The size of your sea anchor depends on your boat’s size and weight. For parachute anchors, diameters range from 6-20 feet. For series drogues, size is determined by the number of drogues. More drogues or larger diameters create more drag, helping maintain boat position in various sea conditions. There is one fundamental difference between sea…
Sea anchors come in many shapes and sizes, with many monikers such as parachute sea anchors, drift anchors, drift socks, parachute anchors, or boat brakes. Whatever you want to call them, they are vital components in overall boat safety equipment, and it’s essential to know how to use a sea anchor. The parachute sea anchor…
Navigating the world of life jackets, with their diverse range and functionalities, can be daunting. Whether you’re a boat owner, water sports enthusiast, or beach vacationer, understanding these crucial safety devices is vital. I’ll unpack the science behind life jackets, breaking down their buoyancy mechanisms, categories, and performance ratings. Drawing from personal experience, I’ll convey…
Ditch bags, also known as grab, go, or abandon ship bags, should be an essential part of any skipper’s gear on board. I’ve put together a guide that includes insights on the essential items needed for different sailing endeavors. It’s a compilation of years of maritime experience, data, and SOLAS requirements. For a comprehensive understanding…
When it comes to sailing, being prepared for emergencies is paramount. The challenge often lies in understanding what essentials to pack in a ditch bag, how to organize them effectively, and where to store them. Drawing on extensive sailing experience, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to emergency ditch bags (grab bags). I’ve also ensured that…
Mounting fire extinguishers in a boat is not difficult. The main requirement is that this safety equipment is installed near potential fire hazards, is visible, and is easily accessible onboard. A boat fire extinguisher will hopefully never be used, and they can be disposed of at the end of the vessel’s life. However, if needed…
Life jackets (also called PFDs or buoyancy aids) have a typical lifespan of around 10 years. Below are key facts about their durability: Remember, over time, life jackets may lose effectiveness, and all life jackets will inevitably expire. But you can prioritize your safety by monitoring their condition. How Long Are Life Jackets Supposed To…
Many misconceptions about life jackets contribute to the selection of inadequate types that fail to provide essential protection. This often leads to a reluctance to wear them because they may be uncomfortable, ill-fitting, bulky, or perceived as unattractive. The importance of utilizing appropriate safety equipment coupled with knowledge of legal requirements and standards like ISO…
When it comes to your child’s safety in the water, whether it be sailing, cruising, or chartering, you want the best gear on the market to keep them safe. As a professional yacht officer of 10 years, the boats I have worked on have had their fair share of child life jackets. These recommendations are…
If lifejackets are not taken care of, they can become dysfunctional, and their performance is affected. In addition, they can become unsafe to rely on as personal flotation devices should you end up in the water, creating a dangerous situation. Regular maintenance not only preserves the integrity of the lifejacket, but it is also a…