Ocean Salmon Seasons Require Caution from Boaters
A strong run of chinook is already drawing anglers to the Oregon coast and the season for fin-marked coho will open next weekend. With several coastal boating fatalities already on the books this year, officials are encouraging boaters to review their equipment and skills before heading out.
"There are three main things that get you in trouble in the ocean," said Randy Henry, spokesman for the Marine Board. "To operate out there safely, make sure you have the proper equipment, brush up on your boating skills, and watch the weather carefully. Do those things and you'll have a great season."
The first thing a boater needs to do is thoroughly check his or her equipment. "First, look at your boat," said Henry. "Is it seaworthy? Is there any dry rot? Is the engine dependable and has it been tuned lately? Do you have fresh fuel in the tank? The Coast Guard rescues many boaters each year because they overlook the simple stuff."
Required equipment includes an appropriately sized life jacket for each person on board, a throwable flotation device, a sound-making device, a fire extinguisher for boats with enclosed gas tanks, and, if you're heading out to the ocean, you need visual distress signals.
"We also recommend a VHF radio," said Henry. "They've gotten very inexpensive and they're more dependable than cell phones. Plus, if you get into trouble, the Coast Guard can use your radio's signal to locate you – they can't do that with a cell phone signal."
Finally, take a hard look at your boat – is it made to handle swells and chop that often comes up on the ocean? Is it big enough or powerful enough to handle a difficult bar crossing? "Bascially, are you willing to bet your life on your boat," asks Henry. "It's something to think about."
Boaters also need basic skills and information before venturing out of the bay. "A boater education course is a great way to get these skills," said Henry. "At the very least, spend some time reading about coastal boating or, better yet, go out with an experienced captain. Knowing which side of the swell to ride in across the bar can prevent a serious accident. Knowing how to use a VHF radio can save your life. Understanding tides, currents and navigational markers are critical. If you have electronics, such as Loran or GPS, make sure you know how to use them."
Finally, know the weather and ocean conditions. "Learn to read the advisories, listen to the weather and carry a tide table. Carry a weather radio on your boat. Excellent conditions can deteriorate quickly. High wind can be a dangerous obstacle for small boats. Also, bars are especially rough and dangerous on an outgoing tide, so time your bar crossings appropriately," said Henry.
"There's probably one critical thing to stress when operating in the ocean," said Henry. "Wear your life jacket. If something goes wrong, a life jacket will increase your odds of being rescued. A good jacket will protect against hypothermia, too. We've lost several boaters in the last 12 months who were recovered within minutes of the accident. Had they been wearing life jackets, they likely would have survived."
The Marine Board posts safety information, weather and tide links on their web site at www.boatoregon.com.
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