If you own a license for the boat managing and VHF certificate, and you have experience in boat operation, you'll likely decide for your summer vacation rent a boat without skipper. As captain, you need to check all the safety terms and equipment on board and familiar the crew with the basic safety rules during sailing. Each boat, regardless of size and type, must have minimum safety requirements.
27.07.2016
Dino
If you own a license for the boat managing and VHF certificate, and you have experience in boat operation, you'll likely decide for your summer vacation rent a boat without skipper. As captain, you need to check all the safety terms and equipment on board and familiar the crew with the basic safety rules during sailing. Each boat, regardless of size and type, must have minimum safety requirements.
For the beginning, review your planned sailing route and follow the weather at all time. Make sure that all navigational instruments and plotters work properly. Be sensible and cautious captain; don’t go out on the sea when it’s windy or rainy weather or when the prognosis announced the storms. In case of bad weather announcements, tie into a safe harbor or marina. Secure the deck and other equipment outside and inside, prepare waterproof clothing and shoes so if you get caught in the storm that you are ready to minimize the damage. Do not sail in shallow areas that are lower than your draft because it can easily get to the stranding of the boat. Also avoid areas covered with sea grass as it can get wrapped up and around your boat propeller.
A wet person can endure 3-4 hours before starts the first signs of hypothermia, fatigue and difficult making of smart decisions while on the other hand equipped crew with waterproof gear the same time of endurance raise up to 24 hours - here certainly help coffee, energy drinks and sweet , chocolate, etc. The most frequent accidents occur for reasons of hypothermia, fatigue or irresponsible anchoring in the unprotected bays which we will write in another article.
One of the most important components of safety equipment on board are certainly life jackets. Make sure that all crew members before departure, especially children, have their own life jacket and that they know where are placed. It would be good that each life jacket has a whistle. The boats larger than 42 feet usually also have a life raft. Also be sure to check the contents of the first aid box. On the board must be placed at least one fire extinguisher. Also boat equipment should include signal flares, searchlight, a flashlight, and a basic tool like combination pliers, wrench set and insulating tape.
Unfortunately accidents on board are not uncommon and usually happen due to negligence and unpreparedness of captain and crew. No matter how much experience you have, it’s always a good idea for everyone to review boating safety rules before departures. So stick to the good old adage '' better safe than sorry '', prepare well for sailing trip and have a beautiful and comfortable summer vacation.
We wish you safe sailing and calm seas...
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