The Top Sailing Tips Every Sailor Must Know
Many people love sailing. It is challenging, exciting, and relaxing at the same time. However, no matter where you are sailing or what you are sailing, one thing you must consider is safety. No matter how much experience you have when it comes to sailing, it is always good to review boating safety rules and practices before you leave the dock.
Here are some of the top safety tips you can check out if you want to boat responsibly and enjoy the moment.
Make sure that you have all the safety gear.
You never know when n emergency might strike, so you should be prepared for any situation. You should have some essential items before you leave the dock. These items include:
- Life jackets
- Fire extinguisher
- Whistle
- First aid kit
- Ropes
- Flashlight
- Duct tape
- Bring proper life jackets.
Life jackets keep you afloat, but some are designed to turn an unconscious person face-to-face and help prevent hypothermia. All boats are required to have a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on the boat. Even children are required to wear life jackets. It would help if you chose a life jacket right for you in terms of height and weight.
- Plan ahead
No matter your level of experience of sailing, you should always plan ahead of time. Pick the right boat that’s suitable for your needs. Get the local charts of the area you want to sail and plot your course before leaving the dock. Check the weather condition as well. Warm, sunny days are perfect for sailing, but you can’t always predict when a storm will come. Wear shoes that have a non-slip sole and familiarize yourself with any local sailing rules and regulations. You can even bring along your boat cover just to protect your boat.
- Check for harmful fumes.
After you have refueled the boat, you should open all the hatches and smell for fumes. If you detect any, you shouldn’t start the engine. Carbon monoxide may accumulate in your boat and surprisingly knock you or the people on board unconscious. Some of the places where fumes and gasses can accumulate include enclosed spaces, inadequately ventilated canvas enclosures, and blocked exhaust outlets.
- Apply common sense on the water
Rules on the water are almost the same as rules on the road. It’s critical to use common sense like staying alert at all times, ensuring that the people onboard remain safely within the boat’s railings, and operating at a safe speed. Applying common sense can go a long way in minimizing dangers.
- Follow proper docking procedures.
Docking can be a challenge, depending on the wind, current, and the type of boat. As you approach the shore or dock, you should ensure that the bumpers are out to prevent causing damage to the craft. You should also reduce your speed and ensure that docking lines are secured.
- Take a boating safety course.
Most of the accidents that happen in water are caused by operator error. Before you leave the dock, you must be aware of the rules and your responsibilities. There are plenty of online courses that you can choose.