Planning
ahead is the best way to go and, although there are many ways
to stay safe at sea, here are five top tips from the Royal National
Lifeboat Institution – a charity that exists to save lives
at sea.
1. Wear
a lifejacket
Boating can be extremely unpredictable. If you find yourself in
the water, a correctly fitted lifejacket could be your lifesaver!
2. Engine
and fuel checks
When was your engine last serviced? Are you sure it’ll get
you home? Always check you have enough fuel for the trip and carry
reserve fuel.
3. Tell
others where you’re going
Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be
back. They’ll raise the alarm if you’re overdue.
4. Calling
for help
How will you call for help in an emergency? VHF is best because
you are broadcasting to many others on the water who may be listening
to your call. Mobile phones are an option but you may not get
adequate reception at sea and the person you are calling may not
be able to answer. Flares are essential too.
5. Weather
and tides
Before you head out, always check weather forecasts and tide times
to make sure it is safe to go.
Fire
is the most dreaded emergency at sea and prevention is the key
to averting disaster. Passengers are admonished not to use travel
irons in their staterooms and to be certain that other appliances,
such as curling irons, are turned off when not in use. Just as
on land, everyone on board should practice normal precautions
throughout the vessel with smoking materials and never smoke in
bed. Lit cigarettes should never be thrown overboard as they can
be drawn into an opening on a lower deck. However, the three primary
fire danger zones on a ship are the laundry, galley, and engine
room. For that reason, proper maintenance is essential. Galley
ducts are cleaned on a regular basis as are clothes dryer lint
traps. Machinery is monitored closely.
