It’s Safer to Enjoy The Sea If you Know the Basic Safety

Safety at sea is definitely the first thing seafarer must bear in mind before starting his navigation. Itʹs a known fact that sea can be disarmingly attractive in one moment and already in other it can change its deceptive nature and turn into the biggest nightmare he has ever experienced. Anyone who spent some times at sea has probably felt it on his own skin. Safety is therefore crucial, and the knowledge, experience, skills and safety equipment mandatory part of every sea voyage.

We’ve compiled a small list of useful telephone numbers and codes that you should always either remember or print out to take with you on board. Of course you should also refer to the maritime authority for more important information about the Do’s and Don’ts out at sea and equally any notices or warnings which are issued on a regular basis.

1. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket.
   Victims drowned in approximately 80% of fatal boating accidents. Of those, 83% were not wearing a life jacket. Insist that your crew and guests all wear a life jacket that fits them well. This can help them stay afloat in rough waters, protect them against hypothermia, and in some cases, can keep their head above water.
2. Use the right kind of life jackets for the situation.
   Boats 16 feet and longer must be equipped with one Type I, II, III, or V personal floatation device (PFD) plus one Type IV throwable device. Boats that are 16 feet or less must have one Type I, II, III or V PFD for each person aboard. All boats must be equipped with one Type I, II, III, or V personal floatation device for each person aboard.  Boats 16 feet and longer must also be equipped with a Type IV throwable device. All PFDs should be in good condition and have a Coast Guard Approval Number.
   1. Type I PFDs are often called off-shore life jackets. They provide the most buoyancy and are effective in all waters, especially open, rough, or remote waters where rescue may be delayed. They are designed to turn most unconscious wearers to a face-up position in the water.
   2. Type II PFDs are near-shore buoyancy vests. They are intended for calm, inland water or waters where there is a good chance of quick rescue.
   3. Type III PFDs are also called floatation aids. They are good for calm, inland water, similar to Type II.
   4. Type IV PFDs are designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued.
   5. Type V PFDs are special use devices. They may be carried instead of other PFDs if used in accordance with the approved conditions designated on the label. They may be inflatable vests, deck suits, work vests, board sailing vests or hybrid PFDs.
3. Never drink alcohol and go boating.
   Alcohol use is a leading contributor to fatal boating accidents, causing approximately 15% of the deaths each year. Stay sharp when you’re on the water by leaving the alcohol on dry land.
4. Take a boating safety course.
   Only 13% of the boating deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received a nationally approved boating safety education certificate. You may even qualify for a reduced insurance rate if you complete a safety course. Contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron chapter or visit uscgboating.org for details.
5. Put down the cell phone.
   One of the top five contributing factors to boating accidents is inattention. Just like distracted driving on our highways, talking, texting, and other use of cell phones while boating is a growing problem on the water. Don’t contribute to this problem. Keep your eyes on the water ahead and around you.