Get proper training, and boat within your limits

Many people who are new to boating particularly, and sometimes those who are relatively experienced ought to be aware that there are many things about the marine environment that they need to be prepared for, in order to be able to manage. Many of the incidents that deteriorate, or take place in the first place, can be due to, or are exacerbated by lack of training and inexperience.

Because of the increase accessibility of boating, the more ways in which you can go to sea for leisure, and the fact that nowhere in the UK is more than 72 miles from the coast, there is a corresponding lowering of the base level of knowledge amongst those who go to sea for fun. It is important that they realise they are entering an unfamiliar environment, one for which they may be unprepared, and recognise they need to get the appropriate level of training to allow them to enjoy their sport.

The best place to find suitable courses and qualifications for the craft you own is www.rya.org.uk.