Marine Safety EquipmenT

Create a checklist

Make a list of all the equipment you need on-board before sailing

Checklist is a great way to ensure you didn’t forget anything. Even if you have to write down obvious things, such as checking the weather the day before departure or filling up water supply. When doing those things mechanically, it’s easy to overlook something. Put on the list things such as float plan, draft of where are you going, with how many people and what time are you coming back, and remind yourself to hand it to at least one person.

Write down to double check if you have all necessary safety equipment on board and if it’s funcional. Create a check in for how much fuel you have and if there is a reserve in case of emergency. Go through the stock of water and food and ensure you are well-prepared. Ask yourself if you are familiar with the area you are going to and if you did your research beforehand.

Designate place for safety equipment

Know and let other know where the safety equipment is stored.

Make sure that everyone on board knows where is safety equipment and how to use it properly. It’s important to educate every person on the boat as you never know who will need it and who will be the closest one to help. Make a note of when certain items expire and keep your equipment in check.

Educate children

Prepare kids for eventual emergencies.

Explain children what to do in case of emergency and how to use basic safety equipment. You can write down different scenarios and role-play them to make sure kids know how to behave in case of an accident. You can attach a whistle to child’s life jacket and show how to use it. Teaching kids emergency scenarios before they happen can help them handle stress better in case of any emergency.

Check lifejackets

Make sure each person on-board wears a life jacket

Before departure make sure you have enough life jackets for every person on board. Take special attention to child life jackets - they should have neck support to keep child’s head above the water and are advised to be in bright, easy-to-spot colours. Identify non-swimmers as they should wear life jackets at all times.

Be mindful

Stay responsible and focused white at sea

Day at sea is always meant to be nice, relaxing activity which can take you away from hassles of daily life. However, keep in mind than there are still certain rules. The blood alcohol limit on the water equals to 0.05% which is more less one small beer. Sun, wind and waves can make alcohol work much faster, hence, special attention is needed.