T-H Marine Boating Safety Supplies

T-H Marine Boating Safety Products Resources and Information

PartsVu is pleased to offer a selection of certified T-H Marine boating safety supplies. Choose from these marine safety products to ensure that your vessel meets safety standards and to keep you and your passengers safe. Need help understanding US coast guard requirements for you boating safety equipment? Take a look at this post over on our blog. 

Browse PartsVu’s broad selection of marine products and accessories, or shop the full line of T-H Marine boating products.

T-H Marine Boating and Safety Supplies FAQs

Why should boaters follow boat safety regulations?

Boating on various waterways is similar to automobiles out on the roads and highways—safety devices are designed to keep people safe. Thousands of accidents occur, many of which have a high probability of injury and a substantial number of cases resulting in death.

Specifically, in 2020 the Coast Guard counted 5,265 recreational boating accidents resulting in 767 deaths, 3,191 injuries, and approximately $62.5 million of property damage. Where the cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 86% were not wearing a life jacket.

Since most accidents occur unexpectedly, there may not be sufficient time to put on a life jacket, especially when stowed away in a locker. In cases where a person is thrown overboard, it is harder than you think to get them back on board, which can be assisted with proper equipment. Always be sure personal floatation devices (PFDs) are in good and serviceable condition. For extra protection, equip your PFDs with a whistle and emergency light.

How do I choose a life vest?

The best life jacket is the one you will wear, but adults are not required to wear their life jackets at all times. This said, a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket is required on board for each person. Lifejacket regulations for children may vary by state; however, in states with no children’s life jacket law, a US Coast Guard interim rule requires children under 13 on moving boats to wear a well-fitting US Coast Guard-approved life jacket. For information on how to properly fit a kid’s life jacket, check out our detailed blog here.

Lifejackets must be:

• The appropriate size for the intended user,
• Suitable for the intended activity,
• In good and serviceable condition, and
• US Coast Guard approved to meet carriage requirements.

Additionally, you must have a throwable (a square cushion, also called a Type 4 PFD) onboard if the boat is over 16 feet. A PFD like a ring buoy also meets this requirement.

Finally, for those who like to bring their dog along for the adventure: we recommend suiting up your pup as well. Dog life jackets aren’t a USCG requirement, but they are recommended— especially for certain breeds, such as greyhounds, whippets, dobermans, bulldogs, and many more. Learn about how to choose the best dog life jacket here.

What are electric or pyrotechnic visual distress signaling devices?

Must be Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, and stowed to be readily accessible. If they are marked with a date showing the serviceable life, this date must not have passed. Launchers produced before Jan. 1, 1981, intended for use with approved signals are not required to be Coast Guard Approved.

USCG Approved Pyrotechnic and Electric Visual Distress Signals and Associated Devices include:

• Pyrotechnic red flares, handheld or aerial
• Pyrotechnic orange smoke, handheld or floating
• Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares
• Electric distress light (night use only)

What other boat safety equipment should I have on hand?

When out on the water, the only items you have are the ones you bring. People often forget about the possibility of minor injuries, but some additional preparedness will have you ready for anything.

• Bring a first aid kit along for all outings. This is especially important when fishing.
• Since the sun reflects off the water, it is wise to consistently apply proper sun protection to make sure you don’t get burned. Sun protective clothing is a smart choice— it provides all-day protection that doesn’t need reapplying. Pro-tip: some sunscreen is toxic for the marine environment and repels fish, who can smell even trace amounts on bait. For any part of your body not covered by UPF clothing, use a sunscreen that’s both reef-safe and fish-friendly.
• While some boats are simply too large for this to be practical, carrying a paddle or two on board is a good idea in many cases. Even if you can’t paddle all the way back to a marina or dock when your engine goes, you may be able to reach the closest bit of land and wait for help. A good anchor with enough chain will also be helpful.
• We’ve written extensively on the importance of a VHF radio, but it simply can’t be overstated. Cell phones aren’t enough in many areas, and you’ll be glad to have the security.
• Be alert to changing conditions on the water and aware of weather that can change quickly. The danger of boating in a storm is no joke!
• Finally, bring plenty of drinking water for everyone on board to stay hydrated. In the face of unexpected problems, you don’t want to be caught stuck on your boat with an insufficient water supply.

What safety precautions should I take when hunting from a boat?

One of the most common mistakes hunters make occurs before the hunt even begins. Overloading your boat puts you at an increased risk of capsizing the vessel, ruining your supplies, and exposing yourself to dangerous wildlife that may be in the water, in addition to straining the motor. And, unfortunately, overload is easy to do— by the time you’ve added your motor, hunting gear, dog, and/or hunting partner, the weight capacity may well be exceeded. 

An easy way to avoid this is to know your boat’s weight limit. All boats that are under 20’ long and made after 1972 have a capacity plate permanently affixed to it. The plates will clearly state the maximum weight the boat can safely carry, including the passengers, gear, and motors. 

To further avoid weight-related problems, pack only the essentials and leave a little breathing room. After all, you need to allow for the weight of your kills.

There is a variety of available boat safety gear that is designed for hunters. For example, hunting vests that are specifically designed to combine the safety of standard PFDs with the qualities every hunter needs. They feature a lightweight design that allows for comfortable movement, are camouflaged, and are fleece-lined to keep you warm all day. They also provide an extra layer of insulation if you should fall in the water while keeping you afloat.

Other types of gear you may want to consider include:

• Water-resistant lights are essential if you’ll be on the water when it is dark or near dawn/dusk, but a good precaution regardless of the time of day. 
• A first aid kit
• A compass
• Waterproof storage for guns and ammunition

Prior to your outing, download hunting apps designed with safety in mind. Options include Duckr, HuntStand, and onXmaps, amongst others. Many of the available apps show the locations of other users and allow you to call them for help if needed. This means that you have an extra method of contacting those closest to you and can more easily avoid the dangers of hunting near another party. And of course, there are benefits outside safety— many have features that show you the topographical features of your surroundings, wind direction, and other useful information.