I'll add:
When anchored the length of your anchor line ("scope" IIRC) should be at least 3X the depth that you are anchored in.
AT LEAST 3:1 scope. 7:1 was what I was taught way back in the early nineties. I've heard 5:1 is accepted now. If the seas are higher, let out extra line. The constant pull on the anchor line in rough weather can cause the anchor to pull free.
Some more tips for a safe boating experience, not necessarily safety in a storm.
Take heed of marine weather warnings. Small Craft Advisories especially. Don't overestimate the capabilities of your boat. I was told by a Coast Guardsman that a small craft is considered a vessel either under 100 feet long or under 100 gross tons. That is a big boat. Picture an excursion boat or a whale watch boat.
Have a working foghorn. I can't count the number of times I've been out in the fog, or out and the fog socks in. Several times on returning to port you pick up smaller vessels on radar that are anchored or trolling or otherwise operating in extremely reduced visibility without a foghorn. Radar helps but don't rely on it picking up EVERYTHING. The higher the radar is mounted on the vessel (esp. on larger ships) the less likely it is going to pick up a target that is near it. Small boats and skiffs sometimes appear and disappear on radar. Maintain a watch when there is fog. Not only a visual watch. Listen for foghorns or engines that are nearby. Have the person running the boat advise the people who are keeping a watch where targets are, how far, what direction they are moving etc.
Have a working compass. I've been on boats where deviation has been over 100 degrees from the true heading. Keep magnetic objects away from the compass. I knew a lobster fisherman who fished out of a small novy skiff close to shore. The fog rolled in and he started steaming for his mooring. He was fishing around Thatchers Island off Rockport. His mooring was in Rockport Harbor. He was found the next day out of fuel and adrift off Plum Island in Newburyport. He had enough fuel to fish for the morning, didn't have a compass and thought he could get home using landmarks on shore. The problem was that he could not see the shoreline. He had no radio, foghorn, etc. and was lucky a tug with a tow or a larger fishing boat didn't run him down.
Know the waters you are operating on. Know where shallow areas are, sand bars, reefs, or rockpiles. Operate at a safe speed.
Be aware of your boat's capabilities, i.e. fuel capacity, any engine problems, etc.
Keep your safety equipment up to date, including flares, EPIRB, PFDs, survival/immersion suits, life raft, etc. Check the batteries and expiration dates.
Learn some basic navigation. Don't rely on electronic aids to navigation (i.e. GPS, LORAN, etc.) They have a tendency to quit at the most inopportune times. Learn to read a chart and be able to plot a basic course home.
Have some first aid/CPR training and a usable first aid kit. I've been on a deep sea fishing boat when one of the passengers went into diabetic shock and his sugar dropped to a near fatal level.
When I was about 12 or so my father was bitten in the face by a bluefish. My mother cut her fingers to the bone trying to remove the fish. Luckily we had a good first aid kit. I was able to patch them up on the ride back to the Charles River. My father didnt have anything worse than a cut on his face and injured pride and a good fish story to tell later. At the time we thought he lost an eye though. My mother's fingers had some nerve damage that went away after a few years.
Have a plan of egress from a disabled vessel and let everyone know what their duties are in an emergency.
LET PEOPLE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU PLAN TO BE IN.
Take every step possible to prevent boating accidents but if one does happen don't panic in an emergency and think like a SURVIVOR not a VICTIM. I've been in several near sinkings and marine emergencies. You will be amazed at what you CAN do under stress or in a life threatening situation. Have fun out there but boat responsibly.
Pete
