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

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

by Safe Skipper | Emergencies, Preparation

How to use distress flares at sea To effectively use distress flares at sea, you need to understand the different types, their purpose, and the correct deployment procedures. Distress flares should only be used when you are in a situation of grave and imminent danger...

Liferafts

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, First Aid at Sea, Yacht ownership

A liferaft is an essential piece of equipment to carry on offshore or coastal passages and should be regularly serviced by professionals according to manufacturers’ recommendations. Liferafts should be stowed where they are ready for immediate launching. All...

How to cope with an emergency at sea

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Yacht ownership

We enjoy ourselves on the water knowing full well there are risks attached. The same applies to most sporting activities and many leisure pursuits, but this does not put us off indulging in such fulfilling pastimes. A safe skipper will be mentally prepared for all...

Sending distress signals

by Simon Jollands | Boat Handling, Communications, Crewing skills, Emergencies, Yacht ownership

How to send and receive emergency radio calls In an emergency situation at sea, it is a top priority is to know how to send and receive emergency radio calls and alert others of your predicament. Likewise, if you receive a distress signal, you must be ready to go to...

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...