Getting a tow for your sail or power boat at sea or on inland waterways

by Stuart Batley | Boat Handling, Communications, Emergencies

FREE tips from the Safe Skipper App for iPhone/iPad/Android: Getting a tow for your sail or power boat Plan how to secure a tow rope to your boat. The tow rope must be attached to strong deck fittings As a rescue boat approaches, warn them of any debris or loose lines...

Always have an emergency grab bag to hand when at sea…

by Stuart Batley | Boat Handling, Emergencies, Preparation

Grab bag: In the event of having to abandon ship, it is recommended to have a designated waterproof bag to carry essential emergency items. These might include items already in use on the boat, as well as some already stored in the bag. Emergency at...

Distress flares – which flare, how & when to use?

by Stuart Batley | Emergencies, Preparation

How to use distress flares at sea Flares should be kept in a waterproof container in an easily accessible location such as a cockpit locker. There are several types of flare for different purposes: Red handheld flares: Use as a line of sight distress signal by day and...

Boat Engine Failure – what to check

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Emergencies, Preparation

Engine failure If your engine fails or is overheating there are a number of things to check immediately: • Air filter blocked – check, clean or replace • Cooling water low – fill when engine is cold. Check for leaking hoses • Exhaust pipe blocked • Fuel...

Man Overboard Drill

by Stuart Batley | Boat Handling, Emergencies, Preparation

How to respond to crew overboard under sail • Keep the MOB in sight • Tack into the heave-to position, do not adjust the headsail sheets • If under spinnaker, alter course to windward and haul sail down immediately • Throw buoyancy to the MOB • Mark MOB with dan buoy...

Boating emergency – how to broadcast a MAYDAY emergency call

by Stuart Batley | Communications, Emergencies

How to broadcast a MAYDAY emergency call How to broadcast a MAYDAY emergency call if a vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger and immediate assistance is required: • Check that your VHF radio is on and high power setting is selected Select Channel 16...

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SafeSkipper5 hours ago

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Check out our 2 articles on cleaning & polishing topsides! http://ow.ly/ME4U50F34e7 #BoatMaintenance #Yachting #Sailing

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It is quite common to find cracks in the gelcoat when inspecting the deck and superstructure of a GRP boat and it's really important to be able to differentiate between a gelcoat crack and a scratch. Read our guide here: https://www.safe-skipper.com/stress-cracks-on-grp-boats/ #sailing #yachting #BoatMaintenance

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In use worldwide, our IALA Buoyage & Lights sailing and marine APP provides skippers and crew with the essential quick reference knowledge they need to quickly recognise and interpret buoys and light markers and improve safety at sea: http://ow.ly/Xir450F34W1 #Sailing #SafetyAtSea

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Getting a tow for your sail or power boat at sea or on inland waterways

Always have an emergency grab bag to hand when at sea…

Distress flares – which flare, how & when to use?

Boat Engine Failure – what to check

Man Overboard Drill

Boating emergency – how to broadcast a MAYDAY emergency call

Facebook

SafeSkipper

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