Stuart Batley

The VHF DSC Radio jargon buster

by Stuart Batley | Communications, Preparation

AIS – Automatic Identification System This system is used by shipping. It allows another vessel or coast station to use equipment that can interrogate the radio in order to learn the course, speed, type of vessel, cargo, etc. It is also available to recreational...

Safety Equipment Checklist for Boats

by Stuart Batley | Boat Maintenance, Preparation

Safety Equipment Checklist for Boats Liferaft line attached The liferaft will not work unless the trigger line is attached to a strong point so check this out. Lifejackets in good condition and stowed Lifejackets are often stowed in a locker and...

Dag Pike’s Boat Survey

by Stuart Batley | Boat Handling, Boat Maintenance, Preparation

We’re really pleased to be working with Dag Pike on some great new apps for iPhone & Android. Here’a a bit more about the first app: Dag Pike’s Boat Inspection App Dag began his career as a merchant captain, went on to test RNLI lifeboats, and...

Fire safety advice at sea from the Marine & Coastguard Agency

by Stuart Batley | Emergencies, Preparation

Fire safety advice for boaters Top fire safety advice at sea: 1. Fit smoke alarms, carbon monoxide and gas detectors 2. Turn fuel off properly after use 3. Dispose of cigarettes carefully. Put them out, right out 4. Make sure appliances are installed and maintained by...

Essential Boat Spares for Safety

by Stuart Batley | Boat Maintenance, Preparation

Boats Spares Tool kit What you carry in the boats tool kit will be useful for many boat repairs, but you might want to add some more tools to the list. Spare shackles Shackles have been known to break and also useful for emergency repairs to the rig....