Boating Safety

Know simple navigation techniques.
Boaters, both old and new, need to remember that Horn, Ship and Petit Bois Islands are ten to twelve miles offshore. Boater's need to provide accurate positions to emergency personnel.

Be prepared to handle your own emergencies.
In case of engine failure or illness, boaters should not expect a ranger to be a few minutes away. Together, Horn, Petit Bois and East and West Ship Islands have nearly fifty miles of beach. Traveling on the water takes much longer than covering the same distance on land.

Use vessels appropriate for the Gulf of Mexico.
Inland water craft such as bass boats and pontoon or party barge-type boats were not meant for offshore use."

Know the weather before you go.

Allow time to react to changing situations.

Simple preparation prevents major catastrophes.

Before heading out, plan ahead and remember to:

Have the safety equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard including lifejackets, fire extinguishers, flares and a horn or whistle.
Be sure someone on board the vessel, besides the captain, knows how to operate both the boat and the VHF radio or cell-phone.
Watch the weather. Weather fronts can turn calm water into heavy seas in a matter of minutes. Winds can shift 180 degrees.
Avoid trying to outrun a squall. Anchor instead in deep water with two anchors off the bow and wait for the storm to pass. Also, remember tying to a pier can heavily damage a boat in rough seas.

Taking a course on safe boating is highly recommended. Held in community centers and public libraries, such courses include regulations, handling techniques, operating a radio and calling for assistance. Also, be aware of safety laws passed by the Mississippi legislature. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks brochure entitled Mississippi Boating Act Excerpts gives details concerning required safety equipment, boating-under-the-influence laws, and state education requirements for operating a water craft. (Persons born after June 30th, 1980 must have a boating education certificate on board while operating a craft.)

The William M. Colmer Visitor Center located in Ocean Springs, provides boaters with the recently revised brochure 'Camping On A Wilderness Barrier Island'. The brochure is free and contains eight pages of simple maps plus information about the islands, camping, and safe boating. To request a copy, call (228) 875-9057 or write Gulf Islands National Seashore, 3500 Park Road, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564. The William M. Colmer Visitor Center and Davis Bayou are off Highway 90 East in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Remember, floating in the middle of the Mississippi Sound with an engine that doesn't work is not fun. Before heading out, families should prepare not just for a fun time, but also for a safe return.

Boating Education
or call Mississippi Department of Marine Resources 228-374-5000.

For local current weather

Last Updated: 1/6/03
Webmaster Gulf Islands
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