Safety on the Water

Getting the Right Boat for the Job

Try and be realistic about the size and type of boat you are buying.  You may wish to get expert advice before buying.  There are many independent marine experts who can conduct a survey on the vessel to make sure it is in good, seaworthy condition.  

If you are hiring or chartering a vessel, make sure that the Inspection Certificate is in date and that the safety equipment is in order.  For more information on buying or charter please call the BMIF Boatline on 01784 472 222.

Before Setting Out

You may wish to register your vessel with the Coastguard Co-ordination Centres, this will ensure that your vessel is kept on the database.  To register your vessel you need to fill out a CG66 form found on the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) website.

Before you set out, you and your crew must posses a basic knowledge of boat safety.  This means acquiring a knowledge of navigation, meteorology, rules of the road, use of safety equipment and maintenance of the boat and it's engine.

For courses in the local area please contact the Royal Yachting Association on Tel 023 8062 7400.  The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) provide SEA Checks (Safety Equipment Advisory Check) where they send a trained advisor to discuss your boat's safety equipment free of charge.  To arrange a visit from the RNLI please freephone 0800 328 0600

Make sure that you and your crew are dressed suitably for all weather conditions.  It is good practice for you and your crew to wear lifejackets whilst on deck.  Poor and Non-swimmers should wear a lifejacket at all times when afloat remembering to use crotch straps.

Day and night distress flares are an essential part of a motor cruiser's safety equipment and should be stored in a suitable waterproof container.  Make sure the crew know where the flares are stored and ensure that you have the correct quantity and that they are in date.

Throwing lines should be carried for instant use on deck, regardless of whether the boat is fitted with a lifebuoy.

Fire blankets and extinguishers must be checked and maintained in line with manufacturers' recommendations.  Make sure that they are stowed correctly, are accessible and that all crew members know where they are kept.

Life rafts are essential for long journeys they can be hired for periods for as little as £ 1.00 a day.

Make sure that you check the weather before setting out and be prepared to change your plans.  The Torbay RNLI and Met Office websites both provide up to date, accurate weather forecasts.

"Rules of the Road"

All Vessels give way to:

• Vessels fishing
• Vessels not under command (unable to manoeuvre)
• Vessels constrained by their draught
• Any Vessel they are overtaking

Vessels under power give way to:

• Vessels under sail

Vessels under sail give way to:

• Vessels sailing to leeward
• (if on Port Tack) vessels sailing on starboard tack

Sound Signals

1. sound of the horn - Altering course to starboard
2. sounds of the horn - Altering course to port
3. sounds of the horn - my engines are going astern
4. sounds of the horn - your intentions are unclear