CS36T Owner’s Manual
Page 29
11
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Safety should be the first concern of every sailor and certain items should always be carried aboard each
yacht to ensure the well-being of every person aboard.
Although the laws pertaining to safety vary from country to country, the items listed below are generally
considered an absolute necessity on each yacht.
11.1
Fire Extinguishers
At least one Type B.C. 2 1/2 lb. extinguisher should be carried on every yacht. Depending upon the size
of the yacht, many owners carry two or three extinguishers mounted in the yacht in various easily
accessible locations. These extinguishers should be U.L.C. approved and carry a certified inspection and
testing date.
More recently, Halon extinguishers have entered the market and should be considered on larger yachts,
since they are the most effective fire extinguishers for any type of fire.
[Ed. note: Halon is now illegal]
11.2
Life Jackets
One life jacket or personal flotation device for each member of the crew must be carried. They should
be approved by the Department of Transport in Canada and by the United States Coast Guard in the US
11.3
Life Buoys
Most yachts carry life buoys of the horseshoe/pony ring type which can be easily stowed in a bracket on
the stern pulpit or adjacent to the helmsman. This life buoy should have a gravity- activated strobe or
other bright light attached to it and a 50 ft. long line. The other end is attached to a man-overboard
pole. This pole is stowed on the lifeline of the yacht and goes overboard after the life buoy.
11.4
Safety Harnesses
Just as with life jackets, a safety harness should always be worn by anyone on deck at night and during
heavy weather sailing. These harnesses allow the wearer to be attached to some- permanent fixture on
or above the deck. They should be able to take the full weight of the wearer falling several feet.
11.5
Lifelines
Lifelines should be checked regularly to ensure their integrity. Always ensure that the access gate (if
installed) is closed before leaving the dock or mooring. Always check carefully that the swage fittings are
not pulling and the lock nuts on the bottle screws of the lifeline turnbuckles and snap shackle are tight.
