Heading out on the water is always exciting, but safety needs to come first. It's just as important as the journey itself. A well-prepared boat gives you confidence to handle the unexpected and protects everyone on board. By knowing what each piece of equipment does and why it matters, you can sail with greater peace of mind and ensure that every trip starts and ends safely.
Life Jacket
Sailing on your boat can be one of the most relaxing experiences. However, these relaxing times can sometimes be disturbed. That's why you need to have all the safety equipment on board. One of the most important pieces are high-quality, life-saving PFD jackets, or personal flotation devices. Their goal is to keep you afloat in case you end up in the water because of an accident.
They give you extra buoyancy and increase your chances of staying safe and alive until helps gets to you or you reach the shore. As a sailor you should always be prepared because conditions on the water can quickly change and escalate. A sudden gust of wind or an unexpected wave can catch you off-guard.
Did you know that marine authorities in Australia require these jackets to be worn or carried depending on the vessel and conditions? This is very important, especially if you’re sailing in rough waters. Nowadays, we have more modern jackets that aren’t that bulky as their past versions. They're made to allow you to move freely while handling the boat equipment.
You'll find two main types: foam-filled and inflatable versions. Foam-filled jackets will provide constant buoyancy. The inflatable version on the other hand, is not as bulky and can activate when touching the water or manually by pulling a cord. The inflatable models are more common because they’re more comfortable, but the foam models can feel more secure in rough seas.
Modern jackets also come with extra features. They include reflective strips, storage pockets for whistles, crotch straps and harness attachments. As a boat owner and a sailor, you have to make sure the jackets fit everyone perfectly. If they’re too tight or too low, they can compromise safety and comfort. Always let the passenger know how to put them on and use them. Last but not least, always check them for damage. In case there is some, replace them immediately.
EPIRB and PLB
PLBs, or personal locator beacons, and EPIRBs, or emergency position indicating radio beacons, are essential pieces of safety equipment. They can be lifesavers in unpredictable, dangerous situations. When all other means of communication fail, they come to the rescue. When the boat sinks, or you’re out of VHF range or there’s an electrical problem, these devices are the only means of communication.
No matter if you’re going on a short trip or a longer offshore journey, it’s essential to have one of these devices on board. EPIRBs come in two types: manual and automatic. The automatic one activates when it comes in contact with water, and the manual device needs to be removed from the bracket before use.
You can mount the manual ones on the bulkhead or store them in a life raft grab bag. Automatic EPIRBs should be placed safely away from damage and accidental activation. PLBs are more of a personal device that’s registered to a vessel. Just like some PFD jackets, they have to be manually activated to send the distress signal.
Their signal usually lasts for 24 hours or less because of the smaller battery capacity. So, if you’re going on longer voyages, this might not be the best option. However, these devices are still popular among boat owners that don’t wonder off the coast a lot. No matter which device you choose, having one is better than not having anything. They improve your safety and give you peace of mind when you’re at sea.
Visual Signalling Devices
Visual signalling devices are a must have. They should be used in case of an emergency or during a power outage. There are different types of visual signalling devices and which one you choose depends on the size of the boat and the area you’re sailing in. All of them have different specifications. If the boat is smaller than 5 m, flares, also known as evening signals, are the best choice.
If your boat if bigger than 5 m, you need to own day signalling devices. Orange and white smoke signals and aerial light flares are the ones meeting the daylight criteria. Some of them can be activated on their own, and some need a flare gun. Some boat owners use flags for signalling during the day, and others use strong strobe lights during the night.
Sound Signalling Devices
It's a widely known fact that when faced with an emergency, we should stay calm and collected. The first thing in this case is to drop the anchor and try to send signals to nearby boats, vessels, or the coast guard. Once you have the life jacket on, it’s time to use sound signals. They're good for day and night signalling.
If your boat is smaller than 12 m, you should own a sound signal that can reach a distance of at least 1km. Your voice isn’t capable of doing that, so having athletic whistles or horns can be of great help. If your boat is larger than 12 m, you need to have a sound signal that can reach someone that’s further than 1 km.
Fire Extinguisher
If your boat is motor powered, owning fire extinguishers is a must. They come in several varieties and are made for different purpose. The markings show exactly what their purpose is. For example, A is for wood, paper and cloth, B is for gasses and flammable liquids, C is for electrical equipment and D is for combustible materials.
How many you should own depends on the size of the boat. A larger boat means more fire extinguishers and vice versa. Once everyone is on board, make sure you explain to everyone how to use them and let them know where they’re stationed. This way you’ll minimise damage and lessen the chances of anyone getting hurt.
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