Whether you’re in the waters of a gushing river, a serene lake, or staring at the vast expanse of the ocean, boating offers a joy like none other. Notwithstanding whether you’re a novice navigator or a seasoned pro, whether you’re using the boat for day cruising, diving, or fishing, safety is paramount to the activity. Whenever we think of essential safety equipment when it comes to boating, West Marine is what comes to mind. West Marine boat safety gear is very well-thought-out, ranging from personal floatation devices and locator beacons to ditch bags and signaling devices, including sound and visual ones. The well-established retailer is a trusted name in the boating industry, providing high-quality boating services and supplies across North America.
Although the U.S. Coast Guard requires different sizes and kinds of vessels to have different items, there is some basic gear we always have with us, which greatly helps when it comes to safety. It significantly reduces risks and ensures that we have a memorable and enjoyable experience while aboard the boat. This is where West Marine is a savior, as it not only has a wide variety of equipment but also educates buyers about what they should have and what they actually need. Here’s a detailed guide to the best boating safety gear from the brand.
Maxpro Super Blast Marine Signal Horn
6
No matter where we are on the water, we need to be heard. So, we start with the Maxpro Super Blast Marine Signal Horn, which is recommended for boats measuring up to 65 ft (20 meters). This air horn, which is USCG (United States Coast Guard) approved, was the perfect weight for us to carry with us on our boat. This sound-producing device is useful in distress situations for notifying the coast guard about your position or the ship of your presence. It gave off a 119 decibel sound, which was loud enough for our safety during boating! The best bit? This large 8 oz. bottle even had a refill available, so we could carry a spare.
Pros
- The output power is excellent.
- The capacity is perfect and even comes with a refill.
- It’s approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Cons
- The refill is sold separately.
Buy on:
Orion Cruiser First Aid Kit
5
Ready and prepare yourself for any kind of adventure with the expanded Orion Cruiser First Aid Kit. This kit contains as many as 58 items, including a large assortment of gauze rolls and pads, bandages, eye pads, butterfly closures, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, tweezers, scissors, cold pack, CPR mask, sting treatment, burn gel, motion sickness tablets, sunscreen, and a first aid instruction booklet — phew! What’s more, it all comes in a gasketed and water-resistant case, complete with tabs for bulkhead mounting. All these items cover an exhaustive list of first-aid needs, including a variety of injuries and wounds. We loved how travel-ready this kit is, equipped with essential tools for complete care solutions.
Pros
- We had peace of mind when we were traveling with this kit.
- The kit came organized in a sturdy, travel-ready case.
- It comes with complete care solutions for a variety of first-aid injuries and wounds.
Cons
- Even though it’s waterproof, it’s best to store the box in a waterproof section of your boat.
Buy on:
Orion Emergency Thermal Blanket
4
It might look all fun and games, but it could get cold out on the water. That’s why we always have the Orion Emergency Thermal Blanket with us. A metalized plastic sheet, this thermal blanket has been indispensable in both preventing and treating hypothermia, especially if someone feels cold or gets wet. What’s more, it can even be worn as an emergency waterproof wrap and acts as a windbreaker, and can be worn as an emergency waterproof wrap. However, the most important thing is that the blanket’s reflective properties make it easily visible even from a great distance, allowing the blanket to even double as an emergency signaling device. The best bit? It packs down very small to the size of a deck of cards.
Pros
- The blanket packs down very small.
- It’s great for visibility on the water.
- It weighs just two oz. and has a shelf life of five years.
Cons
- The material could degrade over time.
Buy on:
Kidde Mariner 110 Fire Extinguisher
3
Does your boat have an engine? According to marine rules, you need to have a fire extinguisher rated for marine use, and you won’t find one better than the Kidde Mariner 110 Fire Extinguisher. Crafted with anodized aluminum discharge components and polished stainless steel, this extinguisher boasted marine-grade durability. So, it could withstand the harshest of boating environments. Besides the fact that it has a 12-year service-free design, the extinguisher is sleek and fits even in tight boating spaces. We loved the user-friendly design with the dual-language operating instructions and easy-to-use discharge valve. Rounding things up is the polymer mounting bracket, with options for stainless steel and metal brackets.
Pros
- Boats with limited storage will find this very useful.
- The extinguisher is resistant to corrosion.
- The single-use design is easy to operate and maintain.
Cons
- Some said that the bottle pressure could be more durable.
Buy on:
Orion Alert Locate Coastal Signal Kit
2
We’re always prepared for emergencies with the Orion Alert Locate Coastal Signal Kit for unmatched visibility and safety on the water. Perfect for all kinds of boating adventures, this kit even exceeds the U.S. Coast Guard’s requirements for burn time and brightness. This complete signal set comes with not just a safety launcher, complete with a hammer safety lock, but also 12-gauge red aerial signals that can burn up to 6 seconds and reach up to 500 feet in altitude. Moreover, it even includes red, eco-friendly handheld flares, each of which burns for up to 3 minutes and is perfect for visibility day and night. We were assuaged by the orange smoke signals, which enhance the location’s visibility by burning for up to a minute. Wrapping things up is the safety manual, which provides essential instructions for storing and usage.
Pros
- It can emit three kinds of signals: orange smoke signals, handheld flares, and aerial signals.
- This kit boasted extended visibility.
- All signals are designed to be floating and waterproof.
Cons
- You need to pack the entire kit in a safety bag.
Buy on:
All Clear Offshore Inflatable Life Jacket with Harness
1
Life jackets save lives, but only if they are worn, which is why the All Clear Offshore Inflatable PFD with Harness sits at the top of our list. Designed for offshore sailing, this PFD has many safety elements that we liked. Firstly, it came with an integral harness with D-rings for tether attachments. Secondly, and more importantly, the clear viewing window and the high-vis reflective material on the back and front allow rescuers to immediately spot the inflator’s arming status: red is time to rearm, and green means that they’re good to go. What we also loved was the ability of the PFD to convert from automatic to manual-only inflation, making it ideal for use during water activities where we might end up in the water suddenly.
It’s no wonder that even West Marine customers love this floatation device.
“Having only seen ill-fitting PFDs, we were delighted by this life jacket from West Marine. It not only fit well but had a wealth of functional and useful features.”
WOW Travel
Pros
- We loved the easy conversion from automatic/manual to “manual only,” giving the user complete control over its use.
- It boasted a high-visibility design.
- It came in three colors.
Cons
- None, really.
Buy on:
What safety equipment must be on a boat?
All boats, irrespective of their size, should have lights, sound devices, fire extinguishers, and PFDs (personal floatation devices).
You might also want to check out the best gifts for boating enthusiasts at West Marine.
What is the most important rule of boat safety?
Everyone, and we mean everyone, needs to be wearing a life jacket or a personal floatation device of some kind. Did you know that the victims of nearly 80% of fatal boating accidents die as a result of drowning? Yes.
What color are the port and starboard lights?
On a boat, the green light indicates its starboard (right) side, while the red light indicates its port (left) side.
Some images in this article are copyrighted by West Marine.
