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

Fire prevention on boats

by Stuart Batley | Emergencies, Preparation

Fire prevention on boats – common causes of fire: • Smoking below decks • Galley cookers • Build-up of butane or propane gas in the bilges • Faulty wiring • Petrol/gasoline vapour in engine bay • Flammable paints and solvents Fire onboard a boat –...

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...

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...