WHAT TO CHECK ON YOUR BOAT - CHECKING YOUR LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT

No one ever wants to use their life saving equipment on a boat, but as Marine Surveyors it’s one of the most important things we check.  We want to know it will work when someone needs it and it has to work each time it’s needed.

When you see a surveyor out doing an inspection or survey and we’re wearing a lifejacket, it’s because we understand the dangers from years of experience and it tells us to wear a lifejacket when on the water. We take responsibility for our safety and you should take yours seriously as well.

Your lifejacket is your primary piece of safety equipment and it has to work, whatever the type is. 
On your lifejacket or buoyancy aid, check that it is in date.  If it is out of date, get it serviced.  Check the light if you have one, if you don’t we recommend that you fit one.  Check that the seams are intact on the inflatable parts and check the stitching on the straps.

You need to check that the gas bottle is free from rust and screwed in and if you are using a foam lifejacket or personal floatation device, also check that it is dry and free from rot.  We also want to remind you that when you wear it, make sure it is correctly fitted and always use a crotch strap if your lifejacket has one fitted.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to wear a lifejacket when on deck.

You need to be able to call for help if the worse does happen so a VHF/DSC radio is a must.  Make sure you get trained how to use it and when you want to do a radio check, you can call a marina or another boat to make sure it works.  Our friends in the Coastguard are always listening, but they need to listen for emergencies on CH16, not radio checks.

Make sure that your flares are in date and if they are out date, dispose of them correctly.
If you have a personal locator beacon or EPIRB make sure you register it at gov.uk/406Beacon and you can perform a test on it by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you have a life raft check that it is correctly stowed so that when you need it in a hurry, you can get to it.  Check the date and if it needs servicing, now’s a good time to get that done.

You should also register your boat with the Coastguards CG66 scheme.  I’ve added the link below for you to do this.

By now your boat will be almost ready to go to sea, but there’s one last thing you need to check to be safe.  Are you trained in how to handle your type of boat? 

It might seem strange to think of yourself as part of the safety equipment, but your skill at sea is what will keep you alive.  We recommend you get trained before you set out.



David Polley – Marine Technician and Surveyor Belfast Marine Office.

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