Yachting Monthly – September 2019

SAFETY EQUIPMENT THE LIFEBOATS CARRY

Small

lifeboats

include

QEmergency first-aid kit

QOxygen apparatus

QPain-relief tablets

Larger

lifeboats

in addition

can carry

QPain-relief gas

QVentolin inhaler

QGlucose gel

QHeavy-duty scissors

QStretchers

THE KNOWLEDGE

The RNLI will launch a lifeboat

if requested by the Coastguard,

evenif it is just a yacht that needs

towing to harbour

The RNLI’s impressive

operation is funded by

public donations

there’s always a chance that one nearby can
offer initial assistance,’ asserts Matt. ‘There’s
also the Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
button, which can be programmed into your
radio unit for sending a pre-recorded
message to the emergency services. If it is
linked to a GPS, this device will give us the
location of the vessel and assists the MCA
considerably to position the rescue search
area. Also, there is the ‘999’ type phone call,
which routes straight into an HM Coastguard
Operations Room. If you have the free
RYA SAFETRX app you can dial 999 by

RNLI SUGGESTED...

safety equipment for

carrying aboard your

vessel should include:

QFlares

QOrange smoke device

QVHF Radio

QMobile phone

QPLB

QRYA SAFETRX app

VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS SHOULD INCLUDE:

QLocation of distress flares is

marked and units are within date

QFunctioning mobile phone

QFunctioning VHF radio

QLocation of the other

distress call equipment is marked

and functioning, such as

EPIRB and Beacon

QLines, ropes, fenders are in

good condition

QLife jackets are in good

condition (the RNLI offer a free

life jacket ‘clinic’)

RNLI SUGGESTED ...

medical ‘emergency’ pack

aboard your vessel

should include:

QFirst Aid kit

for minor injuries

QBandages

(various sizes)

QBurns kit

(for larger vessels)

QAntiseptic

QHeavy duty scissors

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