Deep sea fishing trips are an exhilarating and profound experience each time, but also full of dangers. It is imperative for divers, anglers, and boaters to adopt all necessary safety measures to stay safe against hazards.

While there is no doubt about the extreme satisfaction, thrill, and excitement one experiences on offshore fishing trips, one cannot ignore the dangers. The sheer strength and size alone of the fish species of sea sport is a big challenge for the boaters and anglers. In addition to this, there are also extreme conditions to prepare for.

If you are ready to set sail on your charter boat soon, read our safety guide until the end. And no matter how prepared and confident you are, you must also be sure to follow your captain’s instructions throughout the trip.

If you are operating the boat on your own offshore, you must learn all about the safety tips and laws for yourself and the passengers. With full measures, you will guarantee the utmost safety possible for all on board and a splendid fishing trip.

So without further ado, let's dive into the safety tips and measures below.

1.      First and Foremost - Weather Updates

Weather conditions can take a massive turn within moments, and quite often. No matter how often you have double-checked the weather updates, keep up to date with the weather frequently. Those with experience with offshore conditions will know that these can change rapidly.

Instead of having a storm catch you off-guard in the middle of the sea, it is best to be informed beforehand. Stay alert by tracking the weather through satellite data and marine radio.

2.      Proactive Motor Servicing

Weather-related problems are of primary concern, but so are motor problems when fishing in the deep sea. We have commonly seen offshore anglers get into grave trouble because their outboard motor broke down right in the middle of the ocean.

For charter operators, it is an imperative practice to also set sail with two motors on board. If one breaks down in the middle of the waters, nobody's life will be at risk. Even those who often go deep sea fishing with their boats must carry two motors.

Preventing a motor breakdown is far better than calling for help, even if you have a satellite phone on board. Iridium 9555 and Iridium Go satellite phones guarantee a global network, world-class technical support, and communication access, no matter how far on the sea you may be. But why bear the burden of motor servicing in the middle of the ocean when you can prevent the occurrence altogether?

Hence, before you set sail, regularly service your boat leading up to the fishing trip. If you haven't been on the sea with your boat in a long time, you must call a professional mechanic for assessment.

Only when the experts clear your boat and declare it in optimal condition may you consider going fishing in the tropics in it. In the case of an inboard motor, it is advisable to refrain from taking it out on the ocean. Inboard motors are usually incapable of deep sea fishing in the tropics unless someone with sufficient knowledge and training is on board.

Hence, if a problem does occur on the water, the said expert will at least be able to fix it and bring everyone on board safely back to shore. Skippers with offshore charter boards typically have extensive experience and mechanical knowledge about inboard motors. Hence, they're the only ones who usually venture into the deep seas with it.

3.      A Float Plan is a Must-Have

Those with years of experience in deep sea fishing in the tropics often consider it unnecessary to file a float plan. But we highly recommend filing one with a trusted family member or the marina. As mentioned above, weather changes on the sea are common, and the tides can swiftly become menacing in tricky weather conditions.

Filing a float plan with a trusted source will ensure that someone has accurate information about your tropical fishing trip. In case of an emergency, the U.S. Coast Guard will at least be able to reach you with some direction.

4.      Audit Your Safety Equipment

Whenever an angler or boater plans an open-water fishing trip, they must follow the standard safety protocols. These include running an audit of the safety equipment for the journey with the help of a checklist. Most countries have specific rules for ocean fishing trips and the necessary items people have to carry.

Other countries do not lay down specific rules but leave it up to the discretion of the anglers, the skippers, or charter operators. Whatever the case in your state, you must ensure sufficient life jackets on board the vessel you will go fishing in.

It is best to keep extra life jackets per the number of persons on board. Surely most will be strong swimmers, but even then, you must double-check the following for safety:

-          Fittings and straps on the life jackets

-          Personal devices for floatation

-          There are no tears in the life jackets or loose fittings

In addition, individuals must all check all the flares to ensure they are not expired. Before the day of the departure and even the moments preceding it, you must double-check to ensure the marine radios onboard are in optimal condition.

Moreover, the audit must not only include the safety equipment on board, but you must also run a thorough assessment of the fishing vessel itself. If an experienced mechanic can do it for you, all the better.

Inspecting the boat for loose fittings, leaks or cracks will prevent fatal accidents and calamities.

5.      Know Where the Safety Equipment is Stored

Before everyone sets sail for the deep sea fishing trip, you must run a little workshop. In it, be sure to run through the safety plan in case of an unforeseen emergency and show where the safety equipment and first aid box are stored on the boat.

6.      Store Up Extra Food and Water on the Boat

If the weather conditions turn unfavorable and you have to take shelter somewhere, perhaps an island, or may have to stay out at sea for longer, you will need sustenance. By storing extra food and water on the boat, you will ensure no one goes hungry if the trip extends.

7.      Trip Plan

Like a float plan, it is also essential to curate and file a trip plan. When setting out for a deep sea fishing trip in the tropics, you will leave the land and sail out far away onto the open water. This fact alone makes it necessary to lodge your fishing trip plan with the maritime authorities or coastguards.

If you usually set out for fishing in your boat as a practice and moor it at the marina, then the latter will already have standard procedures. If you are chartering a yacht, your boat skipper will take care of the trip plan.

History bears testimony of how many lives trip plans have saved in fishing expeditions thus far. It is not uncommon for boats to break down, malfunction, or meet other accidents out on the sea. In such cases, trip plans help concerned authorities promptly launch a directed rescue operation.

This is mainly in the case of less densely populated countries or regions, where helicopters do not hover in the air for patrolling services.

Final Thoughts

Deep sea fishing in the tropics can present a variety of known and unknown dangers. Despite the modernity of equipment and fishing boats, fatal accidents and tragedies can occur from negligence. Hence, it is imperative for boaters, anglers, and all passengers of deep sea fishing trips to take maximum safety measures.

Doing will protect their lives from harm and ensure they have a delightful and successful fishing trip on the waters.