Boating Safety Tips

Water Safety   Do please wear buoyancy jackets and keep a special eye on children. Don’t jump off a moving boat and don’t sit on the front deck of a day boat. Don’t approach anyone in the water stern (back) first – that’s where the propeller is.     Fire Safety   Protecting the inside of your boat.Turn appliances off properly after use, Put cigarettes out properly Furnishings • Try to choose furniture that carries the fire-resistant label. • Keep fabrics and paper away from anything hot like hobs, flues and light bulbs. • Heat from light bulbs can cause fires. Energy saving light bulbs do not get as hot and are therefore safer. • Take extra care with lit candles. Don’t leave them unattended. • Only use secure holders, as a rocking boat or sudden jolt could tip candles over. • A snuffer is the safest way to put out a candle to avoid sparks flying. Cigarettes Dispose of cigarettes carefully, put them out, right out. • Keep cigarettes or pipes away from anything that could catch fire, such as curtains. • Never smoke when refuelling or changing a gas cylinder. • Use a proper ashtray that will stay stable on the boat. • Avoid smoking when you’re sleepy to avoid an accident. • Empty ashtrays regularly. A build-up of ash could Engine maintenance • Don’t let oil or debris build-up in the bilges. • Inspect the lagging of engine and heater exhausts for damage and deterioration and nearby items for heat damage or charring. • Check exhaust systems of inboard engines for leaks. • Check for loose fuel joints, damaged fuel tanks or deteriorating hoses Have an emergency plan • Make sure people know how to close emergency valves and switches in case of fire. • Keep a torch easily available to help you escape at night. . Make sure you have spares and test them regularly. • Don’t go to sea without a VHF radio. Have a charged-up, handheld, waterproof one ready for use at any time. • Don’t rely on a mobile phone, there could be no signal and it may not be waterproof. • Have enough life jackets for everyone on board, and keep them in good condition.     Boat Handling Basics   Your boat has no brakes – to stop it, you put it into reverse – and it takes much longer to stop so you must think ahead. The river is always moving, and your boat will be affected by the winds and tides -steering straight may not keep you on a straight path. Steering a boat is different, because the rudder is at the back, so it’s that end (the stern) that moves. You’ll be facing the front (the bow), but always think about the back end or you may find your stern swinging into other boats or the bank. Manoeuvring your boat should be done at slow speeds – a quick burst of power with the helm hard over will kick the stern around, but slow the engine quickly afterwards. Most boats turn better in one direction than the other. When viewed from behind, most boats’ propellers turn clockwise – these will turn better to the left (port) than to the right. Click here for more boating basics information     If you are on the water:   Keep close to the right hand bank. Sailing boats have right of way. Slow down and try to pass behind them. Make your course clear – do not weave about. Watch for any indications by the crew of sailing boats as to when they would like you to pass, but do not put yourself or others in danger. In some areas particular channels may be provided for your safe passage. In these cases stay within the channel. During powerboat racing, do not enter or leave via the body of the broad where the event is taking place. Listen carefully to any advice from navigation rangers or safety patrol boats that may be patrolling and follow their guidance.     Look after yourself! Please be very careful alongside water, not just when you’re on a boat. Wear a life-jacket when boarding and getting ashore and anywhere near the water’s edge. Wear sensible clothing and especially sensible shoes. Take a torch and spare batteries if you will be returning after dark. When you go ashore take careful note of your surroundings and any possible hazards. Plan a safe route back to the boat. Be aware that the tide might rise or fall while you are ashore, and that the boat may be higher or lower when you return. Never jump on or off boats – step carefully and keep a good handhold at all times. Never return to your boat alone – pair up, especially if returning late at night. Be aware of the danger of consuming alcohol. Drink may make you more likely to fall in, and if you do it can reduce your chances of surviving. Never try to return to your boat late at night if your balance or judgement may be affected by alcohol or other substances.     Simple health precautions:   Never drink water from rivers, canals or lakes Wash or shower promptly after recreational water activities After taking part in recreational water activities, wash hands thoroughly before handing or preparing food Cover cuts and abrasions (including blisters) with waterproof dressings Wear suitable footwear when in the water to protect the feet from cuts and abrasions Wash and thoroughly dry any wet clothing before you wear it again Do not splash river, lake or canal water onto your face to cool down Do not swim, water ski, surf or boat in areas where the water is discolored or where you see foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water If you become ill after being involved in any recreational water-related activity, you will probably recover without the need for treatment. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Taking over-the-counter medicines may relieve some of your symptoms. However, if your symptoms persist or are severe, you have other medical conditions, or if you’re worried about illness in a child, seek health advice and describe the type of water-related activity you have been involved in. - See more at: http://metis.9jatravel.com.ng/content/boating-safety-tips#sthash.6nAwF6OT.dpuf

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on Oct 07, 2015

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