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Day Skipper - Part 2 - Your
RYA course companion
On a bright summer's day, it is tempting to relegate
the issue of safety to the back of your mind, but you never know when
a sticky situation might arise so having the right kit on board and a
thorough knowledge of emergency drill is essential. Robert Avis is your
guide
There are plenty of books packed with advice about the type of safety
equipment you should carry, from basic manufacturers' leaflets through
to the DOT Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial Vessels.
Here, we cover the main core of items that appear in every publication.
General equipment
If you don't carry a liferaft, a tender is vital, even for just making
short coastal hops. You can never have enough warps and fenders
you never know when you might need them for towing or to help out another
vessel. If you are starting from scratch, aim for four warps the length
of your vessel and two of twice that length. You should buy larger fenders
than you think you will need, and have at least two large-ball fenders
in addition to sausage-shape ones.
It is important that you have spare fuel filters and engine and gearbox
oil for topping up, and don't forget spare water pump impellers, together
with a selection of tools that you know how to use! If you don't have
an engineering background, the RYA Diesel Engine Course is recommended.
Helpful hints
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As safety equipment has a finite life, make sure yours hasn't expired.
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Don't be afraid to use a larger anchor or more cable than is recommended.
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Keep an eye on fire extinguisher pressure gauges. If there is no
gauge, keep a check on the weight. Many extinguishers lose their pressure
prematurely and are therefore useless. |
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