Safety at sea

Safety at Sea

The following is a list of equipment which should be carried by all small boats going to sea.
 Anything less is foolish and could cost you (or your passengers), your lives. 
Not to mention those of the people who might have to rescue you.

" These advisory notes are no substitute for

 a good knowledge

 of navigation and seamanship"

  1. Communications: Marine VHF radio, fixed or handheld. Keep a listening watch all the
    time you are at sea. The Coastguard monitors channel 16 VHF.  
     CB radio, if you do not have a VHF radio, remember though that the Coastguard 
    does not monitor CB radio.  
    A mobile phone is better than nothing.

  2. Flares: Minimum 2 Red smoke, 2 Orange smoke, and 1 red parachute flare 
    (    all to be in date).

  3. Lifejackets or Floatation suits:  At least 1 per passenger, all to be BSI approved.

  4. Anchors and Ropes:  At least 2 anchors and 2 ropes ( ropes to be at least 200 feet
    per rope). Each anchor fitted with a heavy chain (at least the length of the boat).
    Remember anchor cables need to be at least 3 times the depth of water you are
    likely to encounter.

  5. Compass:  Use a good quality unit.

  6. First Aid Kit:  A good comprehensive kit. Include headache and seasick pills. Keep in
    a waterproof container.

  7. Tool Kit:  A good basic kit to enable you to make running repairs, include spare spark
    plugs, battery, fuses, bulbs, etc    .

  8. Fog horn or Whistle:

  9. Bilge pump and/or a Hand Bailer:

  10. Navigation Lights:  1 green starboard, 1 red port and 1 white anchor or running light 
    (the white running light should be on a separate circuit from the port and starboard lights).

  11. Back-up Propulsion:  Small auxiliary engine (5-10 hp), paddles or oars.

  12. Lifeline and/or Dann Bouy:

  13. Spare propeller and boat bung:

  14. Very sharp knife:  To cut anchor rope in an emergency, or free a fouled prop.

  15. Bottled Water:  In case of dehydration. Hot drinks flasks in the winter.

  16. Third Party Insurance:   A must for peace of mind.

  17. Repair Materials:  Soft wood wedges, leak repair tape for emergency hull repairs, etc.

  18. Spare Can of Fuel:  Kept separate from main tank in case of contamination.

  19. Spare Battery: A two battery system charged from the engine is the ideal back up

  20. Torches:  Have more than one means of lighting.

  21. Radar Reflector: As high as possible.

  22. Charts:  Up to date, for area fished.

  23. Tide Tables:  Make sure you understand the tide information and you allow for BST.
    Most tables are GMT only. Seek local knowledge if you are unsure of the area you choose
    to launch/retrieve from.
    Remember that atmospheric pressure affects the height's of the tides too.

 

Your fishing trip afloat.

Things to do before you go….

  • Get first hand up to date weather forecast

  •      

" IF IN DOUBT-- DON'T GO OUT ", there will always be another day

  • Ring the Coastguard: inform them of :-

  1. Departure time

  2. Departure point

  3. Destination

  4. Number of persons aboard

  5. Radio Call sign

  6. Return time

(Failing the Coastguard, tell someone who will miss you if you don't get back when expected)

  • Get together with other boat owners and fish in groups if possible.

  • It is unwise to fish alone. The rescue services recommend at least two adults minimum per boat- in case of illness or accident. Instruct your crew ( before you go ), on how to start the engine, location of safety equipment, etc, etc.

Things to do when at sea….

  1. Keep a look out at all times for other vessels, flotsam etc.

  2. Obey the 'rules of the road'. Remember International Regulations require YOU to avoid collisions, even if you have the right of way and are not doing anything wrong yourself.

  3. Take compass bearings of land marks at regular intervals and plot your position on a chart- even if you have GPS.

  4. Wear suitable clothing. Make sure you have any spare clothing in a 'dry' bag.

  5. ENJOY YOUR FISHING

 

Things to do when you get back….

  1. Inform the Coastguard ( or other person ) of your safe return.

  2. Flush the engine through with fresh water.

  3. Make a note of maintenance required, problems discovered or repairs needed. Fix before you go afloat next time.

  4. Update your fishing journal/diary, and reflect on another safe, successful day afloat.

 

          

 

Feel free to print this page as a reminder

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

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