Organizing safety on board a boat is essential! Whether you are on a sailboat or a motorboat, it is imperative to have the mandatory equipment for your navigation zone. But that’s not all—follow this guide and adopt the right habits!
In nautical terms, this is called "outfitting."
It is defined by Division 240, a summary of which you can find here: Preparing the boat for departure – Division 240 Safety Equipment.
Obviously, simply having the equipment on board is not enough. You must ensure it is in good working order (e.g., flashlights) and that expiration dates have not passed.
Maël explains all of this clearly in the video, which you can watch in its entirety in our level 2 course dedicated to monohulls, or to catamarans and motorboats.
This is what we call the boat's safety plan: Where are the fire-fighting resources located (extinguishers, fire blankets, etc.)?
But where is the valve to shut off the fuel supply hidden?
How to find the seawater intake valves…
It’s a good idea to map out all these points on a diagram so you can find them easily when needed, especially since you don’t look at them all the time!
Taking 5 minutes before departure to show the important features and how the life jacket works can be reassuring for those wearing one for the first time!
Plus, it shows the captain's professionalism ! And in the event of a problem, everyone needs to have absolute confidence in the skipper.
Have an up-to-date chart of the sailing area and know how to determine your position on the chart, whether it’s paper or electronic.
Don't forget to check the Notices to Mariners (AVURNAV) whether for the Atlantic or the Mediterranean.
And finally, don't forget the weather! marine if possible!
And because we may still need them, let's support them!
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