Start with the short answer: carry equipment that helps you prevent incidents, manage a problem when it happens, and summon help if required. Prioritise items for flotation, personal protection, communication, navigation, and recovery. Regularly inspect, practise with, and maintain your equipment so it works when you need it.
How to think about safety equipment
Safety gear is not a one-size-fits-all list. Consider your vessel size, crew experience, where and when you sail (coastal, sheltered waters, offshore, tidal estuaries), likely weather, and how far from shore or help you are. Aim for redundancy for the most critical functions: flotation, staying with the boat or person, and communication.
Core categories and what they achieve
Personal flotation and protection
- Lifejackets / PFDs — One for each person on board. Choose a fit appropriate for the wearer and the type of sailing (buoyant, inflatable, or hybrid). Ensure correct sizing and regular servicing of inflatable types.
- Throwing aid — A throwable life buoy or rope float for man-overboard retrieval. Keep it where it can be launched quickly.
- Protective clothing — Wet/dry clothing, a hat and sun protection, and footwear with good grip. In cooler conditions, thermal layers and a waterproof outer layer.
Communication and distress signalling
- Marine VHF radio — Primary short-range distress and routine comms. Know how to call Mayday and use DSC if fitted.
- Mobile phone in waterproof case — Useful near shore; don’t rely on it alone offshore.
- EPIRB or PLB — For longer-range emergencies where prompt search-and-rescue response is required. Choose a device appropriate for your area of sailing and register it where applicable.
- Flares and visual signals — Red hand flares, parachute flares, and a signal mirror or torch. Store where they are dry and accessible; check expiry dates.
Navigation and location aids
- Charts and compass — Paper charts and a reliable compass as primary backup to electronics.
- GPS or chartplotter — For position fixing; ensure batteries/backup power are available.
- Anchor and rode — Size and type suitable for the seabed and vessel; know how to set and retrieve safely.
Onboard safety, tools and repairs
- Bilge manual pump and a small electric pump — To handle water ingress. Know their capacity and limitations.
- Basic toolkit and spares — Screwdrivers, pliers, multi-tool, tape, spare shackles, halyards, blocks, fuses and bulbs.
- Fuel and engine spares — Spare fuel, an impeller spare, and tools required for simple repairs if applicable.
- Fire extinguisher — Suitable type and size for your vessel and properly mounted.
Man-overboard and recovery
- MOB procedures and equipment — Lifesling or recovery harness, dedicated retrieval lines, and an effective MOB plan practiced by the crew.
- Knife — A sharp, accessible safety knife to cut entanglements or sails in an emergency; stow it so it’s reachable from the water where possible.
Pre-departure checklist
- Check each lifejacket for fit and condition; check inflation cylinders on inflatables where applicable.
- Test communication devices and ensure VHF antenna and battery are working.
- Confirm EPIRB/PLB battery status and registration details are current.
- Verify firefighting equipment is mounted and in date, and that the bilge pump works.
- Store flares where dry and check expiry dates; ensure a torch with fresh batteries is onboard.
- Brief crew on basic safety routines: where gear is stored, how to use the radio, MOB procedures and who is keeping lookout.
Practical examples and scenario thinking
Example 1 — Short day sail in a harbour: primary risks are collision, going overboard or being becalmed. Essential items: lifejackets, throwing line, VHF or phone, compass, torch, anchor and a small toolkit. Keep a close eye on traffic and tides.
Example 2 — Coastal trip a few hours from shore: add an EPIRB/PLB, extra fuel, paper charts, spare water, and more robust repair gear. Ensure crew know how to use the EPIRB and how to make a Mayday call on VHF. Consider sailing with a partner boat if possible.
Common mistakes and limitations
- Relying only on a mobile phone. Coverage is often limited offshore and in complex coastlines.
- Poor fit or misuse of lifejackets. A lifejacket that is uncomfortable or poorly adjusted is less likely to be worn and may not work correctly.
- Letting expired flares or unserviced inflatable lifejackets remain onboard. Regular checks are essential.
- Not practising MOB recovery or using equipment under stress. Regular drills build the muscle memory needed in real incidents.
- Assuming a single device covers every scenario. Different situations require different tools; plan for layered redundancy.
Maintenance and storage tips
- Stow safety gear in marked, accessible locations and protect it from prolonged UV exposure and salt spray where possible.
- Rinse equipment with fresh water after use and dry before storing to reduce corrosion and mildew.
- Follow manufacturers’ service intervals for EPIRBs, inflatables and fire extinguishers.
- Keep batteries charged and rotate spares so they remain serviceable.
Training and practice
Equipment is only as good as the crew’s ability to use it. Regularly practise basic radio calls, donning lifejackets, MOB drills and using recovery devices. Consider formal courses in sea survival, navigation and VHF radio if you sail regularly or venture further offshore.
Next steps
- Complete the pre-departure checklist before your next trip and correct any missing or faulty items.
- Schedule simple onboard drills with your crew: a MOB recovery, a Mayday radio call and a fire response drill.
- Create a compact safety plan for each outing that lists where equipment is stowed and who is responsible for key tasks.
- Review maintenance needs and book servicing for EPIRBs, inflatables and fire extinguishers as required.
Good planning, appropriate equipment for your sailing area and regular practice reduce risk and improve outcomes when things go wrong. Keep your kit simple, accessible and well maintained.