Who doesn’t love having fun? We all do, of course! That’s why we have hobbies and activities we’re passionate about. The joy multiplies when we can share those passions with friends and family. Seeing them enjoy what we love adds an extra layer of satisfaction. One of the great things about owning a boat is that we get to share that joy with others.

Now, imagine you don’t own a boat, but a friend invites you out for a day on theirs. You’re excited because it sounds like a blast! The only boats you’ve ever been on are cruise ships or ferries. As a non-boater, there’s a lot you don’t know – and worse, you don’t know what you don’t know.

  • You may not realize it’s unwise to have your limbs between the dock or another boat when docking or rafting up.
  • You might not know that sitting on the bow of a cruiser while underway can be dangerous.
  • You may not know that kids under 13 are required to wear a life jacket when the boat is underway.

And there’s so much more you don’t know.

As the boat owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your passengers know how to safely enjoy their time on board. It’s your boat. You are the captain. What does that mean? Sometimes it means telling your passengers to sit down. Other times, you might have to politely refuse their help because it could be dangerous. And occasionally, you just have to say “no.” Ultimately, it means you need to take responsibility for knowing how to boat safely.

Let’s be real, though: it may sound more complicated than it is. Learning boating laws and safe practices isn’t rocket science. Anyone can do it, as long as they’re willing to put in the effort. Enforcing rules while out on the water is usually simple. If you ask your guests politely, they’ll generally comply without issue. If they don’t, you have the right to ask them to leave.

Failing to learn safe boating practices, or not using them, can have devastating consequences. A great day on the water can quickly turn tragic if someone gets hurt ­– or worse. I know people personally who have faced lawsuits because a guest was injured during a day on their boat. Don’t take that risk. Do your homework.

There’s a saying I like: “Everyone wants to be a boss until it’s time to do what bosses do.” It rings true. Being in charge comes with responsibility, and the same applies when you’re the captain of your boat. It’s not a popularity contest – it’s a responsibility. The moment someone steps onto your boat, you take on that responsibility. Don’t be afraid to do what’s right.

Be the captain.