Safety on a boat

Although it happens in a setting with a variety of prospective risks, sailing is a relatively secure statistically.

Knowing your boundaries is the key to remaining secure, which ensures you can take care of yourself and your crew without bringing your vessel into circumstances it was not designed for, or putting yourself in a situation where there is a danger of exhaustion or cold.

Expert sailors have an almost instinctive feeling that warns them when they might be challenged by circumstances. Newcomers will need to be much more conscious of the variables that could lead to this occurrence and of how to remain safe.

It's also essential to be able to recognize and avoid situations that you still don't have the skills to handle — education is important.

Be prepared; think ‘what if?’ and don’t ruin a good day out on the water with insufficient planning.

The plan will consider of where you want to go and how you will go about getting there safely.

Route

Your initial preparation will determine the route, risks or navigational hazards which must be prevented, as well as restrictions that limit your decisions. We recommend using on of the pre- made routes aka “Itineraries”, but if you want to plan your route, consider checking: pilot charts and pilot books, marina alerts, almanacs or river guides for all hazards of navigation such as shoals, overfall, weirs, overhead wires etc.

Weather

Before you go, check the weather forecast and regular updates. Read more on the predictions for the climate. The Coastguard Maritime Safety Information broadcasting can be monitored on boats that are equipped with VHF radio.

Check the anticipated currents and tidal forecasts for your journey and make sure that they suit what you plan to do.

Crew

Consider your crew's physical skills and capacity. Are they ready for your journey? Are they equipped with the proper personal security equipment and were they briefed on the travel plan? A skipper should guarantee that everybody on board understands where and how to use the safety devices. Talk to them about your strategy and your emergency plans. What happens in case if you have wounded or sick passenger or if something else goes wrong... Additional instructions could include: checking that the engine is running, issuing a distress signal and keeping everybody aware of any risks on board.

Do not forget to let someone onshore know your plan and ensure that they understand what to do if they are worried about your safety.

No matter how experienced you are in handling a boat, you will feel safer if emergency numbers are to hand, so that you can phone in case of danger or if you need assistance.