare Parts (as appropriate)
- Spare Prop (motorboats)
- Weather Radio
- Knife
- Flashlight/Spotlight (with working batteries)
- Communications Ability (VHF radio, CB radio, cell phone, satellite phone, 2-way radios)
- First Aid Kit (in watertight, floating container)
- Prescription Medicine
- Repair Kit/Duct Tape
- Boat Hook
- Extra fuel/oil (motorboats)
- A clean boat (remove mud and vegetation so aquatic nuisance species are not transported)
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