How to Sail - Safe Boating Tips

Learning to Sail - Safe Boating Tips

Here are few hot tips when learning to sail that will make your boating not only enjoyable but safe too.

1. Be Wise to Read the Weather
You must be wise enough to check the local weather before you depart for boating. Radio, TV, and coast guard forecasts are sure source of information. If you notice, rough and volatile changing winds, darkening clouds, or sudden dip of temperature, it is an indication for you to play safe with the weather. Watch the barometer readings for sudden changes if you have one on board.

2. Adhere to the Pre-departure Checklist
Being prepared for any eventuality in the water is a way of maintaining proper boating safety. From tips on fueling up to compliance with the fire safety regulations, checking the pre-departure checklist is the best measure to be sure that no points regarding the safety are forgotten.

3. Apply Common Sense
Using your common sense is the most important part of boating safety. Always be alert of small watercraft and large vessels that can be hindrance to your boat. You need to operate at a safe speed always. Always be pay heed and respect the navigational aids and buoys. These aids have been placed there to ensure a safe passage.

4. Make Sure You Have an Assistant Skipper
When you venture out to the water, it is ideal that you have one more person who is familiar with all aspects of the boat. The assistant skipper must be familiar with the operations, handling and various safety tips. In case of an injury to the primary navigator, a presence of an assistant skipper, he or she can safely navigate the boat to the shore. Instruction on the operating of the VHF Radio is essential.

5. Chart out a Passage Plan
Always inform people about your passage plan and register it with the coast guard or your local marina staff. Passage plan is the course of the route you will be taking and the number of days you are intending to be out at sea. A typical passage plan consists of: Your name, your address, your phone number, and the phone number of the trip leader. It must also have the phone number of the passengers along with their other details and name. You must include the type of boat you are in the registration information, the itinerary, the signal and safety equipment in the boat and other types of communication means on board. Do not forget to de-register your passage plan with the coast guard or marina staff on safe arrival at your destination.

6. Make the Use of Lifejackets
Most victims give up their life in water because of the lack of proper knowledge of using the life jacket. Prior to departure, try your life jacket on, as they are then adjusted properly ready for use in case of an emergency.

7. Avoid Alcohol
Safe boating also involves a sailing that is free from alcohol. When there is alcohol involved the chances of accidents double. The affect of alcohol exacerbate under the external factors such as wind and sun.

8. Learn to Swim
If your profession involves being in and around water, it is very necessary that you know how to swim. Many organizations offer you swimming lessons for all ages of people. In case you do not know how to swim, take a lesson as early as possible.

More sailing information amd tips at http://www.learntosailnow.com