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Safety Guidelines – Coastal Sailing
(PLEASE NOTE: This is only
advice, Please research fully all current Safety Information & Data about your
sailing location. The advice below is NO substitute for attending
Sailing/Sailing Safety Lectures & Courses.)
Coastal sailing is a lot
different to inland sailing and it cannot be stressed enough that comprehensive
preparations are vital to ensure your safety, even on a bright sunny day and for
all levels of competency.
The following are many of the
vital essentials you should have taken care of before your sail begins. The list
is not exhaustive.
- A leak proof boat with the
right levels of buoyancy. All bungs sound. Air bag buoyancy not over-inflated
and properly secured.
- Personal buoyancy aids or
full lifejackets (particularly for those less able).
- Dry, warm clothing for the
worst conditions even on warm days. Take them with you if not worn and keep
them easily accessible, not shut away in lockers etc where they cannot be got
at if it turns rough. Waterproofs and adequate layers, if not a wet or dry
suit. Useful to take a spare change of clothes in a waterproof container.
- One or more alternative
means of propulsion:- outboard, oars (with attached rowlocks), paddles (not
much use in strong wind/tide), etc.
- Bailer and a bucket tied
into the boat. Bilge pump is also an option.
- Anchor with minimum 30
metres of warp and 2-3 metres of chain. Warp should be non-floating material
(8mm) and loose end tied to mast or other strongpoint. Ensure anchor head is
tied into the boat until needed or it will secure your boat upside down in a
capsize. Make sure your anchor is big enough or it will not ‘hold’ against
wind and tide.
- Warp for towing, should be
floating material (polyprop, etc)
- Drinking water (fluids)
more than sufficient for the journey. Minimum 3 pints per person per day. Hot
drinks a good idea in colder conditions. Plus food, especially high energy
types, Mars bars etc.
- Navigational equipment.
Charts, Pilot Books, Tidal Atlas for the area, or have obtained the
information required to plot your course and understand the pilotage of your
journey.
- An understanding of
pilotage.
- A working compass, fixed
or pocket type. Essential in mist or fog in conjunction with your chart.
- Whistle on a lanyard, or
other audible signal (aerosol-can foghorn).
- VHF radio or mobile phones
with appropriate numbers stored and carried in waterproof bag. Walkie-Talkies
of some use in appropriate conditions.
- Distress flares optional.
- Knife on a lanyard.
- Thin nylon rope, for
emergency repairs etc.
- Spare shackles.
- Knowledge of ‘Rules of the
Road’. (Collision Regulations)
- Weather forecast before
you decide to sail.
- Tides for the day in the
area you are sailing.
- Sea state and knowledge of
sailing in larger waves and bad sea conditions.
- First Aid items and
knowledge of basic first aid.
- Your boat checked over
before you sail.
- Third party insurance.
- Ensure somebody not
sailing knows where you are going and expected return time.
Copyright - The Jolly Sailors 2004