If you wish to go on a boating trip, the main idea is to bring relevant safety equipment to help you throughout the process. Of course, having equipment you haven’t used for years is risky, especially if you have in mind that specific options such as flares may not work.
Therefore, it is vital to regularly inspect, update, and service it based on your preferences and requirements. The safety standards are continually changing, meaning it is way better to have the latest life jacket than the one used a decade ago. The same thing works for other safety equipment you must bring with you.
Generally, the equipment should be easy to access by everyone aboard the yacht, and you should know how to use it efficiently. These factors will keep your crew safe and ensure the best course of action.
We recommend you visit this link: universalsafety.co.uk to learn more about the safety measures you must follow while travelling on a boat. In a further article, we will present the essential equipment you should always have on your boat.
1. Flares
Before you embark on a journey, we recommend you present a crash course to everyone on board on how to use flares, where they are, and other activation instructions that will be useful in specific situations. Of course, you should avoid using them unless in an emergency and only when you can spot someone in the distance who can help you.
Regarding maintenance and storage, you should remember that flares should be in dry areas, away from combustible items and fuel. They feature a three-year expiration date, meaning you should replace them if the third year is coming. The main idea is to check the expiration date before embarking, which will help you replenish the amount you have.
2. Fire Extinguishers
Generally, boats should have fire extinguishers, which must correspond with the type of fuel your vessel uses. The extinguisher must undergo the AS 1851 maintenance procedure. Regular maintenance is essential, which will help you determine whether the pressure gauge is in green or the entire zone.
We recommend replacing it if it’s in the red or empty zone. At the same time, you should find a new one in case you have partially used it in the last few years. Another important consideration is to periodically shake the existing one, which will help you loosen the powder, which tends to stick to the container.
3. Bucket with Lanyard
You will need a bucket with a lanyard and affordable safety equipment for plastic, paper, or wood fire in specific situations. Of course, you should avoid using it in case of electrical fires. The bucket is crucial because it will help remove water from the boat in case of flooding.
The main idea is to check it for holes and ensure the lanyard is long enough to safely lower it and fill it with water without falling, which may cause severe issues. To learn more about yachting, click here for additional information.
4. Compass
It is vital to remember that all boats must have an operating marine compass, which will work properly in case of electronic damage or failure. Remember that extreme weather conditions can obstruct the magnetic compass, which will help you deal with harsh issues and conditions.
The best way to store a compass is in an accessible area, which should be completely dry from humidity to avoid affecting the functionality. At the same time, you should avoid storing it with metal objects such as watches, mobile devices, and keys because they can affect magnetic needles and cause them to deflect.
5. EPIRBs
An emergency position-indicating radio beacon is indispensable because you can quickly alert search and rescue services in an emergency. The main idea is investing in high-end options with GPS enhancement and strobe light, allowing rescue service to position and locate you accurately.
Remember that it must comply with relevant standards and safety authorities. Besides, registration is seamless, and you can do it online. Registration is necessary, and you must do it once in two years. We recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when testing the beacon. It would be best to store it in a waterproof, sealed, and accessible container.
6. Life Jackets
A life jacket is one of the most essential safety equipment aboard your yacht or boat. They should be in perfect condition and feature the proper size for people who wear them. The simplest way to ensure the longevity of your life jacket is to check out buckles, fabric, and flotation materials for damage and holes.
Suppose you have an inflatable lifejacket. In that case, you must find a service that will maintain it annually and check out CO2 cartridges. If you have a damaged option, you must purchase new ones instead.
