Safety While Sailing
While we’re on the subject of safety, we cannot stress enough how important it is that you and your crew should be aware of the dangers of the sea. Don’t get us wrong. We’re not trying to discourage you. We just want to make sure that you know how to get the full sailing experience without compromising your safety. As such, here’s how you can be safe offshore.
Safety Checklist on a Sailboat
We’ve mentioned earlier about the various items that must be in your sailboat before heading offshore. Once you have all the necessary equipment on-board, the next thing you need is to conduct a proper checkup before setting sail. Here’s a quick safety checklist to help you with that.
Examined Boat’s State
Before anything else, you must examine the state of the boat. This will help you determine whether or not it’s safe to use for sailing.
Make sure that you check the exterior and interior of the boat, as well as the engine. Any dent or damage to any part of the boat should be fixed before even attempting to sail.
Compliance With Boat Safety Guidelines
You should also be aware of your state’s safety guidelines if you want to have a stress- free trip. If you’re unaware of this, consult your local government unit to make sure that you’re complying with the law. This guideline includes the list of proper safety equipment, national and international water laws, and emergency protocols.
Conducted Briefing With Your Crew
Under any circumstances, do not head out to the sea without conducting a proper briefing with your crew or passengers. We’ve mentioned time and time again that the sea is unpredictable. That is why anyone who boards the boat must have adequate knowledge of where to find essentials and emergency items. Rules provided by your state or local government unit must also be relayed to the crew before you set sail.
Important Tips When Sailing
Before we officially part ways, we want to make sure that you get a memorable experience when you sail out there. Wearing the right clothing while sailing is crucial is ensuring you have fun. With that in mind, we will leave you with a few tips that you need to remember for a safer and more enjoyable voyage.
Start With Calm Waters
If you’ve just begun your sailing journey, it’s best to start with calm waters. Going head- to-head with the unruly sea is just unwise. Make sure that you get yourself accustomed to your boat’s behavior and how you respond to changes in the sea.
Keeping an eye on approaching weather is must. By learning the types of clouds and their meanings can be very useful when you’re out on the water. Best to cut your day short on the water then getting hit by strong wind and a confused sea.
Know the Right of Way
While we’re on the subject of other boats and sailors, it’s also important that you know the right of way. Obviously, no mark or road will help you determine that, but that doesn’t mean the sea is a free-for-all playing field. Rules that pertain to the right of way according to the wind’s direction and other variables are factors that prevent collisions.
Understand Basic Sailing Terms
The thing is, most of the instructions you may receive from trainers and coast guard alike use a deep vocabulary of sailing jargon. It will be tough to follow these instructions if you are not aware of some basic sailing terms. Besides, isn’t it fun talking to your friends using a language that only sailors know?
Conclusion
The sea is an unending well of adventures and stories, and it’s just waiting for you to make your own memories. Experiencing the wonders of the ocean will always be one of the greatest feats we could ever achieve in our lifetimes.
