advice Archives - Safe Skipper Boating & Safety Afloat Apps for phones & tablets

Boat Improvements

by Safe Skipper | Boat Maintenance, Preparation

My Boat – practical improvements Author – Mike Rossiter Most boat owners who have had their craft for any length of time will have made what they consider are ‘improvements’. If the boat changes hands the new owner will scratch his/her head and...

Passage Planning Advice & Safety for skippers

by Stuart Batley | Navigation, Preparation

Passage planning helps you to: • Decide where to go • Calculate how long it will take to get there • Avoid bad weather • Take advantage of favourable tides • Be aware of possible hazards, eg shipping lanes, tidal overfalls • Decide a watch system • Decide if the crew...

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...

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...