The sea is freedom and adventure itself. Whether you own a yacht or rent a yacht for a holiday, the time you spend on the water will be both enjoyable and unforgettable if you have taken adequate safety precautions. In order to make this experience safe, it is essential to take internationally determined, recorded and ruled measures.
Safety at sea is not only about following the rules, but also about being foresightful and prepared. Here we have scanned for you practical tips for improving maritime safety for yacht owners and charterers from national and international literature!
1. Get to Know Your Boat: Technical Knowledge Saves Lives
Before you go to sea with your yacht, you have to know every detail of it. Engine, fuel system, navigation equipment, and emergency equipment—learn how these work. If you are renting, ask for a detailed briefing from the yacht’s owner or captain when you pick it up. For example, the way of movement on the boat, the locations of fire extinguishers? Are life jackets easily accessible? How to activate a life raft in case of abandoning the boat? For Emergency Messages, the nearest coastal stations and message formats, etc. should be hanging at hand or in a visible place, knowledge should be activated instead of panic when a problem occurs.
2. Train Crew and Guests
Everyone on the yacht should know the basic safety rules. How to wear a life vest, where to go in an emergency, what to do if there is a fire? A short information makes a big difference. Especially in groups with children, parents should be extra careful.
3. Life Jackets and Emergency Equipment
Make sure there are enough life vests for everyone—and yes, really wear these! Suitable size vests are also a must for children. Also, have equipment such as first aid kit, flares, handheld radio and spare battery in your emergency bag. When it is necessary to call for help at sea, relying on the phone signal can be risky.
4. Weather Analyze
One of the biggest risks in the sea is sudden weather changes. Be sure to check the current weather reports before going out. Details such as wind speed, wave height and gale warnings are critical in determining your route and timing. When evaluating the weather, the trend of meteorological weather forecasts is very important. In the Weather reports, if the weather tends to increase further, never go to sea. Applications (PredictWind, Windy, AccuWeather) or local port/marins authorities can help you. Remember, instead of saying “I trust my sailor’s luck, Poseidon is with me”, respecting nature is always the main essential.
5. Plan and Report Your Route
Where are you going, how long will you stay? Share this information with a relative or port authorities. Also have analog backups such as paper map and compass in case your navigation systems fail. GPS is great, but technology may not always be with you.
6. Stay Away From Alcohol
The use of alcohol at sea has been subject to very strict rules by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is much more dangerous than on land. Losing your balance, making wrong decisions or slowing down your reflexes can lead to disaster in an instant. Whether you are a captain or a passenger, save the drink to your arrival at the port.
7. Do Not Neglect Maintenance and Controls
Regular maintenance is a must for yacht owners. The engine, fuel lines, electrical systems and body should be checked before each season. Those who rent should report immediately if there is a visible problem on the yacht (leak, equipment that does not work). A small negligence can turn into a big problem at sea.
Last Word: Safety, The Key to Pleasure
The sea promises both peace and adrenaline. But in order to enjoy these promises, it is first necessary to guarantee safety. Whether you are the captain of your own yacht or a sailor for a week; being prepared protects both you and your loved ones. So, review your checklist one more time before you set sail. The sea awaits you—but it always deserves respect.
Have a good time!
Fair winds and following seas,
