The movies have not been so good to boaters. 

George Clooney and Marky-Mark are two fishermen without a fighting chance in The Perfect Storm, a young couple become shark bait after being accidentally left behind by their scuba diving boat in Open Water, the Titanic splits in half leaving passengers to survive icy waters, the Poseidon flips over and catches on fire, and of course no boat would ever be big enough to catch Jaws.  And let's not forget Fatal Attraction's Glenn Close being killed in a bathtub (okay, that doesn't count but we loved that movie).

However, despite all these boating terrors that fill the big screen – we still love when the weather warms up and we have the chance to hit the open sea.  And, of course, no one loves standing on the deck and feeling the ocean breeze more than our spoiled Spot.  It's kinda like one giant open car window!

These days, more and more boaters are setting sail with their favorite fur-kids.  Many boat shows even feature dog competitions to see which pooch shows the best form.  The annual Seattle Boat Show, for instance, tests a dog's water skills to see who wins the title "Super Boat Dog." (We don't think catching a fish is part of the contest.)

Yes, many dogs seem like they were just made for sea life – however, there are still basic precautions that you need to make when taking your pampered pooches on the boat.  We've rounded up some helpful tips to make sure that your fur-kids stay safe.

People are not the only ones who need life jackets.  Even if your pooch is a great swimmer, he can get tired or might suffer an injury falling overboard.  Luckily, there are many excellent safety vests designed just for dogs:

• The Pet-Saver Lifejacket
  The Pet Saver is an effective floatation device designed to keep dogs safe in the water.  The comfortable vest is made of durable materials that meet rigid safety specifications and provide warmth and protection from abrasions.  The neon orange color enhances visibility and the convenient design allows for fast size adjustments and a flexible, comfortable fit.  Available at Amazon.
  
• Monogrammed Dog Life Jacket from Neiman Marcus
  For pups looking for a little style in their flotation device, Neiman Marcus' Monogrammed Life Jacket is just the thing!  This vinyl covered foam dog life jacket comes in a decorative bronze color with a jeweled monogram letter.  The jacket also features double handles that make lifting your pooch out of the water a snap.  Available at Neiman Marcus.

It's very important to test out these devices with your dog before you actually set sail.  Make sure your pooch is comfortable in the vest by allowing him to try it on before you board.  If he struggles or tries to chew his way out of a vest, select another type. 
In addition, even dogs who like water may have trouble finding their sea legs on the boat. Just like many pet-parents, dogs will need time to adjust to the rolling motion of a boat at sea.

And remember that the heat from the sun can be extremely intense at sea.  Make sure to provide a shaded space for you pup where he can cool off.  It's, of course, also important to bring plenty of water for your dog to make sure he stays cool, hydrated and refreshed.