SAFETY & MAINTENANCE
In many ways, owning a boat is just like owning a car. As well as insurance and finance, you need to know how to drive your vehicle safely and how to maintain it properly.
SAFETY
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
LIFE JACKETS
Life Jackets not only provide buoyancy to keep your head above water but also protect against the effects of exposure should you fall in the water. They are a must for children and pets but, should you prefer not to wear one all the time, you should at least have access to one no matter how good a swimmer you are.
MOBILE PHONES
Not all boats are fitted with VHF radio but, whether they are or not, a mobile phone is likely to be very useful particularly in a crisis. Just make sure it is fully charged, has a waterproof cover, and perhaps has ready logged useful numbers such as the coastguard, your marina or sailing club. (If you live or sail in an area where mobile reception is poor, it may be worth investing a portable VHF radio for which you will need a licence).
WEATHER CONDITIONS
What’s the forecast? How strong is the wind and which direction is it coming from? What’s the likely sea state, visibility, temperature? Before going out in your boat, it is good to have this sort of information and there are several websites or mobile phone services that can provide it.
MAINTENANCE
You will avoid difficulties in the future if you make sure your equipment is reasonably maintained and regularly checked.
ENGINES
Check oil, water, fuel levels, water inlet filter, water cooling system etc. Run the engine for a short while before leaving to ensure the fuel filter is not blocked or fuel contaminated.
SAILBOATS
Check all winches, rigging, sails and wind anemometer.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Check any electrical equipment regularly including navigation lights, horn, sonar and GPS.
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+44 (0)77606 25727
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