1 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

your message to others. A call on a marine radio is heard by all parties who are within range and there maybe another vessel close by, but out of sight, that can come to your aid within several minutes. You must have someone aboard who has a licence to operate a marine radio understands the requirements. They will know that there is a "silent" period for marine radios, for three minutes after the hour and half hour, to allow any emergency calls to be heard. They will also know when it is appropriate and how to send a "Mayday", a "PanPan" or a "Securite" call and know how to use the "phonetic" alphabet, as this can ensure a clear message is transmitted. The phonetic alphabet replaces letters with words, such as the letter "A" being replaced with the word "Alpha", "B" with "Bravo" etc.

Modern technology has provided the world with the benefits of the "EPIRB", or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The 406MHz beacon can identify the position of the source to within about 5 nautical miles. It is a vital piece of safety equipment on every vessel. It is also important to know where your vessel is, so its position can be reported if needed. While modern satellite navigation equipment, such as a GPS, is useful in this regard, vessels heading off-shore must also have suitable charts of the areas they are heading into, together with a compass and the knowledge of how to read and use that equipment.

Other equipment needed aboard a vessel for safety purposes includes various anchors, including knowing which anchor type will hold in differing ground conditions, bailers and bilge pumps. While an electric bilge pump is useful, the boat should also have a manual pump or at minimum several buckets. The boat must have flares, both red hand-held for night and day and orange smoke for day only, a lifebouy and a V-sheet. Fresh water and torches are also required and an adequate first aid kit should be on board.

If you are to be at sea at night, in rough weather or alone, you should consider wearing a safety harness, therefore being attached to the boat at all time. While some may consider this to be an inconvenience, the chance of finding someone who has fallen overboard at these times is reduced significantly. A common practice among men at sea is to "have a leak" over the side of the boat. Picture the middle of the night, the need to relieve oneself. An unexpected wave hits the boat and overboard. You may not be missed for some time. History shows that the bodies of more

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Safety at sea basics?
We want to hear your view. Write now!