The issue of safety on a yacht cannot be underestimated. It applies to everyone whether you’re an experienced sailor or just starting out. What affects safety on a yacht during sea voyages? Learn the rules that every sailor should know.
Don’t have shipping experience? Sail with a skipper
If you are new to sailing and are not sure if you can handle any situation on the water, sail with a skipper at first. It is a person with extensive sailing experience who’ll perform the role of the captain during the cruise.
This way you’ll both see what it is like to manage a yacht in different weather conditions and ensure the safety of the crew (and you, own of course). The skipper will quickly make decisions for you in crisis situations, which occur even on short voyages. This includes sudden squalls, thunderstorms, unexpected changes in wind direction and strength. Hiring a skipper is an investment in both your experience and skills, as well as your safety on the yacht.
Always check the weather forecast before sailing out
Modern technology makes it possible to monitor sailing conditions in real time. However, before you head out into sea, don’t forget to make thorough preparations while still on land.
Checking the weather forecast is one of the cornerstones of planning a safe cruise. It is worth taking a moment to reliably read the weather reports. If want to ensure safety on the yacht, pay attention to:
- forecast wind speed and direction;
- risk of thunderstorms or squalls;
- wave height forecast.
And if you are planning a multi-day cruise, be sure to check the long-term weather forecast for a specific body of water. Remember that storms, squalls and thunderstorms are a clear message that in such weather conditions your yacht cannot leave the port!
When you are confronted by a squall or storm, do not go below deck!
“Hiding from the storm” may work on land, but it does not apply at sea (or even on a Masurian lake)!
A sudden change of weather, especially a squall or thunder and lightning storm, requires an immediate response from the crew captain. One common mistake is to hide under the deck and hope that the weather will soon improve.
In the event of a sudden deterioration of the weather conditions all members of the crew must head to the deck and put life jackets on. While, the captain should quickly distribute tasks among the crew so that they all emerge unscathed from an unexpected squall or storm.
Remember the telephone numbers of the emergency services
Contacts for emergency services should always be on your phone, each time you set sail. These include a water rescue number (601 100 100) and numbers for local emergency stations. Whereas, if you are planning longer cruises, your yacht should be equipped with a VHF radio. It allows you to call for help through the emergency channel — channel 16.
Always check to see if the rescue gear is on the yacht
Whether you’re cruising lakes or traversing the sea, always have the following on hand:
- Life jackets and buoyancy aids — in sizes suitable for all crew members;
- Lifebuoys with rope — placed in an easily accessible and highly visible location on deck;
- first aid kit — must be waterproof;
- yacht fire extinguisher.
Communicate effectively with the crew
Efficient communication is essential especially in emergency situations. If the crew knows what to do and in what order, it is easier to avoid panic during a squall or storm.
Even before leaving port, it is a good idea to distribute tasks among the crew. Every crew member should be familiar with contractual phrases such as sail adjustment or closing hatches and portholes. This will allow you to emerge defensively from more than one difficult situation on the water and make your yacht a safe place.
Your first priority before embarking on a cruise (even one that is short and not far away!) should be safety. The yacht must be properly equipped and the crew trained in terms of communication and commands used on board. Remember that staying safe on a yacht comes down primarily to your conscious approach to sailing and responsible cruise planning.
