RYA WINTER 2020
Stay safe on the water THE TO-DO LIST
Over half the RNLI’s 13,000 call-outs to recreational boaters between 2017 and 2019 were for the same five reasons – many of which are preventable. Here’s how you can avoid running into trouble on the water…
16 1
Machinery failure 4,125 call-outs
Common causes Engine overheating Contaminated fuel Faulty filters Blocked filters Faulty or improperly
tensioned belts
Prevention Always complete an engine and machinery check before setting out, including water inlets, filters, belts, coolants and sea cocks. Also check fuel and oil levels, gear linkages and the throttle.
Prevention Good maintenance is essential for preventing gear failure. Also, instruct your crew in the proper use of vulnerable gear. Sometimes things just break, but regular checks before and during passages can stop a potentially damaging situation before it escalates. Follow manufacturers’ recommended servicing schedules. Carry spares for critical parts and for get-you-home repairs.
2
Equipment failure 1,973 call-outs
Common causes Loss of power Halyard, shroud
or mast failure Steering or rudder
failure 3
Stranding or grounding 871 call-outs
Common causes Missed tides Misread charts Misfortune
Prevention Proper planning – with particular attention to tides, weather conditions and chart work – will prevent most groundings. Other causes include a wrongly calibrated echosounder and not knowing where it’s calibrated from (the water line, transducer or keel). Poor boat handling and inattentive lookouts are also a factor.
4
Human error 500 call-outs
Common causes Navigation errors Poor trip planning Insufficient skill
or experience for conditions
Prevention Prepare a proper passage plan for the conditions and the experience of crew. Get properly trained using the RYA practical and shore-based interactive courses. Develop your skills as your ambition grows.
5
Sinking 200 call-outs
Common causes Propshaft coupling Stuffing box Deep sea seal Exhaust Skin fittings
Prevention Check hoses and skin fittings regularly. Hoses should be double clamped. Soft wood plugs should be kept close to all hull openings. Check for water in the bilges regularly, either visually or by working the pumps.
Other ways to prevent problems
In addition to the tips above, the RYA recommends you always wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (unless you’re sure you don’t need to) and have a means of calling for help (handheld or fixed DSC VHF, or mobile phone inshore). You can also use the RYA SafeTrx app to keep your family or friends informed and to alert the Coastguard if required. The RYA and RNLI are producing a new series of ‘how to’ videos with advice on staying
safe on the water. The short series includes topics such as electronic navigation, rules of the road, the shipping forecast and best practice for personal watercraft. You can watch them at
www.rya.org.uk/go/safeboating For more safety advice visit
www.rya.org.uk or
www.rnli.org/safety
Photos: EyeEm / Rosemary Roberts / Alamy Stock Photo / RNLI
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