Boating can be exciting, but safety should never be compromised. In the event of an accident, having marine safety equipment onboard can keep you and your boat and passengers safe.
This guide will help you choose the best safety equipment that suits your boating lifestyle.
Life Jackets
Any vessel, regardless of its size, should have personal flotation devices or life jackets. Depending on the size and type of boat you own, you may be legally required to carry a certain number or types of life vests.
Type III lightweight life vests are commonly used for smaller recreational boats because they are easy to wear and offer good buoyancy. Type I PFDs, designed for high-seas and with greater buoyancy, are required on large boats. Be sure that each PFD is Coast Guard approved and fits the person correctly.
Important Factors:
- Boating activities
- Number of people
- Is it suitable for everyone?
Flares and distress signals
Marine flares, distress signals and other warnings are essential to draw attention in the event of an emergency. Your choice of flare will depend on the size of your vessel and where you plan to sail.
If you’re a casual sailor who only sails on the coast, a hand-held set of flares may be sufficient. However, if you’re a serious offshore boater, you should also consider using aerial flares to ensure you can be seen from a distance. Batterie-operated distress signal sets have replaced traditional flares as the standard. They can be used multiple times and do not expire.
Important Considerations
- The length of the cruise (inshore or off-shore)
- Effective range of Visibility
- When do flares expire?
EPIRBS, PLBs and PLBs
Anyone who ventures offshore or off-land should always carry PLBs and EPIRBs. The EPIRB will automatically deploy from your boat when it is underwater, and send your location to emergency officials.
A PLB must be manually activated and carried by the person. For smaller boats that sail within the coastal area, PLBs will suffice. However, larger boats or boats traveling abroad require EPIRBs.
Some Important Factors To Keep In Mind:
- The size of the boat and over what distance it will travel.
- Offshore or coastal tours
- Automatic vs. Manual type
Marine VHF Radios
A good communication device is essential for any boat, no matter how big or small. The VHF radio allows the boater to contact the Coast Guard or other vessels or marinas in an emergency.
Smaller boats that operate close to shore can be covered with a handheld VHF, while larger vessels should have mounted VHF features that send automatic distress alerts.
Important Considerations
- Communication type required
- Handheld or Fixed Equipment Radios
- DSC feature availability
Man Overboard Devices
The most common boat emergency, aside from capsize, is a man overboard. A man overboard device can help speed up recovery. The Lifesling is a device that lets you drag the person back to your boat after launching a flotation system to them.
If a person falls overboard, electronic MOB systems can sound an alarm.
The following are the key factors:
- Boat length
- How many people are you carrying?
- Hand-operated vs electronic recovery systems
First Aid Kits
Any vessel needs a good marine first-aid kit. The kit should include bandages, antiseptics and burn cream as well as emergency medications to treat seasickness or allergies. It also includes a first-aid guide.
A basic first-aid kit in waterproof packaging is all that you may need for smaller boats. For offshore trips or longer trips, it is better to have a comprehensive kit that includes supplies for treating trauma and serious injuries.
Important Considerations
- Distance and trip duration
- Types of injury
- Waterproof storage
Rescue Throw Bags
Rescue throw bags come with floating ropes to help pull people back into safety. Due to their size, they may be more common on smaller boats such as kayaks and canoes. However, they are just as important for larger boats.
The bag should be easily accessible and thrown away in an emergency. Also, the rope should reach anyone who has fallen overboard.
Important Considerations
- The length of the rope
- Throw bag accessibility
- Frequency of use on high-risk water
Survival Rafts
You should consider investing in a life raft if you plan to go offshore or deeper water, and especially if your vessel is prone to compromise. If your boat compromises, this could mean the difference between life or death.
Consider how many people your raft will need to hold and any other equipment that may be needed to tow behind it, like food rations or emergency signaling devices. Keep your raft in a safe place and have it inspected on a regular basis.
Important Considerations
- Number of people to be carried in the raft
- Use of the coast or offshore
- Emergency kit
Bilge Pumps
A bilge pump is another component that helps to remove water from the hull. Hand bilge pumps can be used on small boats. A large boat must have an automatic electric bilge pumps. It should turn on automatically when the water level reaches a certain height.
Check the bilge pumps to see if they are working.
Important Considerations
- Boat Size
- Manual or electric
- Maintenance Checks
The right marine safety gear for your vessel can help you respond more effectively to emergencies and reduce the risks on board. Choose gear that is suited to the size, type, and activity of your boat. This will ensure safety onboard.
Marine Rescue Technologies – Your safety partner
Nova Argonautica a full line of marine safety gear to meet the needs of all boaters. Our expert safety guidance is provided to your crew on every trip, helping you safeguard your vessel.
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