PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Trip Planning

Most boating accidents are the result of a series of smaller things going wrong. The more things that you get right, the less likely you are to hit big trouble. The time to start getting them right is before you set out. Plan for even the smallest trip.

Prepare your voyage plan, remembering to tell someone about where you intend to go and how long you intend to be out on the water. The person to advise is the duty officer at the local sea rescue group. Failing that, a responsible neighbour.

Plan all your day's boating activities. Always allow yourself plenty of time to return to the shore before nightfall. Navigation lights are essential for boats out after sunset. If you change your plan notify someone.

Your voyage plan should include:

• The vessel’s name, registration number or call sign.
• The departure point and time.
• The destination.
• The trip intentions.
• The number of persons onboard.
• The amount of fuel carried.
• The Estimated Time of Return.
• Know the Conditions
• Carry a chart of the area, study it and familiarise yourself with positions of the navigational aids and the hazards you are likely to encounter.
• Also it is very important to know the weather forecast, as this could limit where you go, the load you can safely carry and whether you should take inexperienced people with you.

Safety Tips

• Consider accompanying another boat. Operating in pairs can significantly increase your level of safety.
• Carry the right gear for the trip on board your boat. This will not just be the gear the law insists on.
• Chart, compass, water, food, extra clothing, tools and spares, extra line for the anchor and sun protection are some of the items to think about.

Visibility Tips

• Unless you have an electronic system such as a radar or GPS, do not go out of sight from the land. Visibility can clamp down suddenly and from sea level the horizon is approximately 3 miles (5 kilometres) in clear weather.
• Weather forecasts are exactly what they say, "forecasts", so do not take them as a certainty. Remember the wind blows harder over the sea. Land winds are only about two thirds the strength of sea winds.
• Small craft of runabout size and less should not generally venture out of sight of land. Most boating accidents are the result of a series of smaller things going wrong. The more things that you get right, the less likely you are to hit big trouble. The time to start getting them right is before you set out. Plan for even the smallest trip.

Child Safety

When it comes to children, there is no substitute for proper parental supervision, especially while on the water. Ensure the buoyancy aids you choose fit properly and are worn at all times in the boat.

Things to consider:

• Remember that children will mimic your behaviour, for better or worse.
• Don't go out alone in your boat with children, there should always be at least one adult for every two children onboard (with a minimum of two adults).
• Teach children the pleasures and dangers of boating.
• Don't leave children alone in the cockpit during rough conditions.
• Work out an emergency plan before you leave shore.
• Don't allow children in a boat with someone of limited experience.
• Travel at a safe and comfortable speed, ensuring children are sitting down to avoid the boat being thrown off balance.
• Remember that young children are not always aware of danger. Your vigilance is crucial.
• Take particular care in planning your voyage. Don't go beyond your level of experience.