Module 4 - Safety
Personal Safety Equipment
Lifejackets are a vital part of a vessel's safety plan. They come in different performance levels: Level 150 lifejackets are intended for coastal and offshore use and are designed to help turn an unconscious wearer face-up when correctly fitted, but fit, crotch straps, clothing, condition, and servicing still matter. Level 275 may be needed for extreme conditions or heavy, air-trapping clothing.
Safety harnesses use a tether clipped to a suitable strong point or jackstay. Clip on before exposure to the hazard, following the vessel's safety plan; the route and attachment point must keep the wearer on board and reduce fall or entrapment risk.
Where a kill cord or engine cut-off lanyard is fitted, especially on open powerboats, tenders, and outboard-driven craft, it should be attached to the driver whenever the engine is running. If the driver is thrown from the helm, the cord pulls out and stops the engine, reducing the risk of an uncontrolled boat or propeller injury.
- 150N lifejackets - common for coastal sailing and designed to help turn an unconscious wearer face-up when correctly fitted
- 275N lifejackets — offshore use with heavy foul-weather clothing
- Safety harness — clips to jackstays; wear before conditions worsen
- Kill cord - engine cut-off lanyard worn by the driver where fitted
Watch for this: Before a passage, inspect the lifejacket to the maker's instructions: confirm the cylinder is full, firmly fitted and unpierced, check firing-head indicators and any automatic element's expiry, inspect the fabric and oral tube, and keep to the servicing schedule. Do not fire a live cylinder merely as a routine pre-passage check.
Continue studying Safety
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