Good sailing starts with preparation. Before leaving the harbour, every crew should know what safety equipment is on board, where it is stored and how to use it. Safety equipment is not there only for serious emergencies. It also helps prevent small problems from becoming dangerous situations and gives the crew more confidence when conditions change.
Lifejackets are one of the most important pieces of equipment on any boat. There should be a suitable lifejacket for every person on board, and it should fit correctly. In stronger winds, rough seas, cold water or when sailing at night, wearing a lifejacket is especially important. On many sailing boats, lifejackets may also include a harness or attachment point so that crew members can clip onto the boat when conditions become difficult.
Every boat should also have reliable means of communication. A VHF radio is one of the main tools for contacting other vessels, harbour authorities and rescue services. Crew members should know where the radio is located and understand the basic emergency procedures. A charged mobile phone can be useful as a backup, but it should not be treated as the only means of communication at sea.
Fire safety is another essential part of preparation. Boats usually carry fire extinguishers in accessible locations, especially near the galley, engine compartment or electrical systems. Everyone on board should know where they are and how to use them. It is also important to know how to shut off fuel, gas or electrical systems if necessary.
A well-equipped boat should carry a first-aid kit that is easy to reach. Even minor injuries such as cuts, burns, bruises or seasickness can become difficult to manage if the right supplies are not available. The kit should be checked regularly so that important items are not missing, damaged or expired.
Other important equipment includes visual distress signals, a torch, a sound-signalling device such as a horn or whistle, a lifebuoy or throwable flotation aid, and a means of removing water from the boat, such as a bilge pump. Depending on the type of boat and the area of sailing, additional equipment may include flares, an emergency position beacon, thermal protection, spare navigation lights or safety lines.
Safety equipment is only useful if it works. Before departure, take a few minutes to check that lifejackets are in good condition, the VHF radio is functioning, batteries are charged and emergency equipment is accessible. Equipment that is buried under bags or locked away is of little help when something happens quickly.
The crew should also receive a short safety briefing before the boat leaves the dock. Everyone should know where the lifejackets, fire extinguishers, first-aid kit and emergency communication equipment are kept. They should also understand what to do if someone falls overboard or if the skipper asks for help during an emergency.
You do not need to memorise every piece of equipment on your first day of sailing. What matters is developing the habit of checking the boat before departure and knowing where the essential safety equipment is located. Good seamanship begins long before an emergency happens.
