USCG Portal on Spending Your Holidays Boating

USCG Portal

Our USCG portal is designed to make it easier to get all of the documentation that your vessel needs. Before you go out on the water, you can use our site to make sure that you are entirely in compliance with all of the relevant Coast Guard laws. That said, it’s important that you’re safe when you’re out on the water, too. As of this writing, the holiday season is upon us. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, to Hanukkah, New Year’s, and others, there’s something great about spending the holidays on your boat. Here are some tips to make it safe this year. 

USCG Portal

The holidays are all about spending time with the people who matter the most. Family members and other people you meet in your life who are just like family – that’s the true meaning of the holidays. This year, however, there are additional challenges due to COVID-19. The pandemic can make spending a holiday on a boat a safe option, should you do it the right way. Socially distant, staying six feet from each other. Consider having a smaller event than usual, as that dramatically decreases the chance that anyone is exposed. 

You’re Outdoors, Take Advantage of It 

The virus has been shown to clearly be more of a problem in indoor spaces than outdoor ones. When you’re out on your vessel, that can be a safer way to go. That said, being outdoors in the winter can present additional health concerns. A great rule of thumb: dress for the water and not the air. The air may be cold, but rest assured, should you fall in the water, it will definitely be colder. Wearing layers is always a good idea. That way, you can peel some layers off should it be slightly warmer than you thought. Then, of course, you can put them back on if you have to. 

Prepare Before You Head Out on the Water 

If you were to have guests come to your home for a holiday get-together, you would prepare adequately before they were to arrive. The same is true for having a holiday on your boat, too. The difference is that you want to make sure that you’re as safe as possible. That means having a personal flotation device that fits everyone on board (even while they are dressed in layers). Water, high-energy snacks, a VHF radio, gasoline, charged-up phones, working lights, flares, and making sure you leave a float plan with someone on land – do that, and you’re well on your way to a great holiday. 

Our USCG Portal on What You’ll Need 

While plenty go out on their boats for the holidays, not everyone does. Often, the winter is a “down season,” as vessel owners are waiting for spring and summer. You can still utilize this time, however. At our site, Vessel Documentation Online you can take care of all of your vessel documentation. That way, you’ll be ready when the sun comes back out. For more: (866) 981-8783