Why a Safety Brief Matters Before You Cast Off

Whether day-sailing from the Solent or exploring the Scottish lochs, a short, clear safety brief is one of the best habits you can build. New or visiting crew may be experienced or complete beginners. They will not know your boat, your kit, or your routines. Ten minutes at the pontoon, before lines are cast off, sets everyone at ease and gives you confidence that the crew can act if something goes wrong.

The brief does not need to be a lecture. Keep it practical, point at the actual equipment, and let people touch and try things. The goal is simple: everyone knows where the safety gear is, how to use it, and what to do in an emergency.

Lifejackets: Fit, Function and Familiarity

Lifejackets are the first item on the brief. In UK coastal waters, conditions can change quickly, and a person in the water may have only minutes before cold shock and hypothermia take hold. Show your crew where the lifejackets are stowed, and make sure each person tries theirs on.

• Fit: Adjust the waist and chest straps so the jacket is snug but not restrictive. A crotch strap is essential; without it, a lifejacket can ride up over the head.
• Checks: Point out the gas cylinder, the firing mechanism, and the oral inflation tube. Check that the cylinder is tight and the indicator is green. Show how to manually inflate if the automatic system fails.
• Extras: If you carry them, demonstrate spray hoods, lights, and personal locator beacons. A lifejacket is not a guarantee of rescue, but it buys valuable time.

Ask crew to keep their lifejacket on deck, not stuffed in a locker. In heavy weather or at night, everyone wears one, no exceptions.

Fire Extinguishers and Emergency Equipment

Fire at sea is terrifying because help is far away. Show crew where extinguishers are mounted and what type they are. Most small yachts carry dry powder extinguishers, foam, or CO2. Explain the basic rule: aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep side to side.

• Locations: Point out extinguishers near the galley, engine compartment, and helm. Mention any fire blanket in the galley.
• Engine fires: Never open the engine hatch fully if you suspect a fire; open it a crack, aim the extinguisher through the gap, and be ready to close it again.
• Other kit: Show the location of flares (if carried), a torch, a first aid kit, and the bolt cutters or knife for cutting rigging.

Remind crew that the first action on discovering a fire is to raise the alarm, then fight the fire only if it is safe and you have an escape route.

Using the VHF Radio Correctly

A VHF radio is your lifeline. Even if crew never make a call, they should know how to turn it on, which channel to use, and what to say if you become incapacitated.

• Channel 16: This is the distress, safety, and calling channel. Explain that it is monitored by the Coastguard and many sailors.
• Distress calls: For grave and imminent danger, use MAYDAY. For urgent but less severe situations, use PAN PAN. For routine calls, use a working channel such as 06, 08, or 72.
• Procedure: Show the microphone, the push-to-talk button, and the volume control. Practise a simple script: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is [boat name]. My position is... I require immediate assistance.”
• DSC: If your radio has Digital Selective Calling, show crew the red distress button. Lifting the cover and pressing it for five seconds sends an automatic alert with your position.

Keep a laminated card near the radio with your boat’s details, MMSI number, and a basic call script. That way, even a nervous crew member can make the call.

Man Overboard: Actions and Drills

Man overboard is the emergency that most benefits from a clear, rehearsed plan. The first rule is simple: shout “Man overboard!” loudly and immediately. Then:

• Throw: Throw a lifebuoy, dan buoy, or anything that floats. Ideally, throw it upwind so it drifts towards the person.
• Point: One person should point continuously at the person in the water. Do not take your eyes off them.
• Stop: Press the MOB button on the GPS if you have one, or note the position. Immediately furl the headsail and start the engine if possible.
• Recover: Approach the person from downwind. Use a recovery sling, boarding ladder, or halyard to lift them aboard. Practise the “quick stop” or “figure of eight” manoeuvre.

Brief your crew on who does what: one person points, one throws, one handles the radio, one prepares the recovery gear. If you have only two crew, adapt the roles but keep the point and throw actions.

Putting It All Together Before You Leave the Dock

End the brief by asking if anyone has questions. Encourage crew to speak up if they are unsure. A good safety brief gives them confidence to enjoy the sail and act if needed.

Before you cast off, run a quick check: lifejackets on and fitted, extinguisher locations known, radio on and monitored, and MOB roles assigned. Then go sailing. The sea will provide the rest, but you have done your best to keep everyone safe.