How to Follow Basic Sailing Safety Rules
Basic sailing safety rules create a secure environment for you and your passengers. There are many factors to consider when out on the ocean or on a lake from a float plan to weather safety. The US Coast Guard and the International Sailing Federation have complied regulations to ensure boating safety.
- Create a float plan. A float plan is the detailed emergency plan for any water vessel. The float plan is filed with a person on shore detailing the vessel, equipment, passengers, crew and planned destination. Include names and estimated time of return in your float plan. The details of how to create a float plan is on the USCG Boating Safety Resource Center.
- Take boating safety courses. According to the USCG, 70 percent of all accidents are caused by operational error.
- Understand weather conditions. Weather can change rapidly on the ocean. Fog can come in quickly distorting visibility. Verify weather conditions before sailing. If the weather should suddenly change, radio in to the marina or to a friend or family member and come back to shore if you feel threatened.
- Always have a working two-way radio. Though not often, if the radio on board malfunctions, have a back-up radio in the event of emergencies and to listen to weather reports.
- Wear your life jacket. By law, there is to be a life jacket for every person sailing.
- Keep a well-stocked first aid kit handy. It is also a good idea to have an AED or an emergency defibrillator and portable rebreather.
- Have an atmospheric water generator to provide fresh water. Atmospheric water generators make water without desalination from the humidity in the air. They are relatively inexpensive and provide necessary fresh water without bringing plastic bottles to throw away.
- Wear a sunblock or UVA filtering cream. Protect yourself from sunburn, fluid loss through the skin and sunstroke.