Do YOU prep before departure?
As the holiday season is approaching, we know both you, friends and family will be spending much more time on the water!
Coming prepared with adequate knowledge of your boat and the area is just as important as coming with the right provisions and equipment.
So, let’s look at preparation more closely!
Arrive stocked with enough food and water for your journey AND have extra emergency provisions.
If any of your provisions or equipment have expiration dates, be sure that you have checked them (and replace the items, if necessary), BEFORE your departure.
Be certain that you have enough lifejackets or PFDs (personal flotation devices) for EVERY PERSON ONBOARD that will be cruising with you.
ALSO, that everyone knows how to put one on AND that they all know where they can find one on your boat.
Make sure that your boat has all of its required safety equipment, and that it is all functional and ensure to check expiry date. Some of the equipment you should have on board
| Equipment | Smooth waters | Partially smooth waters | Beyond partially smooth waters |
| Must carry the following equipment | |||
| EPIRB or PLB* | ✔# | ||
| Flares (2 red hand-held and 2 orange smoke) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Firefighting equipment | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Signalling device if operating at between sunset and sunrise (e.g. torch, lantern, glow stick) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| V sheet | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Lifejacket | ✔ Lifejacket level 50, 100, 150, 275 or level 50 special purpose | ✔ Lifejacket level 100, 150, 275 or level 50 | ✔ Lifejacket level 100, 150, 275 |
| Should carry the following equipment | |||
| Anchor | ✔ (with cable appropriate for size of vessel) | ✔ (with cable appropriate for size of vessel) | ✔ (with cable appropriate for size of vessel) |
| Chart | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Compass | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Drinking water | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Handheld electronic navigation device (if not equipped with a chart and compass) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Oars or paddles (for boats under 6m) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pumping or bailing equipment | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
# Owners/masters must give each person on board information about where the safety equipment is kept. Lifejackets must be either worn or readily accessible and clearly visible to passengers or their storage location – indicated by a clearly visible sign with a white background marked with the word ‘lifejackets’ in red letters or vice versa.
* PLBs may be used in the place of an EPIRB by lightweight craft operators only if they comply with conditions of carriage.
# Required when operating more than 2 nautical miles outside of smooth waters or partially smooth waters or other waters more than 2 nautical miles from land.
Have ways to protect yourself and your passengers from the sun, including plenty of sunscreen and even a few extra hats.
In the case of an incident, communication is key! Whether you will be using an inbuilt radio on your boat, or even your mobile phone – ensure your communication devices are working and if using your mobile, make sure they are fully charged. We would also recommend having a portable phone charger onboard for all cruises, just in case you require further charge for your phone.
You should always complete pre-departure checks before heading out. These will vary based on the type and size of your boat and what you use it for. It’s a good idea to develop one specific for your boat!
We all know preparation is key to not only enjoying yourself on the water, but keeping yourself, everyone onboard and your boat safe!
We cannot stress enough, the importance for all with regard to preparation. Our recommendation is always to be a responsible boat owner and ensure your preparation is given the attention and time that is required specific to your boat.
We have found the best and more reassuring tip is to physically prepare a Preparation Checklist specific to your boat which includes all of the above and also anything specific you want to add. Whether you do this yourself, or Shorlink have developed a general checklist that you can bespoke to your vessel. Feel free to drop us an email here and we can forward to you with our compliments.
As always, if you have any questions, or in doubt about any of the contents of our newsletter, please feel free to contact our office.
