MAIB advice

1 BRIEF YOUR CREW PROPERLY

Make sure everybody knows what to do in an emergency. Include raising the alarm in all safety briefs, especially with crew who are new to the boat. Explain which buttons to press on the VHF and chart plotter, and what they must do next. Always nominate a second in command in case you are the one who’s in trouble.

2 LIFEJACKET FAMILIARISATION

Ensure all crew are familiar with their lifejacket, both for their own benefit and if they need to retrieve someone from the water. Unpack one so that crew can understand how they inflate and see what’s inside, especially the lifting strop, not to be confused with the harness D-ring. Explain the vital part played by the crotch straps.

3 PLAN FOR GYBES

Prepare thoroughly for gybes – both planned and accidental. Many of the injuries and worse, reported to the MAIB involve crew being struck by the mainsheet rather than the boom.

4 KEEP VIGILANT

Always be on the lookout. Shipping in UK coastal waters is dense and collisions with small craft are too frequent. Remember, their relative speed will be a good deal higher than your own.

5 TREAT GROUNDINGS SERIOUSLY

Going aground isn’t a normal activity when coastal sailing. After a grounding ensure all is well – this usually involves an inspection by an expert. Keel failures are as catastrophic as wing failures on aircraft.