Marine Revolution
Smartwave 2400 Owners Manual
Page
9
Additional Safety information
Lifebuoys
You may wish to carry a lifebuoy onboard for additional safety.
Lifebuoys are a safety aid that can be thrown to a man overboard (MOB) casualty. A lifebuoy should
be mounted where it can quickly be thrown overboard. It should be marked with the boat's name and
retro reflective tape and fitted with a drogue to prevent drifting, a whistle to attract attention and an
automatic light (projecting a continuous beam) or a strobe. Length of floating line can also be fitted
to aid in the retrieval on the causality in choppy conditions.
Throwing lines
A throwing line should be carried for instant use on deck, regardless of whether the boat is fitted with
a lifebuoy. The brightly coloured floating line is coiled inside a throwing sack, with a wrist-loop or
handles to retain the pulling end. Achieving a long distance throw with good accuracy requires
practice.
Safety Checks
•
Make sure everyone onboard knows how to use a life jacket, flares and operate the radio in
case of an emergency
•
Check your vessel is in good order before you leave
•
Someone onshore is aware of your journey and times of arrival and departure
•
Check the weather
•
Everyone has warm and waterproof clothing
•
Check the engine is in good working order and has been maintained in accordance with the
manufacturers handbook
•
Make sure you have enough fuel for your journey and spare fuel
•
Carry an alternative means of propulsion like oars
and the anchor and warps are in good
conditions
•
Make sure you have enough lifejackets and emergency flares
•
Be sure all fire extinguishers are in date and ready for use
•
Check your radio equipment is operational
•
Check you have food and water and some spare in case you have to spend more time at sea
than you planned.
•
Make sure you have a first aid kit and know how to use it.
Seasickness
Seasickness strikes down many a sailor; even a hardened seafarer will feel the effects at times. Its
effects are dangerous if the crew becomes too incapacitated to maintain proper control of the boat:
•
Seasickness medication works for some people and should be taken well before the trip.
Check the instructions for possible side effects, which may include drowsiness.
•
Don't get cold and wet. Dress up warmly and take a spell at the wheel to occupy your mind.
•
If a crew member feels sick, the skipper must decide if it is necessary to seek shelter before
the problem gets worse.
•
Get someone to help if you need to be sick. The boat may stop, but there may still be an
unpleasant motion. Hanging over the side is potentially dangerous. The safest and easiest
solution may be to use a bucket in the cockpit.
•
Do not continue on an empty stomach. Dry toast, bread or plain biscuits are all good fill-ups.
You must drink plenty of water to offset dehydration.
