First Coast Fishing

Boating Safety

Come home with the same crew you launched with.

Northeast Florida can change quickly—from river current and inlet breakers to afternoon lightning and offshore wind. Use this checklist before every trip and make the conservative call when conditions do not match your boat or experience.

Emergency priorities

Life jackets on. Account for everyone. Call for help early.

For immediate danger, use VHF Channel 16 to reach the Coast Guard and call 911 when cellular service is available. Give your position, nature of distress, vessel description, and number of people aboard.

Wear the right life jacket

  • Carry a serviceable, properly sized, Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD for every person.
  • Wear it before leaving the dock—especially across inlets, offshore, at night, or in rough weather.
  • Keep the throwable device immediately available when required for your vessel.

Check the complete forecast

  • Review wind, gusts, waves, tide, current, lightning risk, visibility, and official advisories.
  • Remember that wind against tide can make inlet and river conditions much steeper.
  • Set a turn-around point before conditions reach your limit.

Leave a float plan

  • Tell a responsible person where you are launching, your route, crew, and return time.
  • Include the boat description, registration number, tow vehicle, and emergency contacts.
  • Close the plan when you return so nobody starts an unnecessary search.

Carry two ways to call

  • Use a fixed or waterproof handheld VHF radio; monitor Channel 16 underway.
  • Keep a charged phone in a waterproof case as a backup, not the only plan.
  • Offshore boaters should consider a properly registered EPIRB or personal locator beacon.

Inspect required equipment

  • Confirm lights, horn or whistle, fire extinguisher, distress signals, anchor, and bilge system.
  • Match equipment to vessel length, construction, operating area, and time of day.
  • Check expiration dates and make sure gear can be reached without unpacking the boat.

Prepare the boat and trailer

  • Check fuel, battery, drain plug, steering, cooling water, lines, anchor, tires, hubs, and lights.
  • Use the one-third rule for fuel: out, back, and reserve.
  • Load evenly, stay within capacity, and secure loose fishing gear before getting underway.

60-second launch check

Stop at the top of the ramp

  1. People: Life jackets fitted, operator sober, passengers briefed.
  2. Boat: Plug installed, fuel and battery checked, safety gear aboard.
  3. Weather: Forecast and official advisories checked, return window chosen.
  4. Plan: Float plan sent, route and alternate ramp identified.
  5. Communication: VHF radio check completed and phone protected.
Required EquipmentFlorida requirements organized by vessel size. Florida Boating RulesCurrent FWC boating regulations and operating requirements. NWS Jacksonville MarineOfficial forecasts, watches, warnings, and observations. NWS Safe BoatingWeather hazards and boating-safety resources.

Use official requirements

This page is a planning aid, not a complete statement of law or a substitute for seamanship training. Equipment and education requirements vary by vessel and can change. Check current FWC and Coast Guard guidance before departure.