by Stuart Batley | Boat Maintenance, Navigation, Preparation
Understanding tides when passage planning When planning a trip in tidal waters, check the tides before going afloat. Use almanacs, charts, tide tables and tidal stream atlases to gather all the data you need. It is advisable to have a written note of tidal data for...
by Safe Skipper | Boat Handling, Navigation, Preparation
Sailing & Motoring in Fog You can only measure the visibility accurately if sailing & motoring in fog when you have another object in sight so assume that it is less than you think. It can take time to ‘see’ another vessel as you may not be looking directly at...
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...
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...
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...