How to Survive your Inspection
Our chief inspector explains several potential pitfalls...
Safety at Sea Seminar Handouts
Those attending our Safety at Sea Seminars, and others, may find the items attached useful
Slides from March 5 Safety at Sea Seminar
Attached are the slides used in the March 5 Safety at Sea session, chaired by Chuck Hawley.
Does everybody wear their safety harness all the time?
The rules and the boat's practice set out some specific times. Prudent racers advise that there is always time even in any emergency to clip in. Despite best intentions of skipper, crew and watch captains, though compliance may not be 100%. All crew should carry at least two waterproof light sources (a small strobe and a good flashlight) and a noise source (whistle) at all times.
Clip in. Don't turn one emergency into two.
What's a simple way to secure the companionway?
There are a few easy methods:
- Use a simple hasp hook or other basic latch that operates from one side. Then install a threaded access port in the top hatch board, positioned to allow reaching through the access port to operate the latch from the other side.
- Drill a hole through the spray hood that you can put a peg in from inside or outside. Pushing the peg in from one side pushes it out the other.
Can the backup running lights be portable and battery powered?
This is a developing question as of this writing. Please check with your inspector, and then tell us.
A common solution is to use a masthead tricolor as the primary running light, with the backup lights installed at deck or lifeline level.The backup running lights can be portable, but they must be capable of being easily plugged into the boat's electrical system and must meet the required brightness specification. They do not have to be at lifeline height.
If I have AIS, do I need RADAR?
You don't need radar at all. Radar is good for spotting ships and rain, and coastal navigation. AIS is probably better for spotting ships, since it gives you their name.
Spotting rain is nice because then you have an idea of how big a squall is.
We like to have both!