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.
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.