2.3 Pre-departure Safety Checks and Briefing

2.3 Pre-departure Safety Checks and Briefing

▪The circumstances under which

the skipper requires the use of tethers – safety lines should be worn at night, in heavy or restricted weather or on the instructions of the master

▪Be aware of the current weather

forecast for the area.

▪Engine checks should include oil

levels, coolant and fuel reserves.

▪Location and use of fire-fighting

equipment

▪Before the commencement of

any voyage, the skipper should ensure that all persons on board are briefed on the following emergency procedures:

▪Procedures and operation of

communications equipment

▪Location of navigation and other

light switches

▪Method of starting, stopping and

▫The stowage and use of personal

controlling the main engine

safety equipment such as PFD/ lifejackets, foul weather gear, lifebuoys and fire-fighting appliances

▪Method of navigating to a suitable

place of safety.

Safety cards are an acceptable way of providing the above information.

▫A simple plan of the boat

showing the locations of such safety equipment and posted in a prominent manner is a useful aid

2.4 Recommended safety equipment

▫The nominated first aider should

On sailboats and motor boats less than 13.7 metres in length, the safety equipment carried should reflect the boat’s function and area of operation.

be introduced

▫Location and use of navigation

equipment.

In addition to the above, the skipper should provide a more intensive briefing to all crew and/or at least one other person who will be going on the voyage regarding the following:

For the purpose of this Code, sailboats and motor boats are classed in six categories, four of which refer to coastal waters and are covered in this Chapter. The remaining two categories are dealt with in Chapter 3.

▪Location of liferafts and the

method of launching

The four categories in this Chapter cover a specific area of operation and are based on wind strength and significant wave heights. However, it should be noted that actual wave heights and wind strengths

▪Procedures for the recovery of

a person from the water (see Chapter 11, including section 11.7 regarding man overboard and recovery procedures)

Appendices 4 and 6 provide information in relation to anchoring, stability and boat handling, and weather, sea states and tides respectively.

encountered by such design categories may at times be greater.

Boat owners should be aware of the category that applies to their vessel, based on its intended usage and area of operation, and ensure it is equipped with the required safety equipment.

2.4.1 Category A - Ocean

Boats in this category would generally be expected to be greater than 10 metres in length and -

The following paragraphs provide a list and description of each of the vessel categories. Table E recommends the type and quantity of equipment that each category of craft should carry in the respective operating areas.

▪undertake ocean passages,

▪be capable of sustaining seas

greater than 4 metres in height and wind force greater than Beaufort 8.