Sailing Safety Gear Explained!

Sailing Safety Gear Explained by Sailing Gargoyle

Sailing safety gear is a topic that many sailors fear but don’t always fully understand. In this episode, the crew of Sailing Gargoyle explains how to prepare for potential disasters at sea with life raft certifications, EBS tethers, and more.The Journey BeginsIn this episode, the crew of Sailing Gargoyle discusses their upcoming life raft certification. Life rafts are a critical part of offshore safety and can be quite expensive, with options like Sixers life rafts costing around $3,100. The crew considers whether carrying smaller life rafts would be more practical for their boat.Shopping SpreeThe Sailing Gargoyle crew makes several stops at marine stores to pick up safety gear. They discover that finding what they need can be challenging but also exciting, as there are many marine shops close by in Manuel Island.Life Raft CertificationIn the end, the crew is able to get their life raft repacked and certified. This process took place over several days, with the marine store initially unable to open the life raft due to the certification date being different in Europe than in North America. The crew takes this opportunity to also check and restock their safety equipment.Safety OverhaulAs part of their ongoing preparation for the cruising season, Sailing Gargoyle is performing a full safety overhaul. This includes new flares (since theirs were expired), and an update on fire extinguishers.The Ditch BagThe ditch bag is a crucial part of the safety gear on board Sailing Gargoyle. It contains essential equipment needed when in the life raft, including the Emergency Beacon (EBS) and VHF handheld radio.Man Overboard PreventionPreventing a man overboard incident is crucial, and Sailing Gargoyle has measures in place to prevent this. This includes using Jack lines when on deck and ensuring that everyone on the boat wears safety gear at all times.Keeping Safe at SeaThe crew emphasizes throughout this episode the importance of having proper safety equipment and ensuring it’s well-maintained. By preparing for potential disasters at sea, they aim to keep themselves safe during their sailing adventures.Key Takeaways1. Proper offshore safety gear includes a life raft, EBS tethers, and other essential items like flares and fire extinguishers. 2. Safety gear should be well-maintained, including regular certifications and repacking as needed. 3. Carrying smaller, crew-appropriate life rafts may save space and weight on the boat while still being more manageable to deploy in an emergency. 4. Preventing man overboard incidents is crucial for sailors; Jack lines and safety harnesses can help keep everyone safe on deck. 5. Having a well-stocked ditch bag with essential gear ensures that important equipment is accessible if a life raft deployment is necessary.For more information on sailing safety, check out Sailing Gargoyle’s other episodes covering life rafts and offshore safety gear. Keep safe out there!