SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Safety equipment is something on which you cannot spend too much money.

While it is probably not possible to cover every eventuality, there are some pieces of safety equipment without which you should not set foot on your boat. We have made up a check list of safety equipment which we suggest you consider. Every item on the list is important, but in our view the first five items are essential.This list does not pretend to be exhaustive, and further advice and information is readily available from the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboats Institution), the Coast Guard or other appropriate organisations in your country.

CHECKLIST
1. Lifejackets / PFDs…one for every person on board.
2. Distress Flares.
3. Anchor complete with chain and rope.
4. Paddles / Oars.
5. First Aid Kit.
6. VHF Radio.
7. GPS.
8. Depth Sounder.
9. Fire Extinguisher.
10. Pump / Bailer.
11. Selection of Spare Ropes.
12. Lifebuoy / Throw Lines.
13. Heat Retaining Blanket

The list has been made up with small coastal leisure craft in mind, but we hope it will also be useful to other mariners. Those venturing further offshore or in busy shipping lanes, or navigating at night, might also consider, among other items: Commercial craft of every description are required by law to carry certain specified items of safety equipment in most countries. In some countries similar regulations apply also to small inshore leisure craft. You must familiarise yourself with the regulations of the country in whose waters you go boating.

Click here for our guidelines on general boat handling.

Bulloch Harbour, Dalkey, Co.Dublin, Ireland. Tel: +353 -1- 2800321( 9Lines) Fax:+353 -1- 2800327
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