Safety on the Trail

• Paddling Safety
• Big Ships, Little Boats
• In-Water Survival
• Island Hazards
• Mooring
• Safety on the Trail
• Tying It All Together - Three Great Knots For Use Out On The Trail
• Weather

Everyone who boats in Maine’s coastal waters is exposed to a wide range of risks. Changing weather conditions, powerful ocean forces, and constant human activity can have a significant impact on the safety and enjoyment of all boaters. Whether traveling by sailboat, powerboat or paddleboat, it is the responsibility of all boaters to become educated about potential dangers and proper safety techniques to help you avoid problems and contend with unforeseen challenges. Please follow these suggestions when traveling on the Trail:

• Carry a nautical chart and compass. A nautical chart is your guide to safe travel on the water. Like a good roadmap, charts help you plot a course to your destination by depicting land masses, buoys, day markers, beacons, depth readings and other location devices. Mileage information on charts is described in nautical rather than land miles (a land mile is roughly 5,280 feet while a nautical mile is approximately 6,080 feet or about 2,000 yards). Charts are always oriented True North, depicted on the outside scale of the printed compass rose. If navigating by a handheld or boat compass, use the inner, magnetic circle.
• Carry a VHF radio and cell phone. VHF radios and cell phones are invaluable on the water. Use them to stay abreast of weather conditions and to communicate with shore-based facilities and/or other vessels. In an emergency, make contact with the Coast Guard or other boats using channel 16 on your VHF.
• Carry a f irst aid kit. Be sure your first aid kit is well stocked and up to date before you leave.
• File a f loat plan. Keep a reliable friend or loved one informed of where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Keep that person informed of changes in your itinerary.
• Have a backup for your primary means of propulsion. A spare paddle/oar for a canoe, kayak or rowboat and a second motor for your outboard or sailboat.
• Respect the weather and sea conditions. Be mindful of changing winds, seas and temperatures. Never boat in unsafe conditions. If caught in an unexpected squall or storm, hold your vessel into the waves and maintain a stable course. Keep weight low and seek a sheltered bay or cove to ride it out.
• Navigate carefully in fog. Boating in fog requires heightened attention. Fog is disorienting - distances become deceptive and sounds misleading. It is easy to lose direction and strike rocks or another craft.
• Give way to working vessels. Remember that fishing boats are at work, not play. Be courteous to fishermen and respect their rights. Steer well clear of lobster boats that are hauling traps and any slow moving vessel that could be towing a trawl or dragging along the bottom.
• Steer clear of large ships. Assume that large fishing boats, tankers, ferries and cruise ships can not see small boats in the water or maneuver quickly enough to avoid a collision. Large ships generally appear to be going slower than they actually are and often generate dangerous wakes. Small boats should hug the shore and avoid known commercial traffic lanes and busy channels. When crossing a channel, do so as quickly as possible, taking the shortest safe route.
• Leave f ishing gear alone. Refrain from touching lobster buoys whether they are in the water or on the shore. Never tie up to a buoy. Assume all nets, lines, buoys, and other gear you find is legal commercial fishing gear and do not disturb it. Maine law forbids the removal or relocation of any gear except by the owner.
• Tie up your boat when you go ashore. Secure your boat even when beaching for only a few minutes as tides and wind can work in quick and unexpected ways.
• Carry enough water.  Water is not available on most islands along the trail so it is important to carry enough water for your trip.  Water is generally available along the coast at Marinas that offer refuelling services.  Sometimes there is a fee.