When you go boating, one generally spends a lot of hours out on the water. There are no stores out on the water, so you need to bring all of your necessary supplies with you out on the water.

#1 Current Registration

Before you head out on the water, you need to make sure your boat is registered and that your registration is current. Just like on the road, there is patrol units out on the water, and if they ask you for your registration, you need to make sure that you have a valid copy of it on you. If not, you could face a fine or be asked to get off the water, impeding your trip.

#2 Marine Radio

Having a cell phone is great, but you never know what the reception will be like when you are out on the water. That is why in addition to bringing your cell phone with you, you should have a marine radio. Marine radios work on radio frequencies, not cell phone towers, and will allow you to get into contact with other boaters or the coast guard if something were to go wrong while you were out on the water. You should also write down on laminated paper how to contact the marine patrol, Coast Guard and the local police from your marine radio.

#3 Fire Extinguisher

You should have a fire extinguisher on board your boat. You can use this in case your engine catches fire, or in case you get into an accident with another boat and a fire ensures. Just because you are on the water doesn't mean it would be easy to put out a fire quickly, which is why you should have a fire extinguisher on hand.

#4 First Aid Kit

You should also have a first aid kit that is well-stocked. If you used your first aid kit recently, be sure to resupply it before your next trip. You should have things such as gauze, bandages, gloves, antiseptic lotion, tweezers and pain relievers in your kit. It is a good idea to have some motion sickness pills as well.

#5 Airtight Cooler

Finally, be sure to pick up an airtight cooler. In your airtight cooler, be sure to bring lots of water with you. You are going to be exposed to a lot of heat on the water, and staying hydrated is important.

If you also plan on going fishing, be sure to have an airtight cooler filled with ice for the fish. You want to keep the fish from spoiling while you are out on the water.

When you go out on the water, you want to make you have your current registration, a marine radio if you need assistance, a fire extinguisher and first air kit for emergencies, and an airtight cooler. Visit a local marine parts store for more help.