Re: Boating at night
I dug up a response I gave to a similar question last year ....
As for your trip back home, it's not one I've made at night so I can't directly comment. I would make a the following common-sense remarks re: 1'st time night boating....
1) Don't make any crowded night your first. It's too much info to process. Start with a small and easy trip and build from there.
2) Know your route well by the daytime (seems you do) but be aware your normal "landmarks" are mostly gone at night thus ..
3) Your 1'st time out go at dusk when you can correlate day and night landmarks. Don't go too far and if in doubt stop and make sure you have your bearings.
4) Next time go when the moon is full, or nearly so. It's amazing how much you can see with dark adapted vision on such a night.
5) Bring a good spot light and a backup. Use only sparingly and then only to confirm the marker you "know" is (should be) "there". Searching about w/the light ruins your dark vision and other's too.
6) I like to have a small waterproof flashlight for everyone on board, with their PFD. Should the very unlikely happen, they can be located in the water via said lights.
Remember not to hurry (your speed, your navigation, your decisions, anything) at night and if you're not sure of anything, stop and be sure before proceeding. Sorry if I'm be pedantic....
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