Safety at Sea Home Page
Handouts Crew Safety Brief list Safety elements RNLI lifejacket maintenance
'Seamanship is about:
- Adam Nicolson, "Seamanship"
The best all round learning resource I have found is the CD ROM produced by the RNLI. See their website at RNLI.sea and beach safety
Fill in the form for free Safety on the Sea booklet, which also contain the invaluable safety CDROM, with learning aids to buoys, Colregs, safety, etc.. If you are interested in the Safety on the Sea videos contact RNLI on 01202 663174 for further details.
See Here for Lifejacket use and maintenance: rnli_lifejackets.pdf
The RNLI run a free SEAcheck (Safety Equipment Advisory) service when an experienced skipper checks your safety gear and chats for an hour (or more!) about safety and your approach to it. Very useful. Contact the RNLI at Poole HQ http://www.rnli.org.uk/ for your local organiser.
You can register details of your boat (CG 66 scheme) on line with the Coast Guard at https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/public/cg66/
MCGA Maritime Safety Broadcasts- here
Safety equipment check list - Equipment check list
The most important factor is the crew and their knowledge of the factors affecting safety listed below. The best gear in the world will be no use without your skill and control of the situation. Basic skills in boat preparation, navigation, weather, first aid and emergency drills are essential.

Safety Briefing Checklist |
|
|
Radio |
Ø Procedures and operation in emergency / MAYDAY |
| First Aid | Ø Location of kit |
|
Engine |
Ø Procedures for start and stop |
|
Navigation Lights |
Ø Use and battery conservation |
|
Navigating |
Ø Method of navigating to a suitable port or refuge |
|
Fire fighting equipment |
Ø Location and operation |
|
Gas cooker |
Ø Switch on/off routine and gas alarms |
|
Bilge pumps |
Ø Location and routine, gas build up |
|
Seacocks |
Ø Location and operation |
|
Heads |
Ø Correct operation. NB dry position at sea |
|
Hatch discipline |
Ø Fore hatches and windows to be shut at sea |
|
Lifejackets / Harnesses |
Ø Lifejackets and Harnesses policy |
|
Cooking |
Ø Bums and scalds prevention, wear oilskins |
|
Friction burns/crush injuries |
Ø Correct handling procedures |
|
EPIRB |
Ø Location and use |
|
Flares |
Ø Location and use |
|
Searchlight |
Ø Location (Day) and Ready Use Stowages |
|
Lookouts at Sea |
Ø Need, reports |
|
Knives |
Ø Yachts knife, personal knives |
|
Man Overboard procedures |
Ø Heave to, engine, sails, practise asap |
|
Oscar / Lifesling |
Ø Location and use |
|
Abandon Ship |
Ø Liferaft brief |
|
|
|
|
General |
|
|
Smoking |
Ø Not below nor when handling sails. |
|
Oilskins |
Ø Donning and wet areas |
|
Tidiness and Hygiene |
Ø Consideration for others, feeding, personal gear |
|
Ensign and Burgee |
Ø Burgee port signal halyard |
|
Noise |
Ø Alongside other yachts, crew asleep, fog |
Medical |
Ø Ask crew members privately to inform skipper of any conditions requiring continuing medication. |
|
Alcohol |
Ø Advise of risks to safety. |
|
Sunburn and Exposure |
Ø Hazards and symptoms |
|
Seasickness |
Ø Prevention and recognition |
|
|
|
|
Deck |
|
|
Head sail |
Ø Bending on, sheet leads, changing |
|
Mast |
Ø Halyards, topping lifts etc |
|
Mainsail |
Ø Reefing arrangements, clew outhaul |
|
Winches |
Ø Operation, safety, security of handles |
|
Jackstay, secure points |
Ø For clipping on |
|
Safety Equipment |
Ø Life rafts, Dan buoys and lights, heaving lines |
|
Ropes and Fenders |
Ø How to tie on and store |
posted 5th November 2009