Safety Rules Apply On Board For A Private Charter
A private charter, or a private yacht, is an incredible investment to make if you are looking for a truly luxurious experience. However, if you are thinking about purchasing one or are just about to go for your first venture on your new yacht, you need to understand the safety rules.
Safety is the most important factor when it comes to boating. Without it, you put yourself and your loved ones at risk. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most important safety rules that apply when you are on board a private charter yacht so that you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe at all times.
Make sure you have the right equipment
Without the proper equipment, your private charter will never truly be safe. No matter what you do, you must ensure that you have the right equipment before you even set a foot off the land.
Here are some of the main pieces of safety equipment you should have onboard your vessel:
Lifejackets: When you are sailing, it is always recommended that everyone wears a life jacket at all times. This way, if an accident happens or the weather turns sour, you can be sure that you will always be protected. Life jackets should be regularly tested to ensure that they are buoyant.
Throwable floatation device: In the unlikely and scary event that someone falls into the sea while you are on your private charter, a throwable floatation device could make all the difference.
Fire extinguishers: Depending on the size of your private charter, you will need a different number of fire extinguishers, so always check how many you need before you go yachting.
Visual signalling devices: These include flares and nighttime signals and require any vessel.
Sound signalling devices: This could be a horn or a bell.
An inflatable dinghy: Floatable transportation is handy in case you have to abandon your ship.
You should also carry a medical kit, phones (in case you need to call for help), flashlights, and any other emergency equipment that could save a life.
Make sure you demonstrate to others how to use the safety equipment
Before you set sail, you should always ensure that everyone on the boat knows exactly what to do in case of an emergency. You should always make sure that everyone, even young children, understands how to use a life jacket. It would help if you also taught everyone how to use and inflate the dinghy and evacuate the boat safely. This should be done every time you use your private charter.
Make sure you are prepared for emergencies
Preparation is key in any circumstance, but it could be the difference between life and death if something happens while you are out at sea. Accidents and incidents almost always happen when we least expect them. For example, people can easily fall off boats nearer to the shore, potentially life-threatening. That’s why it’s important to be prepared at all times. Wearing a life jacket is the best way to ensure that you are safe during your entire trip, but you should also spend time practising how to use your other safety equipment.
Understand the rules of the ‘road’
Boat collisions happen more than you think, so you should learn the rules of the ‘road’ before you travel. These rules can be quite hard to understand, especially if you are not used to boating language; making sure you research beforehand. These rules can be slightly different depending on which part of the world you are in, so make sure you always know what is going on before setting sail.
Protect your body
When it comes to being safe at sea, many people forget that keeping yourself protected during the day is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your safety, especially if you are using your private charter on a very sunny day. Make sure you have plenty of water to ensure that all of your passengers will be thoroughly hydrated while you travel, and it will help people stop feeling travel sick.
If you are travelling during the day (no matter the time of year), you should always wear a high SPF sunscreen. Even in colder months, the sun can still burn your skin, so you should regularly reapply sunscreen and consider wearing a hat.
Ready to go sailing?
If you have followed the above steps and are ready to take your first sailing adventure, Sydney Boat Hire can help you embark on a safe and unforgettable voyage. We will guide you through all of the safety proceedings so that you don’t have to worry and can enjoy your special trip.