|
|
 |
Safety equipment | |
|
|
|
|
Safety equipment
Safety equipment Wherever you operate your boat you will be required to carry certain items of safety equipment. The quantity and type of equipment varies depending on how far offshore you travel, and it is important to understand that these are minimum requirements. |
 |
Keep it maintained
All safety equipment must be maintained in very good condition and be accessible at all times. To maximise your chances of survival on the water, you and your passengers need to know:
- where it is stowed;
- how to use it; and
- when to use it.
|
Know where it is stowed
As skipper, you must brief everyone on the boat about where the equipment is kept. It should be stowed where it is easily reached and preferably visible.
Keep the following points in mind every time you load and stow your equipment aboard:
- life jackets need to be accessible and ready for use, not locked away in a cupboard or under bunks;
- flares need to be kept dry and accessible (use a waterproof container that will float); and
- an EPIRB should be positioned in the cockpit or near the helm where it can be reached quickly in an emergency.
|
Know how to use it
Make sure everyone on board knows how to use the safety equipment. Have everybody practise putting on life jackets in good conditions so they are familiar with how they feel and how they do up.
Make sure you are familiar with the instructions for use of EPIRBs, flares and the fire fighting equipment. You may not have time for a crash course in an emergency. |
Know when to use it‘In good time’ sums it up. Life jackets take time to put on, so do not hesitate to wear them in deteriorating weather. Your radio lets you pass on varying degrees of urgency to a sea rescue group, so do not wait for full-blooded distress before calling for help. |
Recommended additional safety equipment
First Aid Kit
To cover accidents or injury that could befall any member onboard, a first aid kit is essential. Remember, seasickness is debilitating. So carry the remedy.
Knife
Always handy with many uses. Keep your knife sharp at all times.
Rope
Additional rope onboard can be extremely useful for various purposes and for towing.
Fresh Water
A good supply of fresh water is essential when boating as the sun and the salt can quickly dehydrate you. Make sure that your water is fresh and clean and kept in a suitable container.
Alternative Power
Spare outboard, oars or paddles to get the boat to safety in the event of a power failure.
Torch
A torch can be useful in an emergency situation, for attracting attention as well as for checking bilges.
Heliograph Mirror
This is a signalling device that uses a mirror to reflect the sun's rays to the shore or to other vessels.
Tool Kit
There is no substitute for an adequate tool kit onboard your boat. When you are out on the water you really are on your own.
The tool kit should include:
- spark plug spanner;
- spare spark plugs;
- spanner set to suit your motor;
- screwdriver set;
- adjustable spanner;
- pliers;
- electrical tape; and
- hammer.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
