Sailing
Every member of a sailing crew must be a competent swimmer and wear a personal flotation device.
Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the boat. The safest way to learn about the boat’s equipment and handling is to join a class with a local boating club. Otherwise, sail with an experienced colleague until he or she is confident that you can go out alone.
A dingy must have enough inbuilt buoyancy to keep afloat after a capsize. Check that the boat has a backup motor or other means of propulsion.
All sizes of boats should carry the right distress flares.
All motorized boats must carry fire extinguishers. Every member of the crew must know how to operate the equipment.
Before setting out, get the latest weather forecast. Let someone on shore know where you are going and how long you are likely to be out. Report your return.
Never overload the boat. If you have to carry fuel, keep it in a regulation container.
If a fire breaks out, head the boat into the wind and use the fire extinguisher. However, if there is a danger of an explosion, get away from the boat as quickly as possible.
