Guidance

Get the right boat for the job

Be realistic about the size and type of boat you can handle. Bigger does not necessarily mean better – you can learn more and have just as much fun by starting out with a boat that is comparatively small.

  • Get expert advice when buying. An independent survey by a marine expert will show if the boat is in good, seaworthy condition and assess the standard of equipment.
  • If you hire or charter, make sure the boat is comprehensively insured with full cover for all crew. Check that the boat is fully equipped with safety equipment and that all paperwork is in order. Check that the Inspection Certificate is in date.
  • For more advice on buying or charter, visit www.boatingadvice.com provided by the British Marine Federation.

Master basic skills

  • Before setting out, you and your crew must possess sufficient skill to use the boat safely. This means acquiring basic knowledge of boat handling, navigation, meteorology, rules of the road, use of safety equipment and maintenance of the boat and its engine.
  • The RYA administers comprehensive training schemes for all abilities; for information call them on 0845 345 0400.

Dressed for action

The crew must stay dry and warm, whatever the weather. All crew members should have access to suitable clothing, which is fully functional and will help protect against hypothermia when they are on deck or facing an emergency.

  • Base and mid layers should be fleece and fibre pile garments, which trap warm air and provide quick drying comfort. Thermal headgear can play a major role in helping to conserve body heat.
  • The outer layer should preferably be dedicated marine gear for foul weather use. Chest high trousers and jacket with high collar, hood and storm cuffs will provide a complete barrier against rain, spray and wind. Breathable fabrics, which transmit sweat to the outside, are likely to provide the best performance. Bright colours and retro-reflective strips are strongly recommended. Some jackets have built in lifejackets and harness.
  • Yachting boots will provide the necessary warmth and protection in poor conditions or an emergency. They must have effective non-slip soles and should pull on and off easily. Yachting shoes provide the best possible grip, which is vital when moving round the deck.
  • Marine gloves help protect the hands from abrasive modern ropes and any possible injuries. They will also keep out the cold.

Wearing lifejackets

  • A boat should have sufficient lifejackets for all aboard. This means having lifejackets which will fit all of your crew including children.
  • It is the skipper's responsibility to show the crew where lifejackets are stowed, how to don and secure them and when and how to operate them.
  • It is good practice for all the crew to wear a lifejacket when on deck. Non-swimmers and those with poor swimming ability should wear a lifejacket at all times when in, on, or near the water. Remember - it is important to use the crotch straps.
  • Always wear a lifejacket in poor weather or at night, or when instructed to by the skipper of the vessel.

Understanding lifejackets

Lifejacket buoyancy is measured in newtons – 10 newtons equals 1kg of flotation. There are four European standards for lifejackets which must all carry the CE mark:

1. Buoyancy aids with 50 newtons are only for use by swimmers in sheltered waters when help is close at hand. They are not guaranteed to turn a person from a face-down position in the water.

2. The 100 newton lifejacket is for those who may have to wait for rescue but are likely to be in sheltered and calm water.

3. The 150 newton lifejacket is for general offshore and rough weather use, where a high standard of performance is required.

4. The 275 newton lifejacket is primarily for offshore and extreme conditions and for those wearing heavy protective clothing.

Lifejackets are available with a choice of foam-only buoyancy, air-only buoyancy or air-foam buoyancy.

  • Air lifejackets may be automatically activated on entering the water or can be inflated manually or orally. They must be checked and maintained as recommended by the manufacturer. Spare gas cylinders should be carried on board.
  • It is recommended that all lifejackets are fitted with a whistle, light and retro-reflective strips and should have crotch straps.
  • Crotch straps should be fastened under the crotch NOT on the outside of the hips. There is a real risk of drowning if lifejackets are not fitted properly.

Emergency electronics

VHF and GMDSS

  • A VHF radio will enable you to summon help by calling the Coastguard and alerting other vessels on Channel 16.
  • VHF radios with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) are equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which allows a distress alert to be transmitted at the touch of a button.

EPIRBs

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are a feature of the GMDSS system. They transmit a one-way distress signal, which can be activated manually or automatically. For instance, if a boat sinks, an EPIRB fitted with a Hydrostatic Release Unit will float free and automatically transmit a distress signal, which relays its exact position to the nearest Coastguard co-ordination centre. An active EPIRB also enables lifeboats or helicopters to obtain a direct radio bearing. Ensure your EPIRB is correctly installed and make regular checks of the battery and hydrostatic release. For more information about GMDSS contact your local Coastguard Maritime Rescue Centre.

Radio licensing

Make sure your boat has an up-to-date radio licence. If you fit DSC equipment, you will need to obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. For more information contact the Radio Licensing Centre, Bristol on 0870 243 4433.

EPIRB registering

It is vital that your EPIRB is registered so that full details of your boat are known if the EPIRB is activated. Registration is provided free of charge by the MCA. Do not transfer your EPIRB to another boat without informing the MCA of necessary changes. If you sell a boat with an EPIRB, it must be registered to the new owner.

Mobile phones

Never rely on the use of a mobile phone to replace marine VHF radio for distress and safety calls. It is not a safe or reliable substitute! However it may be useful in some circumstances.

  • In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
  • The service is free – the Coastguard is always there to help.

Training

Make sure you are properly trained and qualified so you can operate your radio effectively. The skipper should attend a recognised Short Range Certificate (SRC) or Long Range Certificate (LRC) course. It is a legal requirement that at least one member of the crew is qualified to use the equipment on board. The RYA administers the Short Range Certificate (SRC), with a course typically held over one day to include routine, safety, urgency and distress communications as well as radio voice procedures and techniques. Make sure your crew knows how to operate your VHF radio or EPIRB. There is a risk of setting off a false distress alert without proper training.

Close at hand

Lifebuoys

Some boats do not carry a lifebuoy in the belief that they are likely to be traveling too fast for practical use. However all offshore lifeboats carry lifebuoys as a safety aid that can be thrown to a man overboard (MOB) casualty. A lifebuoy should be mounted where it can quickly be thrown overboard. It should be marked with the boat's name and retro-reflective tape and fitted with a drogue to prevent drifting, a whistle to attract attention and an automatic light (projecting a continuous beam) or a strobe.

Flares

Day and night distress flares are an essential part of a boat's safety equipment and should be stored in a suitable waterproof container.

  • Make sure the crew know where flares are stored. For safe use get them to read the instructions printed on the sides – it will be too late on a dark and stormy night!
  • Ensure that you have the correct quantity per the RYA recommended list for the type of boating you do.
  • All flares must be in-date.

First aid

A comprehensive first aid kit and basic first aid knowledge could prove invaluable until professional assistance arrives. It is recommended that at least one crew member should have a current first aid certificate.

Throwing lines

A throwing line should be carried for instant use on deck, regardless of whether the boat is fitted with a lifebuoy. The brightly coloured floating line is coiled inside a throwing sack, with a wrist-loop or handle to retain the pulling end. Achieving a long distance throw with good accuracy requires practice, with a possible reach of over 20m.

Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers and fire blankets must be checked and maintained in line with manufacturers' recommendations. Make sure they are stowed correctly and fully accessible and that every crew member knows when and how to use them. Check fire extinguisher pressure and expiry date.

Liferafts

Liferafts are essential for extended passages. They can be hired for this purpose for as little as £1 a day.

  • The liferaft must be regularly serviced in line with the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • The number of crew on the boat should not exceed the capacity of the liferaft.
  • The liferaft should be stowed in a position where it is ready for immediate launching. Never stow it below deck or beneath other equipment.
  • A hydrostatic release should be used if the liferaft is stowed above deck (two year life span).
  • If generally secured against theft in the marina/mooring, remove the padlocks and ensure the hydrostatic release is operational before sailing.
  • You should be familiar with the safety/survival equipment carried in your liferaft.
  • Emergency equipment such as an EPIRB, hand-held VHF, flares, first aid kit, water and thermal protective aids must be taken, if not already in the liferaft. This can be provided in a grab bag which is stored in an easily accessible locker on the boat.
  • Know your liferaft. Ask the service agent if you and your crew can be present when it is inflated for service. This will show you how it inflates and where the gear is stowed.

Planning a trip

Weather check

Always check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared to change your plans. Services of particular relevance might include:

  • Met Office online – www.meto.gov.uk
  • Marine mobile services via SMS or WAP
  • Marinecall National Inshore forecasts Audio – 09014 737460

Organising the crew

Ensure the crew is sufficiently prepared for any trip. Be aware of their limitations – particularly young children – and try not to expect too much from them if you

Organising the boat

When preparing to use a boat that is new to you, familiarise yourself with its good and bad points by making short inshore voyages.

  • Produce and display a list of important pieces of information, including fuel capacity, maximum endurance, gallons/litres per hour, how to deal with water ingress, how to pump bilges and how to jury rig.
  • Make an absolute rule that all crew must be safely seated or holding on when the boat is at speed.
  • Brief the crew on all safety issues including use of lifejackets and harnesses. Ensure extra care is taken with flammable materials and when turning off the gas.
  • Give the crew specific duties to avoid confusion during the journey.
  • Provide clear instructions before mooring or anchoring.

Regular servicing of all safety equipment is highly recommended

Be aware of the limitations of your boat. Do not over estimate its speed or ability to deal with difficult conditions.

  • Accept that you may be slowed by foul tide or poor weather.
  • Check all relevant charts, tide tables and pilots. Take those that are required on board.
  • Do your navigation before you set off. Slow down or stop if there is any doubt. Never rely solely on GPS.
  • It is better to be pessimistic when estimating the duration of a trip. Work out alternative strategies that include putting into safe havens en route and always carry a third more fuel than you require.
  • Leave details of a planned trip with a reliable person on shore. This should include destination and route, expected times of departure and arrival, description of boat and contact names for all people on board. Keep shore contact advised of any changes.
  • On a long passage it is good practice to inform the Coastguard of your plans and estimated time of arrival.
  • Check all radio equipment is functioning fully before setting out – conduct radio checks with local marinas.

Around the deck

  • Guard rails provide a safety barrier round the main cockpit and foredeck.
  • Treat any slippery areas with non-skid paint or stick-on strips. Pay particular attention to the tops of hatches and sloping coachroof sides.
  • 'Bow riding' is potentially dangerous and has been made illegal in some countries.
  • Avoid standing next to a working radar antenna.
  • Slow down in bumpy conditions or when there are waves ahead. Warn everyone when the boat is going to change speed or direction, or is about to hit unexpected waves. Give them time to sit or hold on securely. No one should be on the foredeck.
  • Make sure all deck gear is securely stowed, including loose mooring lines and the anchor.
  • When a line or painter is secured at one end, make sure it is not likely to foul the propeller if it falls over the side.
  • Check fixings and equipment stowed on deck regularly for deterioration.

Radio sense

Maintain a good radio watch when at sea, using the recommended channels for distress, calling and ship movements. Keep information about correct radio distress procedures and your call sign adjacent to the radio. The MCA produce stickers for this purpose, available from our PR department.

Mal de mer!

Seasickness strikes down many a sailor, particularly those with little to occuoy their mind. Its effects are dangerous if the crew becomes too incapacitated to maintain proper control of the boat:

  • Seasickness medication works for some people and should be taken well before the trip. Check the instructions for possible side effects, which may include drowsiness.
  • Don't get cold and miserable. Dress up warmly and take a spell at the wheel to occupy your mind.
  • If a crew member feels sick, the skipper must decide if it is necessary to seek shelter before the problem gets worse.
  • Get someone to help if you need to be sick. The boat must stop, but there may still be an unpleasant motion and hanging over the side is potentially dangerous. The safest and easiest solution may be to use a bucket in the cockpit.
  • Don't continue on an empty stomach. Dry toast, bread or plain biscuits are all good fill-ups. You must drink plenty of water to offset dehydration.

Drink and drugs

Be sensible about drinking alcohol, as not only will it impair your judgement, but also reduce your ability to survive cold temperatures or in the water. It as irresponsible for a skipper and crew to be in charge of a vessel under the influence of alcohol as it is for the driver of a car. Beware of the side effects of any medication which may impair judgement and reduce the effectiveness of the person concerned.

Rules of the road

  • It is the responsibility of the skipper to maintain a good look-out at all times.
  • An overtaking boat must always keep clear.
  • There is a risk of collision if the bearing of an approaching vessel remains constant.
  • Vessels of less than 20m should not impede vessels using a traffic separation scheme or confined to a narrow channel.
  • Give way to vessels fishing, vessels not under command, vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre or vessels constrained by their draught. Never hinder the passage of commercial vessels.
  • Avoid diving vessels that are flying the blue and white A flag – diver down.
  • Be aware that divers may also be using a surface marker buoy to indicate their position. Keep clear.

The primary role of these rules is to prevent collisions. They rely on common sense and good practice to succeed. This is only a brief summary. Complete 'International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea' should be on board every yacht and motor cruiser and are available here (LINK NEEDED). 14

Remember Don't drag!

A length of chain adds weight and greatly improves the holding capability of an anchor. The amount of chain and rope should be at least five times the depth of water.

Be seen!

Radar reflectors will help your boat to be 'seen' by larger vessels, particularly in reduced visibility. A radar can check the approach of other vessels, but don't forget to use the GPS to confirm your position and keep a good lookout as well!

Shiver me timbers!

It is the skipper's responsibility to keep the crew dry and warm. A wet, cold crew will not be able to function effectively, which may endanger both boat and crew. The onset of hypothermia is often accompanied by lack of reason and judgement.

Calling for help

If you are in distress and immediate assistance is required, a DSC Distress Alert should be sent before the MAYDAY procedure. This Distress Alert will activate all alarms in any DSC radios within range and alert any radio operators to listen on the distress working channel for the subsequent MAYDAY call. The DSC alert also contains your identification number (MMSI) and a valid position.

Do not rely solely on the DSC alert. It should be immediately followed by emergency radio procedures on VHF Channel 16.

Firing flares

  • Familiarise yourself with the firing instructions.
  • It is vital to aim parachute flares well clear of any radio masts or superstructure. Fire them slightly downwind so they achieve maximum height. Do not fire parachute flares if a helicopter is close by.
  • Fire all flares to leeward and downwind so that smoke and debris is blown away.

For more information on flares, contact the RNLI.

Fire on board

If you have a fire on board:

  • Notify the emergency services.
  • Move both the crew and liferaft as far as possible from the seat of the fire and put on your lifejackets.
  • Get everyone on deck and take all the fire extinguishers with you.
  • Fire requires oxygen. Reduce the supply of air by sealing vents and hatches.
  • Do not enter any smoke filled space. Try not to breathe in any smoke, as it may be poisonous.
  • Try to extinguish the fire where possible. Use a fire blanket to smother small fires. When using a fire extinguisher, try to hold it upright.
  • Rig a sea anchor/droug so that smoke and flames blow downwind. Rig it from the stern or stem, whichever is appropriate.

Getting a tow

  • Have a plan for securing the towline to your boat when it is passed by the rescue boat. Practice this as a routine drill.
  • As a lifeboat approaches, the coxswain will inform you of his intentions. Advise him of hazards such as ropes or netting in the water. Follow his instructions – he is the expert.
  • Do not secure the towline to fittings that are not strong enough for the job. If in doubt, back up the towline using additional ropes led to other cleats and strong points on deck.
  • Avoid using knots or loops that cannot be released under load. Where possible provide protection to prevent chafe of the tow rope, such as running it through the bow fair lead. Click here for more information about knot types
  • Some boats will tow better using a bridle rather than a single line. You may be passed a small canvas drogue for streaming astern, particularly if you have lost your rudder. This will make the tow more manageable and reduce the chance of broaching in following seas.
  • If you accept a tow from a commercial or private vessel, it is wise to check if any fee is expected. There is no 'salvage' fee when you are towed by a lifeboat, but a voluntary contribution to the RNLI is always very welcome.
  • If you are acting as the tow vessel in poor weather add something heavy i.e. 2 or 3m of chain, to the middle of the rope.

Helicopter rescue

  • Use a red hand-held or orange smoke flare as a signal to the helicopter if requested when they approach. Never fire parachute flares or mini flares when the helicopter is close by.
  • Once contact has been made, the pilot will tell you his intentions. Follow these instructions – he is the expert.
  • Make sure you understand what the pilot has said as you will not be able to hear your radio when the helicopter is overhead.
  • Winching normally takes place from the stern of the vessel. Ensure there is a clear area and that loose gear and debris is secured or cleared away. Beware that the helicopter downdraught can be very strong.
  • Never secure the winch cable to any part of your vessel and always follow the winchman’s instructions.
  • If possible keep the vessel as steady as you can. You will be given instructions regarding course and speed if you have power available. Watch your course, not the helicopters.
  • Allow the winch wire to earth in the water before grabbing it. Ensure it does not snag on anything. Never secure it to the boat.
  • If the Hi-Line technique is to be used, have a bucket to hand to collect loose line on deck.

Man overboard

Prevention is better than cure

Ensure all actions and safety precautions have been taken to prevent someone falling overboard.

  • Practice MOB drills in all weather and sea conditions using a bucket and fender.
  • Always wear a lifejacket and harness that is correctly clipped on.
  • Taking a 'leak' over the side is potentially dangerous – even when the boat has stopped. If you can't face using the heads, a 'bucket-and-chuck-it' is far safer.
  • Make sure you are holding on to secure fixings on the boat at all times.

Overboard

  • Immediately raise the alarm by shouting ‘Man overboard!’
  • Instruct a crew member to watch the person in the water and point continuously.
  • Alert the emergency services and let them know what's happened. If you cannot see the person in the water or have any doubts about making a recovery, send out an immediate distress alert.
  • Start your recovery manoeuvre. Beware of loose lines fouling the propeller at all times.
  • If possible note your position. Most navaids have a MOB function which may prove vital if contact is lost. The MOB records where the person fell overboard but does not allow for drift on wind and tide.
  • If you are the only person left on the boat, do not leave the deck as you may become disorientated and lose sight of the casualty.
  • In daylight, throw a buoyant orange smoke signal immediately after the person has fallen overboard.
  • At night, if you have a lifebuoy with a light, throw this immediately after the person has fallen overboard. A white parachute flare can be used to illuminate the area and pick up the retro-reflective tape on the casualty's clothing.
  • If you recover the MOB, inform the emergency services immediately.

If you are the person overboard

  • Shout or whistle
  • Activate your lifejacket
  • Face the boat
  • Activate any lights or beacons you may have
  • Adopt the HEAP position and keep warm
  • Be positive

Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme (CG66)

The Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme (CG66) is administered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and provides vital information in an emergency. If you are at sea and get into difficulty and you are unable to raise assistance, is there anyone ashore who knows what to do if you fail to return at your estimated time? Would a friend or relative know who to contact? Would they have sufficient detail about your vessel and your likely whereabouts to be able to assist the Coastguard to locate you? Would it not be a comfort to know that when you set out, the Coastguard has the details of your vessel on a database that is accessible to all Coastguard Co-ordination Centres throughout the UK so that they have the information they need to mount a search and rescue operation should you get into difficulty? It is simple to join HM Coastguard's CG66 Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme. Visit here to join online, or download the form and send it to your nearest Coastguard Co-ordination Centre. Forms can also be obtained from any Coastguard Co-ordination Centre or Sector Base, MCA Marine Office, RNLI boathouse; or look out for them in your local marina or sailing club. The scheme is free and is for the benefit of the owners and skippers of all types of leisure vessels and small craft.