Some of the more common reasons people get into boating accidents are falling overboard, running out of gas, and speeding, according to the U. S. Coast Guard Boating Safety. Since boating with friends is an excellent way to spend your holidays, it would be wise to know how to stay safe while at sea. That said, what are the best ways to avoid boating accidents?
Have the Right Equipment Aboard
In order to remain safe at sea, it’s important that you’re prepared for the worst. This refers to having the right equipment onboard your yacht. Try to make sure that you have the equipment that will help you out in a pinch like fire extinguishers, floatation devices, and distress signals. Also, it is important that you wear a life jacket while you are out at sea. 84% of all boating accident fatalities were not wearing a life jacket, according to Commander Bob’s data. So the equipment that you have can literally mean the difference between a minor accident and a fatal one.
Sail in the Right Conditions
The weather must always be consulted before you go sailing. After all, wind speed can vary in different parts of the Mediterranean depending on the weather. For example, the Adriatic strong northern winds of 40 knots or more can suddenly blow for two days, according to Shawn Buckles of Improve Sailing. So it’s important that you check if the time of year is right for the proper sailing conditions. Make it a habit to consult weather channels or the Marine VHF radio channel. You may even use weather apps that can give real-time updates so you can adjust your course. The right sailing conditions lessen your likelihood of getting into a boating accident.
Formal Instruction and Certification
If you’re planning on sailing the Mediterranean and other international waters, you’ll need a license. Specifically, you’ll need the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), according to the Royal Yacht Association. This can be obtained after going through formal sailing courses. It helps to take courses as it gives you the opportunity to learn from seasoned sailors so that you know how to act in case of certain scenarios. You can also test your expertise through formal exams. These can help build up your confidence so that you can better avoid boating accidents.
Boating is only enjoyable if you manage to complete the trip. To increase your chances of doing so, it truly pays to know how to avoid boating accidents. The more you’re able to naturally avoid accidents, the more chances you’ll have to sit back and enjoy the beauty of the sea and the freedom that sailing affords you.
Sources:
http://riverranchboats.com/prevent-motion-sickness — River Ranch Boats (06−11−19, unlisted)
https://www.boatingsafetymag.com/boatingsafety/top-11-causes-boating-accidents — United States Coast Guard Boating Safety (03−02−19, Steve Griffin)
https://sailica.com/journal/charter/how-to-plan-a-boat-trip-with-friends — Sailica (11−27−18, Anton Syniavsky)
http://commanderbob.com/cbstats.html- Commander Bob (08−14−19, Commander Bob Admin)
https://www.sailmagazine.com/cruising/how-to-sail-the-med — Sail Magazine (03−12−18, Sail Editors)
https://improvesailing.com/tips/tips-for-sailing-the-mediterranean — Improve Sailing (ND, Shawn Buckles)
