USCG Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Safe Skipper Boating & Safety Afloat Apps for phones & tablets

Know your Navlights & Shapes – essential for all skippers

by Stuart Batley | Communications, Navigation, Preparation

Know your Navlights & Shapes International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (ColRegs) Anyone who is responsible for a vessel at sea, from the smallest dinghy to an ocean going supertanker, day or night, must be able to recognise other vessels and...

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...

Boating Rules of the Road – International ColRegs

by Stuart Batley | Navigation, Preparation

International ColRegs Rule 7: Risk of Collision Anyone who is responsible for a vessel at sea, from the smallest dinghy to an ocean going supertanker, must be able to recognise other vessels around them day or night, whatever the visibility. They need to...

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...