Our on-the-water contributing editor is Captain John Easley, a professional, USCG Licensed 100 ton Master based out of Palmetto, FL. He specializes in training new owners on their boats during the process of delivery to its new home port. He can be reached directly through http://uscgcaptain.johneasley.com/

Managing Risk – Rule of Complications

From an admittedly-biased point of view, boating is one of the most enjoyable recreational activities. But it does not come without some risk. Managing those risks helps ensure passenger safety and an enjoyable time for all aboard.

One way to look at risks is to consider them as “Complications.” Rain would be considered a complication. So would fog or darkness or heavy seas. Equally, entering a marina with which you are unfamiliar could be considered a complication. Running on the inland rivers or the ICW when there can be a lot of debris would also be a complication. By no means should this be considered an exhaustive list; those are just examples.

Can an experienced captain safely navigate during a white-out thunderstorm? Certainly! But it is definitely more complicated and not every boater has the experience to do it with a reasonable margin of safety.

I have a rule for recreational boating: One complication only. Two or more complications at the same time is asking for trouble. A sunset cruise from your regular home port on a mechanically sound vessel in calm weather with friends is a memorable experience. Returning in darkness is the only complication in that scenario. On the flip side of the coin, attempting to spot and dodge debris on the ICW at night with building fog and a strong current while navigating into an unfamiliar marina is a formula for stress and unpleasantness.

Use the Rule of Complications to manage the risks: Only one complication at a time for recreation cruising. If two or more complications overlap, consider finding a safe anchorage or port in order to sort things out.

Captain John Easley