ocean fishing equipment

[Tryin2Fish]

Ok, I have been searching for a long time for a defineate list of the safety equipment you need for ocean fishing. The oregon boaters guide says that you need one life jacket of type 1, 2, or 3 for each person in the boat but does not specify which type can be used for which. I did find the floatation rating for type 1 and 2 and there doesn't seem that much difference. By the way, I have a 20' boat, so if anyone can shed some light on this I would appreciate it. I have type 2 jackets, and found that the type 1 can be alittle expensive.

Thanks,

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[Hookset]

Tryin2Fish , The regulations are allowing you to use any of the three types, either I, II or III, on a non-commercial boat. So your present type II is ok. The ratings describe the recommened use, not where you can or have to use the vest.

The coast guard always recommends using type I when boating the ocean, since the flotation in the type I is more then either type II or III. It's your choice what you take and use. Don't forget your throwable type IV.

hook

[Tinman]

Call me conservative, but I would not tackle the ocean without: 1) VHF transceiver, 2) GPS, 3) compass that has been properly compensated, 4) nautical charts, 5) life jackets per regulation, 6) anchor and line, 7) twice as much fuel as you need for the day, 8) kicker motor to get you home in case the primary motor fails), 9) float plan and most of all, the wisdom to abort a trip or head back early if conditions go sour.

The float plan is includes a complete description of your boat, registration numbers, tow vehicle description, launch ramp location, expected fishing destination and expected time of return. Leave it with a spouse or trusted friend. If you don't return on time, the Coast Guard will know EXACTLY where to look for you.

Alcohol is a factor in half of all boating fataliites, so I run a dry boat.

There are old sailors, and bold sailors, but few old, bold sailors.

[Joe Schwab]

Above all do not go out without flares or day signal devices. Small boats are hard to spot on a big ocean. Even the Coast Guard has trouble finding boats when they have approx. locations. Also recommended now are cell phones. If you have ever listened to conversations on the VHF between boaters and Coast Guard you will know why. A cell phone saved a boatload of Halibut fishermen out of Homer, Alaska a couple of years ago because the electronics went out.
Amen to the suggestion that you know when to abort fishing and head for home.

[ 06-16-2001: Message edited by: Capt. Hook ]