Safety rules on a boat: Travel on a sailboat safely!
Enjoying a trip on a sailboat is an experience that today is accessible to everyone. Thanks to Alegría Marineros you can carry out expeditions that you would never have imagined, for example, visiting Antarctica.
Although these sailing trips and expeditions are recommended for all types of users, it is important to take into account two fundamental aspects, a good physical shape and some basic notions of safety on the boat. You can take care of the good physical condition without any problem, maritime rules to take into account all the precautions on a sailboat and we will take care of it.
Here we are going to show you some of the aspects you should take into account if you decide to travel by sailboat one day. With these considerations you will be able to enjoy a much safer navigation as they will help you prevent accidents and you will be able to be much safer on board.
Mandatory Safety Equipment
Sailing trips involve a series of mandatory safety equipment. Surely you know the life jackets, one of the most important tools inside a sailboat and that must be available to each person on the boat.
In addition to vests, it is also necessary to have a seat belt to be safe when the person is on deck. In some places the sea is rougher and staying on deck can be a challenge for anyone.
Beyond the individual equipment for each person, the boat should also have rescue devices such as the life ring, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and communication radios. In addition, it is also necessary to have strobe lights or flares to be able to signal the location in case of need.
Basic Knowledge of Navigation
Even though you won’t be at the helm during your sailing trip, having a basic knowledge of navigation will allow you to enjoy the tour much more. In addition to this, with basic sailing knowledge you will be able to lend a hand on the boat in case of need.
Within this basic knowledge of navigation can be understanding nautical charts, knowing some of the most important navigation routes or having a small idea of meteorology. Knowing how to interpret time in the right way has saved the lives of more than one experienced sailor.
Prevention of Common Accidents
Having a basic knowledge of navigation is also important to prevent common accidents. On board a sailboat, everything is different, from cooking to resting, so it is very important to know how to do things well, not only so as not to cause accidents, but also to prevent others from causing them.
It is important to be very clear about the use of safety harnesses on deck or also to be clear about the notions of cleanliness. Keeping the deck clean is important in order to avoid certain slips and knowing how to prepare food or how to perform the most everyday tasks on board a sailboat will also help you avoid the occasional scare.
Safe behavior on board
In order to behave safely on board, it is very important to behave with common sense. Although it may seem basic, it is important not to run around the deck or get close to the edges of the sailboat.
When you are on a sailboat carrying out an expedition that involves a small risk, it is important to be focused at all times. Sometimes the sea can be unpredictable and any change that catches us by surprise can be fatal on the high seas.
Wear a safety harness whenever you go out on deck and make conscious choices, i.e. avoid alcohol or drug use. Don’t forget to check your equipment to check that it is in good condition. As long as the equipment is in good condition, you can be as safe as possible on the sailboat.
Planning & Communication
Planning and communication on a sailboat are two very important aspects. It is important to have a clear navigation plan before setting sail, not only to know where you will be going with the sailboat, but also to be able to better assess the routes, destinations or landmarks.
You should always take into account the weather and be cautious when setting sail. Communication within the boat is also very important. Remember that throughout a sailing trip you will be living with more people. It is very important to be united as you will participate in the tasks of the boat day after day.
Communication will not only make things go better, but it will also make the trip much more enjoyable and there will be fewer problems. Don’t hesitate to ask what you don’t know and participate as much as you can. Traveling by sailboat is much more than a travel experience, since living for a few days on a boat with people related to your interests can be very interesting.
First Aid at Sea
Knowing first aid is always important. You never know when you can save a life in any accident , and when it comes to the high seas, these accidents can happen more easily.
A slip on deck, a fall while sleeping as a result of the waves… Any task that might seem ordinary or everyday on a sailboat becomes a challenge, so accidents can happen. Going on a sailing expedition with basic knowledge of first aid on the high seas will allow you to enjoy a much safer trip and you will also do the same for your companions.
Before carrying out the expedition, you may find it interesting to take part in a maritime first aid course. In this way you will be of greater use in the group and you will ensure that you will be able to enjoy the expedition with much more peace of mind.
Additional Resources & Legislation
Finally, it’s also important that you inform yourself well about where you’re going before you travel. Places like Antarctica have a series of very strict rules that you must take into account if you are going to make the trip, since it is a protected space where contact with humans must be taken care of as much as possible. Some rules may seem strange to you, for example, having to disinfect your shoes before disembarking or not being able to throw any spills overboard in certain waters.
It is not only important to know how to behave inside the sailboat, but also the responsibilities or obligations you have outside of it. When traveling, you should make sure that you comply with all maritime laws and regulations in your area, including the necessary safety requirements for a smooth trip.
Don’t hesitate to find out what you can and can’t do in the place you’re traveling to, as this way you can avoid more than one problem. In short, carrying out a sailing trip is safe, but it requires active participation on the part of users. Don’t hesitate to take courses or find out how to make a sailing trip safer, both for you and for the rest of your colleagues.
