Dinghy safety: Equipment, regulations, and preparation for a safe trip

Even if you’ve been sailing for years, there might be some rules and regulations you didn’t know about. Accidents and dangerous situations can happen to the most experienced sailors, so it’s vital that you have all the kit equipment you need to hand as well as an awareness of what to do in an emergency.

Essential dinghy safety equipment

Whenever you head out on your dinghy, be sure to have the following safety essentials onboard:

• Buoyancy aids and throw lines: It’s vital that you wear a buoyancy aid while on board but make sure you regularly inspect them for wear and tear. Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids can help save your life but only if they are properly maintained, are the correct size and type and are properly fastened. Throw lines can help recovery of crew should anyone fall off. 
• Maritime radio (VHF): A VHF radio will help you communicate with other crafts around you and allow you to transmit a distress call should you fall into any risky situations.
• Analogue compass: An analogue compass is a good backup to have onboard should your other electrical methods of navigation fail.
• Flares: Flares are the best way of attracting attention in the event of an emergency. Make sure you’re familiar with the way they work and adhere to any safety advice given on the pack.
• Lights: Make sure you have a powerful search light onboard. It’s helpful to have a manoeuvrable light which you can sweep across the water if you’re out during the evening.
• Paddles: having a paddle on board will help you maneuver your dinghy if the wind disappears.
• Emergency tool kit: Including adhesive tape, spare line, shackle spanner, pliers and folding knife. 

General safety equipment

In addition to the legal gear, there are other items that you should always have with you in case of emergency. You never know when you might get into trouble, whether it’s a sudden turn in the weather or change in tide, and this kit may well save your life.

• Engine kill lanyard (and make sure you wear it! If you find it gets in the way on your wrist, attach it to your ankle instead)
• Oars/paddles
• Anchor and rode
• Handheld VHF/mobile phone in waterproof casing
• Duct tape (for quick patches or for an emergency bandage)

Rules of the water:

Set out by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, the main aim of the rules is to avoid collisions. Generally, they’re based on common sense and good practice. Here’s a brief summary of the main rules, however you should have a read of the full regulations.

• Port tack gives way to starboard tack
• Windward boat keeps clear of leeward boat.
• An overtaking boat must always keep clear.
• A dinghy, yacht or boat under power gives way to a dinghy, yacht or boat under sail; unless fishing or not under command and unable to manoeuvre.
• All sailing dinghies (and vessels of less than 20m) should not impede vessels through a traffic separation scheme or confined to a narrow channel.

What to do if you capsize:

• Always stay with the boat. Even if you can’t right it, don’t swim back to shore but wait with the dinghy until rescue comes, as you’ll be easier to spot. Grab onto the toe straps or mainsheet as it capsizes.
• Be careful of highly buoyant dinghies that float high, as it can be difficult to get onto the centreboard from the water.
• Don’t panic if your dinghy turtle-turns and you are underneath; there’s plenty of air in the cockpit for you to pause and catch your breath before ducking beneath the side.
• Try to avoid repetitive capsizes as they can be physically draining.

 
Man overboard procedure:

• Heave to.
• Alert the emergency services with what has happened.
• Always keep your eyes on the person in the water.
• Start your recovery manoeuvre.

How to call for help:

Attract attention from other sailors

Blow a whistle, sound a canister horn or wave a dayglo flag to attract attention. Use the official distress signal by stretch your arms out either side and steadily raise them up and down.

Fire a flare

To fire a flare, firstly keep it well clear of your face and your dinghy’s sails. Hold it as high as you can and make sure you’re holding it so that the smoke blows away from you. Handheld flares can get extremely hot so where gloves if possible. Always familiarise yourself with the instructions on any flares you carry on board.

Make a mayday call

You can ring 999 and ask for the Coastguard using your mobile phone, however, a VHF radio is preferable as some mobile networks may not offer signal at sea, and with a radio everyone hears your call for help including nearby vessels that could reach you in minutes.

Modern VHF radios allow you to send and receive information at the touch of a button so make sure everyone onboard your dinghy knows how to operate the distress alert button properly. 

Arguably, the most important aspect of staying safe while out on your dinghy is knowing what to do if something goes wrong as well as good preparation and planning.

Specialist dinghy insurance through GJW Direct

For extra peace of mind, you may want to consider specialist dinghy insurance to protect yourself and your boat against risks like theft, damage, and third-party claims. Get an instant online quote today.