By William C. Winslow

Are you a good skipper? I mean a captain such as on that old TV show, Love Boat, and not Captain Bligh, who inspired a mutiny on the Bounty?

If you’re uncertain of the answer, start by examining your attitude. As in life, boating with a positive attitude makes a tremendous difference. I’m sure you want a reputation as someone fun to sail or cruise under, a keep-cool person who handles trying situations calmly, and the captain who always sees the sunny side despite the black clouds. If upbeat is not your current status, I’ve compiled a list of affirmative behaviors that will keep you safer and earn you cheers from both crew and fellow boaters.

1. Make everyone feel at ease aboard your vessel. Show your guests how everything works on your boat before you cast off, especially safety devices like life jackets and the first aid kit. Teach everyone how to turn the engine off, the radio on, and the proper way to flush the head.
2. Practice man overboard drills with crew until they become second nature. And clue your guests in on how to shout, point, and toss should someone go over.
3. Show patience for those whose seamanship isn’t as good as yours. Be a good teacher by sharing the “tricks of the trade” you’ve learned. Conversely, graciously accept advice from more experienced masters.
4. Share your captain’s duties with your spouse or significant other. Share the helm too! Don’t always say “I got this!” Be an equal opportunity skipper.
5. If you don’t cook, help out with the cleanup chores instead of abandoning the galley. Everyone wants to see that gorgeous sunset on deck. (Personal note: always remember to screw on the cap of the ketchup bottle.)
6. Follow the one-third rule on fuel. Figure one-third to get there, one-third to return, and one-third reserve. Running out of gas is nobody’s idea of a good day boating.
7. Clean your craft at the end of each cruise. This applies even if you just went out for an afternoon. And periodically check mechanical and electrical systems for potential wear and tear.
8. Pluck garbage out of the water. And while you’re at it, volunteer to work with environmental groups to clean up waterfronts, marshes, and harbors.
9. Celebrate a lovely day of boating with your favorite cocktail after you return home or anchor for the night. Enjoy beer? Open the can under the same circumstances.
10. When buying a boat, take along the entire family. You’ll have zestful harmonious days at sea if there is majority agreement that the final selection is indeed everyone’s dreamboat.
11. Get a free no obligation vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadrons. The approval sticker on your windshield broadcasts to family, friends, and all crew members that you operate a safe vessel with their best interests at heart.

12. Always give a couple of months’ notice for spring launching. My marina asked me to include this one.

The author is the Division 5 – Staff Officer Public Affairs, First District Southern Region, for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the all-volunteer, non-military arm of the Coast Guard, teaching boating safety education and conducting search and rescue operations. Visit http://cgaux.org/ to join the Auxiliary or for class information.