What to check on your boat - Final checks before setting to sea

My colleagues around the country have been given you advice on what to check on your boat to make sure it’s safe to go on the water and I want to talk to you about the checks you should make each time you plan to set to sea.

The first thing I want to talk about is SOLAS V (Safety Of Life At Sea, Chapter 5) and the COLREGS (Collison Regulations).  These are laws that relate to you and you must be familiar with them, they help to keep you and other people safe at sea.  I’ve include the links to both at the bottom of the page for you.

Next is a question you should ask yourself, ‘does someone know where I’m going and when I will return?’  You should always tell someone so they can alert my colleagues in the UK Coastguard if you don’t come back when expected.

Make sure that you are able to call for help if you need it, check that your radio works and your flares are in date each time you plan to set out and of course, wear your lifejacket when on deck.

Check the weather and tides to make sure you can handle the prevailing conditions and if it’s going to be sunny, take sunscreen.  You’ll thank me for that later.

Finally you need to do some checks on your boat. You need to check your engine oil and water levels, make sure that your sea valves open and close, clean your sea water filters and check your navigation lights.

Although we know that you’re going out on your boat to relax, be responsible about alcohol consumption. Don’t drink and drown, we want you to come home at the end of your trip.

And lastly we want you to enjoy being on the water as much as we do so have fun while you’re out there, and please stay safe.


Capt Danny Hawkins – Master Mariner and Surveyor Belfast Marine Office.


SOLAS V
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/343175/solas_v_on_safety_of_navigation.pdf

COLREGS (Collison Regulations)
http://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/COLREG.aspx

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