| Within the boundaries of any waterway there are | | | | possibly a good supply of food should be made |
| rules that must be followed for the safety of an | | | | available. Foods should be stored in easy-to-open |
| all aboard ship. From the smallest sailing dinghy to | | | | containers and be non-perishable. Water should be |
| the largest of sailing ships, standards of practice | | | | held in tightly sealed rubber bags or sturdy |
| hold high for the safety of the crew and its | | | | containers for no leaking. |
| denizens. | | | | Flare guns are the old standard for safety, |
| One of the most regarded safety rule is the | | | | especially during a crisis. If the sailing vessel starts |
| flotation device. Flotation devices come in a | | | | to sink, help may be nearby that are able to see |
| variety of makes and function, from safety vests | | | | your flare. Make sure your flare gun has plenty of |
| for around the body, to life preservers attached | | | | inspected ammo, and that the flare gun itself is |
| to ropes. Whatever you use, there must be | | | | maintained, clean, and dry. |
| compliance of the safety flotation devices on | | | | A first-aid kit is also an essential safety item. Be |
| board your sailing craft. Safety vests are made | | | | sure all of the items stored inside are not expired |
| to hold the human head above water, and come | | | | or too old to use. Bandages should be tightly |
| in sizes to fit anyone, even the family dog. There | | | | sealed, and wraps and other sterile objects should |
| are many brands to choose from, and come in a | | | | be kept dry and removed from contamination, |
| myriad of colors to satisfy the fashion sense of | | | | assuring the medications are not expired or |
| the sailing vessels crew. | | | | damaged from moisture. |
| According to the maritime laws of the United | | | | Most modern sailing vessels today come with a |
| States, sailing vessels must also be equipped with | | | | multi0band radio. Checking in at the marina |
| an inflatable raft, or for even larger vessels, a life | | | | personnel and letting them know when you are |
| boat. The inflatable raft is vital for the survival of | | | | leaving, your destination, and when you expect to |
| the passengers and crew of any sailing craft, and | | | | get back can save a lot of heartache during a |
| should be properly maintained and inspected | | | | disaster. Having a radio set to a certain frequency |
| whether it is used or not. The CO2 cartridge that | | | | that the marina personnel will be using can assure |
| inflates the raft should be tested for pressure, | | | | you that you will be heard in case of emergency. |
| and if bled of pressure, should be replaced | | | | In these modern electronic times there are GPS |
| immediately before continuing with the voyage. | | | | units that can give you your exact location, no |
| Any wear on the rubber of the raft, usually from | | | | matter where in a body of water you are. These |
| moving it around while on board, should be noted. | | | | are so useful they are becoming standard safety |
| What could be worse than your life saving raft | | | | equipment for all types of sailing vessels. Having a |
| leaking until it deflates, while your sailing ship sinks? | | | | safety checklist handy before setting sail is |
| For life boats, a supply of fresh water and | | | | paramount to a pleasant and safe trip. |