Boat party. Two words that go together like peanut butter and jelly. What sounds more exciting than attending a party on a boat? Hosting one! Imagine: you’ll be the coolest person among your friends and family for pulling this off.
Before you get excited and send out RSVPs, hold up. You have a lot of planning to do before hosting a party on your new—or old—boat.
What do I need to do before hosting a boat party?
First and foremost, figure out when you plan to throw this boat bash. Not always, but often you might be required to obtain a permit to host a party on your boat. Find out from your local governing and/or marine authority about the requirements for hosting on your boat. Then move on to the rest.
1. Pick a date
Once you’ve got clarity on the timeline of your event, the go-ahead from any authority that you might be answerable to, and what time works best for you and your guests, select a date. Figure out how much time you’ll need to plan and prepare and for your guests to respond, and then finalize it.
2. Watch out for weather conditions and tides
Like any boating expedition, you need to watch out for winds and weather when you’re hosting a large party too. Favorable weather conditions are essential to the success of your party, as well as the safety of all those attending.
This is why you should check in with local news and your weather apps before setting sail, and come back to shore if things seem to be getting worse. You can learn more about weather conditions and boat safety in our online boating education safety course.
3. Make a guest list and keep it limited
Remember, it’s not a house party or an apartment hangout. You’re hosting on a boat, which means capacity is fairly limited, no matter how many friends you want to invite. Consider plus ones, extras and cap it off at a safe number of people. Be sure to ask your guests to RSVP so you have a headcount!
4. Prepare your guests on how to be safe
Remember, as the captain of the ship, or the host, you’re taking on the role of the leader. It’s important that you tell your guests not to engage in reckless, life-threatening behavior such as jumping or diving off into the ocean, disrupting other boats, damaging your boat or anything that could jeopardize your safety.
5. Be prepared with a departure checklist
For boat parties, prep and itineraries, both vary. You need a clear departure time, and a time for returning to the docks. Apart from this, you need to be prepared with fuel, life jackets and emergency boats, first aid, noise device and/or flare kits and an exit strategy.
You shouldn’t have to choose between safety and fun, and if there’s anything you’re uncertain about, get in touch with us to learn more about getting your boater safety certificate online.