Safety equipment

There is an old expression used by ancient mariners. “The Anchor holds the chain, the chain holds the ship.”     How does 15kg of anchor hold 2/3 tonnes of boat?     The answer, friction and catenary. The anchor digs into the seabed and secures the end of the chain/warp. The friction and catenary effect of the chain/warp does the actual holding. To get the maximum hold the anchor must be lowered, ‘hand over hand’ until it ...

New RYA safety video delivers a stark message to powerboat drivers.

A DSC (Digital Selective Calling) marine VHF Radio, is an updated version of the old VHF Radio. So… What’s new?    Think, ‘mobile phone’. Your DSC/VHF has a telephone number, memory, a ring tone when called and even has a GPS position. In its memory, it can store a directory of all your contact’s DSC numbers (known as MMSI, marine mobile service identity) and a selection of pre-programmed text messages.   Using the administration cha...

Dangerous situations at sea could be prevented with the right knowledge and the correct use of equipment, say safety experts at the RNLI Going out on the water can be a lot of fun, but conditions can change quickly and the sea has the potential to be a dangerous place. Taking some simple precautions can make your time on the water even more enjoyable, and reduce your chances of getting into trouble. • Wear a lifejacket • Carry a means of calling for help • Keep an ...

Do you need lifejackets or buoyancy aids for your particular kind of boating? Here’s some expert advice from Baltic Lifejackets to help you make an informed decision about what you need for safety on the water. Firstly you need to differentiate between the functions of a lifejacket and a buoyancy aid. Both products keep you afloat yet are designed for specific usage. Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids are rated throughout Europe with a Newton classification guide. With Buoyancy aids bei...