Tell others where you are going

Very often a vessel being overdue precipitates the start of an incident.  The immediate problem therefore is to know where to start the search pattern, and knowledge of the likely area can increase chances of a successful rescue.

This principle can even apply to those using sea kayaks and smaller types of craft, when knowledge of at least a locale can increase chances of survival.  Larger vessels are encouraged to use the CG 66 form and give the coastguard passage information that achieves the same result. These forms can be found on the UK Coastguards web site www.mcga.gov.uk or the Irish Coast Guards web site www.transport.gov.ie/Irish+Coast+Guard+IRCG.

Smaller craft can get in to the habit of informing someone ashore of their intended trip and give a return time as well.

Knowing where you are is also an advantage. By keeping your charts up to date and learning about basic navigations skills, it will increase your chances of not going aground on sandbanks or rocks that have been posted out on regular notices to mariners.