By keeping safe, you will feel more confident on your boat and, as a result, have more fun! You need to be aware of what’s going on around you and be able to deal with any unforeseen situation.
(1) Understanding the rules of the road
With a car, you need an understanding of the Highway Code. Similarly you should not drive or sail a boat, whether it is on a canal, river or the sea, without knowing the rules.
Irrespective of the type of boat, when sailing on the sea it is a good idea to have a reference book (such as Reed’s Skipper Handbook) to hand. This will provide you with essential information for sailing around the coast of Britain plus information on tides, navigation, reading charts, types of knots and buoys, use of ropes, boat lights and sounds, anchoring, rights of way, safety procedures and assessing the weather.
Equivalent books for boating on canals and rivers are available from the Inland Waterways Association.
Boat Safety & Training at RYA.
(2) Knowing how to handle your boat
You must be able to control your boat, operate it in different weathers and at close quarters. When you buy a boat from Power Marine, whether brand new or pre-owned, you will receive comprehensive training including full handover and boat orientation. In some cases, we can carry this out pre-delivery provided we have access to the same model.
Even if you have owned a boat before, it is still a good idea to undertake some training.
(3) Looking after yourself