Safety on Board Guide

Safety at sea is not just a checklist; it is how you approach every move on the boat. This guide helps you stay confident and look after yourself and the crew. For international maritime safety standards, see the IMO.

• Health is more important than property or a place in a regatta - crew safety always comes first.
• Do not take action if you are unsure of your strength - ask the captain or experienced crew members for help.
• Report how you feel - if you feel unwell, tired, or nauseous, tell the captain to avoid complications.
• Monitor the crew - stay alert to the condition of other crew members and promptly notify the captain of signs of fatigue or stress.

• Know the locations: Everyone must know where the first aid kit and life-saving equipment are stored.
• Life jackets: Check, adjust, and keep yours in an accessible place. Ensure it has a whistle and a light.
• Safety harness: Check it just like your life jacket. If you put it on, remember to clip in. The harness goes on first, followed by the life jacket.
• When to wear life jackets: At night, in deteriorating weather, limited visibility, or whenever you feel unsafe.
• Life raft: This is the ultimate means of rescue. It must be tied to the boat before being deployed.

• Three points of contact: Always maintain three points of contact with the boat. Use standing rigging for support; avoid grabbing running rigging. Always check for tensioned lines in your path.
• Passing items: Hand items to each other (one person gives, the other receives) rather than carrying them while moving.
• Hot liquids: Do not walk around the yacht with hot drinks while the boat is in motion.
• Going forward: When the boat is heeling, move to the bow on the windward (high) side only.
• Deck caution: Move carefully if the surface is wet or slippery - always use the handrails.
• Nighttime: Use a flashlight when moving on deck at night to see obstacles and lines.
• Orderliness: Ensure that drawers, cabin doors, and cabinets are kept closed.
• Hatches and lockers: Keep them secured when not in use.
• Alongside another boat: Never put hands or feet between the hulls - use fenders and lines instead.

• Footwear: Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes with non-marking light soles. Use water shoes when swimming to protect against sea urchins.
• Securing: Always hold and secure hatches, anchor boxes, and lockers when opening them.
• Laces: Check your laces and velcro straps before moving on deck.
• In port: Be mindful of moving or sharp objects on the pier.

• Gloves: Use sailing gloves; never wrap lines around your hands. Anchor or electric winches can cause serious injury.
• Fenders: Never put your hands between two boats when placing or adjusting fenders.
• Blocks and sheaves: Keep your hands away from them when maneuvering sails.

• Boom swing: Always stay clear of the boom's path, especially during gybes and tacks.
• Hair: Keep long hair tied back so it doesn't get caught in the rigging.
• Protection: Wear a cap or hat. In stormy weather, use tight-fitting headgear.
• Eyes: Wear safety glasses to protect against spray and small debris.
• Inside the cabin: Watch out for low ceilings and structural elements to avoid head injuries.

• Command only: Never leave the yacht unless instructed by the captain.
• No jumping: Do not jump onto the pier or into the water without a command. Never jump into the water wearing a life jacket (it may inflate or cause injury).
• Safe transition: Ensure the pier or shore is close enough for a safe step.
• Swimming: Always leave at least one person on board when others are swimming.
• Critical situations: Stay with the boat as long as possible - it is much safer than being in the water.
• Gangway: Descend facing the boat (backwards), holding the handrails. Check it is secure first.
• Contact: Maintain hand contact with the yacht until you have completely transitioned to the shore or another vessel.

• Sun: Use sunscreen and protective clothing. Use panthenol for sunburns.
• Boiling water: In case of a burn, pour plenty of cold water on the area for at least 10 minutes.
• Jellyfish: Rinse stings with sea water, not fresh water, to prevent further pain.

• Fire: Be extremely careful with fire, especially in the galley.
• Extinguishers: Know where they are located and how to operate them.
• Smoking: Only with the captain's permission, only in the cockpit, and on the leeward side. No smoking during refueling or mooring.
• Oil fires: Never use water on an oil fire - use a lid or a fire extinguisher.
• Gas: Know how to shut off the gas supply at the source.
• Engine fire: Extinguish through the dedicated fire hole without opening the engine cover.

• Preparation: Have a hearty breakfast, stay active, and take medication in advance if needed.
• Fresh air: There is less motion on deck than below. Stay in the open air.
• Horizon: Avoid reading or using gadgets - focus your eyes on the horizon.
• Activity: Talk, tie knots, or help with tasks - staying active helps distract the mind.

1. Shout "Man Overboard!" - alert the entire crew immediately.
2. Visual Contact: Assign one person to point at the casualty continuously. Never take your eyes off them!
3. Rescue Gear: Throw a life ring, rescue line, or buoy.
4. MOB Button: Press the MOB button on the chartplotter to mark the coordinates.
5. If the Captain falls: If under sail, turn the helm hard over and lock it; heave-to if possible. Start the engine.
6. Radio: Contact shore services or nearby vessels if necessary.
7. Approach: Approach the person at low speed from the leeward side.
8. Recovery: Use a rescue sling and lift the person from the stern.

• Stay Calm: Do not panic; take a deep breath.
• Clothing: If you don't have a life jacket, remove heavy clothes and shoes. If a life jacket already supports you well, keep your clothes on to preserve body heat.
• Signals: Wave your arms to attract attention.
• Conserve Energy: Move as little as possible in cold water to save heat.

Yacht Name: _________________________________________________________________

Yacht Model: _________________________________________________________________

Route Dates: _________________________________________________________________

Route Description:

Confirmation of safety briefing completion (Full Name, Crew Role, Date, Signature)