SAFETY
registration, any boating license you might have, as well as the local boating regulations. Another consideration for all boaters is the dire consequence of boating while intoxicated. Boating under the influence of alcohol is never safe. In addition to the risks you are taking to your own safety, you should also consider the lives and well-being of your passengers, other boaters, and swimmers peacefully enjoying the sea. There are also serious legal consequences for boating under the influence, including fines and imprisonment. Don’t do it – it isn’t worth the risk. Having invested so much time and money in your boat, then it makes little sense not to invest the same amount of resources in yourself, more specifically in your knowledge of how to operate and navigate safely. Current regulations require the operator of any craft with over 30hp installed power to have completed an operator’s course at the
20 - Skipper / Issue 04
MCAST Maritime Institute or another recognised institution. However, such training is invaluable for anyone who intends to operate any kind of seacraft and, together with float plans, such training should form an important part of your personal preparation. The more you know about the environment where you intend to operate, the lower the chances are that you will have an accident and the better the possibility is that you will survive an incident unharmed. As in the case of any other widespread recreational activity, the amount of available information resources is vast. Books, industry magazines, the internet and owner associations all offer great opportunities for you to discuss boating with people who are in the industry or have been on the water for many years. Their experiences can answer your questions, prevent common mistakes and, just possibly, save your life when all else has failed. Never be satisfied with what you know and always try and learn
more about how you can make you and your loved ones safer. In essence, recreational boating is just like any other recreational activity: the more you know about the risks, the better you equip and prepare yourself, and the more knowledge you have, then the safer you will be. Never forget that the sea has the potential to be a place of great beauty but also great danger. Recognising your limitations and implementing some basic safety precautions can ensure that what should be an enjoyable and incident-free weekend remains just that. When all else fails and, despite your best efforts, you do find yourself in a distress situation, remember that there are professionals out there whose job it is to assist you. Preparing yourself properly ensures that they have the best chance of fulfilling their SAR mission and the international mission statement of SAR professionals the world over: “That others may live.”