Safety Equipment Aboard

Safety equipment must match the vessel, people, operating area, passage, and applicable rules. A coastal yacht's plan may include correctly fitted lifejackets, suitable harnesses and tethers, appropriate distress signals, fire-fighting equipment, a first-aid kit, a sound-signalling appliance, a radar reflector where appropriate, VHF radio, torch, and reliable means of raising the alarm.

For longer passages or further offshore, a liferaft and a grab bag may be essential depending on vessel type, operating area, and the passage plan. The grab bag should contain water, signalling equipment, a torch, a knife, seasickness tablets, and a handheld VHF radio. Stow safety equipment where it can be accessed quickly — not buried under stores.