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Contingency Planning for Safe Boating in the Bay
This week on the Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, host Luke Barton talks with Captain Bart White of Sea Tow Seaford about one of the most overlooked elements of boating—contingency planning. With over 21 years of experience towing vessels across the Virginia side of the Bay, Captain White brings hard-earned wisdom on how to avoid the most common and costly boating mishaps.
Planning for the Unexpected
Captain White emphasizes that the number one mistake boaters make is ignoring the weather forecast. Heading out when winds are 15–30 knots or when storms are imminent not only puts your vessel at risk—it endangers your passengers and the first responders who may be sent to assist you. A close second on the list of avoidable problems is running out of fuel. Fuel gauges on boats are notoriously unreliable, so Captain White advises filling your tank after every trip. Knowing you have a full tank when you leave the dock is the simplest way to prevent emergencies.
Tips for Better Contingency Planning
Among the other tips Captain White offers: carry a portable jump box for battery issues, always create a float plan and share it with a friend or family member, and make sure your boat has a GPS or reliable navigation app. The Sea Tow mobile app can even transmit your exact location when you’re in range, simplifying your rescue in an emergency. If you’re outside of cell service, VHF channel 16 remains the best option to reach help quickly. It’s critical to know how to give your latitude and longitude—and to anchor if necessary to prevent drifting away from your last known position.
Captain White also recommends basic preventative maintenance: follow 100-hour service schedules, replace batteries every few years, and keep spare parts like belts, filters, and spark plugs on board. Inboard/outboard (IO) engine owners should carry a basic toolkit and know how to handle potential water intrusion at the shaft seal or transmission.
Why Sea Tow Membership is a Must-Have
With Sea Tow’s standard towing rates at $325/hour during the day and $375/hour at night, the $249 annual membership quickly pays for itself. The membership includes unlimited towing in your home territory, fuel delivery, jump starts, and a $5,000 reimbursement policy if help must come from outside the Sea Tow network. If you fish offshore regularly—20, 40, or even 60+ miles—Sea Tow’s unlimited distance coverage offers unmatched peace of mind.
Final Tips Before You Leave the Dock
Captain White’s checklist for every boater includes confirming your boat is in neutral when starting, verifying that your kill switch lanyard is properly connected, and ensuring your anchor is ready to deploy. He also stresses the importance of wearing your life jacket, especially for children, and carrying fresh water, sunblock, and shade protection during long days on the water.
Lastly, if you lose power offshore and are running a twin-engine setup, avoid trying to plane with one engine. Maintain 6–8 knots to prevent overheating and reduce strain on your remaining engine until help arrives.
Featured Sponsors
Thank you to the sponsors who make the Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report possible each week:
- AFTCO – Get a free camo sunglasses cleaning cloth with any purchase.
- Sea Tow – On-water assistance you can count on.
- KillerDock – Premium dock furniture built for marine durability.
- Shoreline Plastics – Eco-friendly composite dock pilings and building materials.
- Hilton’s Real Time Navigator – High-resolution satellite imagery for smarter offshore fishing.
- Long Bay Point Bait & Tackle – Fuel, bait, and the best fishing advice in Virginia Beach. Stop in and say hi!
