Carry some means of calling for help

Even in crowded waters and close to the shore it may be that a life-threatening incident goes unnoticed. A boat may be drifting onto a lee shore, may have had an onboard injury, have had engine or rigging failure, and vessels close-by may be completely unaware. This can also apply to those on windsurf boards, kayaks etc.

The ability to be able to call for help, by some means or another, is imperative.

VHF
For a sports boat or craft that intends to travel coastal waters we would recommend a fixed VHF DSC radio as the aerial and power will allow for greater distance in communication. If you intend to use the boat for inland use then you could opt for a handheld VHF radio or have both. Whilst handheld’s might not have the range a fixed radio does, it could double up as an emergency spare in your sports cruiser. If you are choosing a handheld unit then consider a waterproof version (if not you will need a waterproof bag for it).

When choosing a VHF unit, bear in mind the licence needed as well as the operator’s licence that is required. The Short Range Certificate (SRC) course will teach you how to use the new DSC functions if you are not already aware this can be found at www.rya.org.uk. Licences are available from http://www.offcom.org.uk/ (although the rules changed recently issuing a licence for life).

Flares
Flares nowadays are used as a back up to your primary method of calling for help and come in a variety of types.
- Red flares are used for night or poor visibility and come in either a large parachute rocket, visible up to 28 miles or, a handheld red flare visible for approx 5-7 miles for more coastal sailing.
- Orange smoke flares are used in daytime and come in either a canister for offshore use or a handheld version for more coastal use.
- White handheld flares are used for collision avoidance and should be kept separate from other flares to avoid confusion.
- Personal flares are also available and are available as a double ended day and night flare, and also a pack of mini-rocket flares ideal for coastal use.

If you windsurf, kayak or depending on your craft and how far you go out to sea, the RNLI would recommend you carry at least the minimum requirement as stated in the RYA’s Boat Safety Handbook. If you windsurf, kayaks or go to sea in a small craft, then opt for the smaller personal flares and make sure you keep them in a waterproof container.
Prices are dependant on the chandleries you buy them from. Some useful links to help are:
http://www.oceansafety.com/leisure/index.htm
http://www.pwss.com/news/news_details.asp?ID=122&Page=1

Mobiles
Mobile phones are not an effective means of calling for help for a number of reasons:
- Not waterproof
- Signal is not guaranteed and large amounts of 'black spots'
- Only one person can hear you call for help (if you have a signal!)
- The search and rescue authorities cannot pinpoint your position with a mobile phone signal.

In summary then, flares are a good back up to your primary source of calling for help and are worth carrying. If all you have is a mobile phone then just be aware of its limitations but we would strongly recommend a VHF marine radio.