Check your gear
Check and service your lifejackets
You should regularly check all lifejackets used onboard. Inflatable lifejackets must also be serviced following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Lifejackets with kapok filling or cotton straps are unsafe and could fail when used. They should be replaced with modern lifejackets.
Check your equipment
Check all equipment on your boat to make sure it is in good working order and that you have everything you need.
Check:
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expiry dates on flares, replacing any that are expired
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fire extinguishers, replacing or servicing any that are out of date
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batteries on portable equipment such as electric flares, torches, radios, and GPS units and replacing or charging them if needed
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the contact details for your emergency beacon’s registration are up to date.
Be prepared for an emergency
Check where your safety equipment is stored and do not go out on the water without it.
Ask yourself if you could reach it quickly in an emergency or after a capsize.
Make sure you read about:
Check that you have the following on board:
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boat hook
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throwing line
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warm clothing
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first aid kit
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navigation equipment
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bailer, buckets or pumps rope to act as a tow line
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waterproof torch
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alternative power (a spare outboard, oars, or paddles).
Put together a floating grab bag containing the emergency gear you would need if you had to abandon your boat. You can include some of the above items in your grab bag, for example a first aid kit and waterproof torch.
In addition, the bag should contain:
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ways of calling for help, such as an emergency beacon (EPIRB), flares, and waterproof VHF radio
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lifejackets if you are not wearing them.
Before you go out:
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make sure someone else knows how to operate the boat if something happens to the skipper
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brief your crew or passengers on what to do if things go wrong
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practise different emergency scenarios so everyone is prepared for the unexpected.