Lifeboat
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The RNLI urges sea goers to carry out crucial checks before they go back on the water this season, in a bid to reduce the number of avoidable emergencies at sea.
Last year, RNLI lifeboats launched 1,242 times to vessels out of fuel or with engine failure. In many cases, the upset of the callout could have been avoided if simple engine and fuel checks had been carried out before hand including:
* Run your engine, give it a visual check
* Check the oil, hydraulic fluid and fuel lines
* On outboards, check the kill cord
Make sure the fuel tank is secured
* Don’t run out of fuel – check you have enough for the voyage, plus a bit extra
RNLI Leisure Boat Safety Manager, Rick Raeburn, says: ‘It’s not only checking your boat to prevent the need for rescue that is important. It is also essential to check emergency equipment that you will need should the worst happen. Wearing lifejackets and having a useable liferaft can give you, and our lifeboat crews, vital minutes should anything go wrong.’
Rick continues: ‘Do you have enough lifejackets with you that actually fit those on board – children too? If you have to abandon your vessel, your liferaft will keep you out of the very cold water of the British Isles until the lifeboat gets to you – but is it working order? Make sure you have checked over by a service agent.
‘Everyone thinks “it won’t happen to me” – last year many thousands had to think again.’
The RNLI recommends the following checks for safety equipment:
* Lifejackets – gas canisters for corrosion and webbing for wear
* Carry out a VHF radio check
* Ensure all safety equipment, such as flares, is within expiry dates
* Service your liferaft
* Replacing old batteries in a torch can make all the difference
* Don’t forget to check the weather before you set out, keep within your capabilities
The RNLI offers free impartial advice on all aspects of sea safety, and boat owners can get a free SEA Check from a local volunteer by calling 0800 328 0600.
rnli
Last year, RNLI lifeboats launched 1,242 times to vessels out of fuel or with engine failure. In many cases, the upset of the callout could have been avoided if simple engine and fuel checks had been carried out before hand including:
* Run your engine, give it a visual check
* Check the oil, hydraulic fluid and fuel lines
* On outboards, check the kill cord
Make sure the fuel tank is secured
* Don’t run out of fuel – check you have enough for the voyage, plus a bit extra
RNLI Leisure Boat Safety Manager, Rick Raeburn, says: ‘It’s not only checking your boat to prevent the need for rescue that is important. It is also essential to check emergency equipment that you will need should the worst happen. Wearing lifejackets and having a useable liferaft can give you, and our lifeboat crews, vital minutes should anything go wrong.’
Rick continues: ‘Do you have enough lifejackets with you that actually fit those on board – children too? If you have to abandon your vessel, your liferaft will keep you out of the very cold water of the British Isles until the lifeboat gets to you – but is it working order? Make sure you have checked over by a service agent.
‘Everyone thinks “it won’t happen to me” – last year many thousands had to think again.’
The RNLI recommends the following checks for safety equipment:
* Lifejackets – gas canisters for corrosion and webbing for wear
* Carry out a VHF radio check
* Ensure all safety equipment, such as flares, is within expiry dates
* Service your liferaft
* Replacing old batteries in a torch can make all the difference
* Don’t forget to check the weather before you set out, keep within your capabilities
The RNLI offers free impartial advice on all aspects of sea safety, and boat owners can get a free SEA Check from a local volunteer by calling 0800 328 0600.
rnli
