Greetings fellow mariners, I was reading through the latest RYA email, it took me back to a recent conversation with some students that happened to be going out to execute their first passage plan when they spotted in the lock with us, a couple of vessels where the entire crews had no lifejackets on. Given my recollection of their following conversation, and as we approach the new season. I thought it timely and worth sharing some of the more important aspects of that email
RNLI reduce the risk boost your skills
When we teach man overboard skills, we always ask our students to consider the time taken to effect a rescue safely.We also discuss at length, cold water shock, hypothermia and various scenarios about how to get their casualty back on board - not just into one of our training RIBs but also hard boats and cruisers. Some of their ideas are usually entertaining if not a bit more challenging than first meets the eye.
Man overboard - how long do you reasonably have?
There is also a link to the RYA safety hub where you can find a pile of safety related information and checklists.
Wishing you a great season, keep safe and have a great day.