Board a Small Boat
Boating is a great fun and getting on the boat is an essential step to enjoying the ride. These instructions are for very small boats that you can row or that are driven by a small engine.
Steps
- Prefer boarding across a solid platform if possible. Always board as near to the middle of the boat as possible.
- Hold on. If you are crossing using a platform, hold on to the rails provided. If you are getting onto the boat off a jetty or via wading, hold on to the boat itself.
- Keep your balance. Avoid plonking one leg in the boat and leaving one on the jetty - this will cause wobbling and you might fall into the water. Equally, do not jump into the boat as this will risk tipping the craft and pushing you out. Instead, use steady movements and be concise.
- Once in the boat, always remain in the centre line to move around it and lower yourself to a crouch level so that you reduce your centre of gravity and keep the craft as still as possible. Be seated as soon as practicable.
- Keep the craft steady as others board. If you can, steady the boat by holding onto the jetty or sitting in the middle and not moving. Give others a hand to steady them as they get in so that there is minimal rocking. If you are the lucky last who has to wade the boat out and hop in, hold the boat as you stand in the water while others get in. When you hop in, have them steady the boat and give you a hand up.
Tips
- Always fit and adjust your life jacket before boarding the boat. It is much easier to get it right when standing on land.
Things You'll Need
- Boat
- Life jackets
- Oars (if rowing)
- Licence (license) and registration (if operating a motorboat)
