Boat & Water Safety Tips
Marine Patrol
The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) encourages everyone to keep safety in
the forefront while boating on Mississippi's coastal waters. Don't let
misfortune find you unprepared. Before venturing out, be sure to file a float
plan with a responsible friend or relative. The float plan should include the
place of departure, destination points and expected times of arrival, the time
of expected return, and the names of all individuals on-board. Advise the friend
or relative to contact proper authorities, i.e. DMR's Marine Patrol Office or
the U.S. Coast Guard, if you have not returned by an agreed upon time. It is of
paramount importance that you do not deviate from the intended float plan.
Should an emergency occur, valuable search and rescue time could be saved if a
float plan has been properly filed and followed.
Before departure, a boat check should be performed to ensure the proper
equipment is on board and functional. Remember, some equipment items such as
visual distress signals, first aid kits and fire extinguishers have items with
expiration dates where service or replacement is required.
Always be watchful for adverse weather conditions. A small National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is an excellent way to
constantly receive updated weather broadcasts, and severe weather warnings. NOAA
also provides National Weather Service, which may be accessed via the Internet
at www.nws.noaa.gov 
. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard provides emergency alerts
and marine warning broadcasts on VHF channels 16 and 22 as conditions may
warrant. Remember to have adequate communications on board your boat at all
times. A VHF radio is the preferred equipment for marine use. Cell phones,
although popular for communicating on land, have a limited use on the water. A
cell phone should not be depended upon as your only form of communication. Also,
remember to have personal floatation devices on the boat at all times (i.e.
lifejackets).
Knowing the boat and water safety rules and regulations can save lives, and
significantly reduce the possibility of accident or injury while on the water.
For more information or to sign up for DMR Boating Safety Classes, please call
DMR Bureau of Boat and Water Safety 228-523-4128.
Boater's
Guide Brochure 
(437 KB)
MARINE EMERGENCY NUMBERS
DMR Marine Patrol 1-800-294-5551
Gulfport Coast Guard 228-863-5818
Pascagoula Coast Guard 228-761-2600