Responsible boating has a lot to do with common sense. Taking a moment to assess the situation before your cruise and during your trip could save you, your family and friends from irreparable harm or danger.
While you are out cruising, please remember to:
- Watch the weather and know the signs of a storm or changing conditions. If you see the sky darken unexpectedly or the wind picks up, play it safe and head back to land.
- Avoid crowded areas. This may prove difficult in more popular regions and during the busy tourist seasons, but fewer boats mean fewer chances for collisions. Sail away from areas with a high concentration of boaters where possible.
- If you’re the Master limit the amount of alcohol you consume, remember it’s 0.05 just the same as when driving your car. Also, stay away from recreational drugs while you are cruising. You have a responsibility to yourself and those around you. Staying completely sober and cognizant is crucial when operating a boat.
- Be sure to get enough sleep before your cruise so that you are fresh and alert during your trip.
- Take care of your physical needs. Remember to keep hydrated and to get protection from the sun.
- If you are not proficient already, swimming classes will give you important life skills that could greatly increase your chances of survival in the event of an emergency on the water.
- Ensuring you and the persons onboard do not panic in the case of an incident, and knowledge is power in these situations. Conducting a brief induction before heading out to everyone onboard is a great way to ensure all persons onboard can find safety equipment and know how to use them.
- Do not sail alone. Having company often makes the sail more enjoyable, and it also ensures that you have at least one companion to help address any problems that may arise. Managing an entire boat alone is very difficult and can be dangerous in less-than-ideal conditions.
- Know how to handle your boat. Classes are beneficial to new and seasoned sailors alike. There is always more to learn and improve upon (check our Tip section).
As we said, whilst it is mostly common sense when on the water – we have unfortunately seen firsthand how common sense can and does go out the window when an incident occurs. Panic and other elements kick in, which in a sense is human nature, however, if you are armed with the education and experience to handle these incidents, then you will ensure the safety of you, those onboard and your vessel for the future.
Shorlink’s Recommendation
So, with all that we have learned in the last few newsletters in our Safety Series, we really hope that you are further educated to safely take your next cruise. Please feel free to share this and the other newsletters with family, friends and other boat users.
Don’t forget, if you would like a copy of our Preparation Check List or Boating Safety Items checklist, please feel free to contact us!
Tip
Courses! Here at Shorlink we offer several courses for our recreational boat owners. These include All About Safety, Captains Course, Distress Flares, Portable Fire Extinguishers and bespoke course all conducted onboard YOUR vessel to ensure that each of our courses are specific to your needs and boat.
We also have Emergency Training which include unexpected situations, These are conducted on safety sites across Australia as each participant which actually be using a distress flare and a portable extinguisher during the Course.
If you are interested in a course or have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us!
