Download our Sailing Booklet in PDF Format - Safety On The Water

Planning a tripUnder international regulations you must have a plan before going afloat. You need toconsider the weather, tides, limitations of your boat and crew and any navigational hazardsen route. Always have a contingency plan and leave details with someone on shore.Weather checkAlways check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared to change your plans.Services of particular relevance might include:■ Weatherdial – 1550 123 855■ Weatherfax – 1570 131 838■ Teletext■ Irish Coast Guard Weather forecasts – announced on VHF channel 16 with theCoast Guard radio station’s working channel normally used for broadcasts.■ National and local radio and TV.Organising the crewEnsure the crew is sufficientlyexperienced for any sailingtrip, particularly if it involvesan overnight passage. Beaware of their limitations andtry not to expect too muchfrom them.11■ Give the crew specificduties and organise a watchsystem if required.■ Plan to provide a regularsupply of food that iswarming, nourishing andeasily prepared.■ Ensure the crew is properlyequipped with protectiveclothing, lifejckets andharnesses.14