Most
new boat owners are keen to learn the basics of boat handling
and navigation and to equip their vessels with appropriate
safety equipment.
Princess
Motor Yacht Sales recommend and provides training for new
boat owners with little or no experience in addition to
more advanced training, via the
www.princessmotoryachtacademy.com, and can
supply the appropriate safety equipment required by law.
Owners
can elect to train for the RYA Day Skipper course (practical)
with a qualified instructor, or take their ICC (International
Certificate of Competence). This provides a basic
level of seamanship, navigation and safety training.
Although
qualifications in the UK are not yet mandatory, there are
laws which determine what level of safety equipment should
be carried on board. These apply to all recreational
vessels, not just those operating commercially.
The
International Convention of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
Regulations
have
been in Force since 1st July 2002.
These
regulations apply to all recreational boat users and require:
- Passage planning i.e. proof that you have taken
account of the weather, tides, limitations of vessel and
crew capabilities, navagional dangers and contingency
planning
- The carrying of an approved radar reflector
- Having on board a copy of the SOLAS life saving
signals
- Requirements to report observed hazards to navigation
- Prohibits the misuse of any distress signals
Additionally,
if a Vessel is Over 13.7m (45ft approx), it must comply with
the
Merchant
Shipping Regulations of 1999 (MSM 1979 (M))
This
means the carrying of:
- An approved and appropriate capacity liferaft
- 2 Lifebuoys, one with a light
- A buoyant lifeline of 18m in length
- Appropriate life jackets for all on board
- 4 Parachute, 4 red handheld, 4 white hand and
2 orange smoke flares
- A training manual
- A copy of the SOLAS tables
- An appropriate maritime radio
While this is
not a fully detailed list it is an illustration of some
of the legal requirements. Further full details can
be obtained from the RYA or the MCA or their websites.
Compliance
is not only a legal requirement but also a symbol of good
seamanship and probably in most cases a requirement of insurance
companies too.
Princess
Motor Yacht Sales, via our Parts Department, offers a comprehensive
package of safety equipment with every new boat to help
ensure as smooth a passage as possible in every sense.
If
you would like to contact our Parts Department to discuss
the Regulations further, or to order a complete safety kit,
please either call Tel: Int: +44 (0)1752 893031 or
e-mail:
princess-parts@princess.co.uk
