Safe Boating

Boating can come in several different forms. From passenger boats to commercial fishing trawlers, barges to tugboats and everything else in between, boats are an important part of everyday life. As is the case with all water based activities, there can be risks involved. We have all the advice you need to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

14 Steps To Safe Boating

1. Check condition of boat and equipment, hull, engine, fuel, tools, torch.

Scrúdaigh an bád agus an trealamh, cabhail, inneall, breosla, uirlisí, lampa.

2. Check the weather forecast for the area.

Éist le tuar na haimsire don cheantar.

3. Check locally concerning dangerous currents, strong tides.

Aon sruthanna láidre nó farraigí móra thart anseo?” Cuir tuairisc faoi shruthanna láidre, farraigí móra nó eile.

4. Do not drink alcohol while setting out or during your trip

Na hól aon deoch mheisciúil roimhe nó le linn do thurais

5. Carry an alternative means of propulsion e.g. sails and oars or motor and oars

Bíodh an dara bealach gabhála agat, e.g. seolta agus maidí rámha, nó inneall agus maidí rámha.

6. Carry a first aid kit on board and distress signals (at least two parachute distress rockets, two red hand flares)

Bíodh bosca garchabhrach agus lasracha cruacháis (dhá roicéad cruacháis paraisiút agus dhá lasair láimhe dhearg, ar a laghad) ar bord.

7. Carry a fire extinguisher, a hand bailer or bucket with lanyard and an anchor with rope attached.

Bíodh múchtóir tine, soitheach taoscaigh nó buicéad le láinnéar, agus ancaire ar rópa agat.

8. Carry marine radio or some means of communication with shore.

Bíodh raidió mara nó bealach éigin teangmhála leis an talamh agat.

9. Do not overload the boat – this will make it unstable.

Ná bíodh iomarca meáchain ar bord nó má bhíonn beidh an bád corrach.

10.  Do not set out unless accompanied by an experienced person.

Ná gabh chun farraige gan duine eolasach a bheith in do theannta

11. Leave details of your planned trip with someone ashore – including departure and arrival times, description of boat, names of persons on board, etc.

Inis do dhuine éigin ar talamh cá bhfuil do thriall – am fágála agus filleadh, an cineál báid, ainmneacha na ndaoine ar bord, agus mar sin de.

12. Wear a lifejacket at all times

Caith seaicéad sábhála an t-am ar fad.

13. Keep an eye on the weather – seek shelter in good time.

Coinnigh súil ar an aimsir – téigh ar foscadh in am.

14. In Marine Emergencies, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coast guard.

Coinnigh súil ar an aimsir – téigh ar foscadh in am.

Always Wear A Lifejacket On Or Near Water

What is a Personal Flotation Device?

This is a generic term used to describe lifejackets and buoyancy aids. The main difference between lifejackets and buoyancy aids is that a lifejacket is designed to turn an unconscious person face up on entering the water. A buoyancy aid is not guaranteed to do this and is as the name describes, an aid to keeping you afloat.

Safety Equipment Checklist

Sailboat and Motorboat – Offshore/Coastal

You will find in the link below, safety equipment checklists as laid down by the Marine Safety Directorate for the various types of leisure craft which are used on our waters. Water Safety Ireland recommends that you equip your craft with the appropriate lists to ensure the safety of you and your crew.

Tides

The sea reaches its highest level twice a day, roughly 12 hours and 25 minutes apart. This means high tide is 50 minutes later every day.

Tides are affected by cycles. A spring tide means high tides are higher and low tides are lower than average. Spring tides occur just after the full moon and again approximately two weeks later, just after the new moon.

Neap tides mean high tides are lower and low tides are higher than average. Neap tides occur after the half moon.

For the most up to date tidal information see

Jet Skiing

Personal watercrafts are an exciting way to explore the water. You can cover huge areas in a short space of time and the adrenaline rush is undoubtedly like no other.

However, you have a responsibility for your safety and that of other water users when using a jet ski. If you are involved in a jet ski accident, the results could be catastrophic for everyone involved.

Our handy practical information can be the difference between experiencing some of the best thrills of your life and losing your life. Make yourself aware of the do’s and don’ts to jet skiing.

Kayaks, Canoes etc.

No matter what you are doing in, on or around water you can take some really simple actions to enhance your safety. This is true of kayaks, canoes and sit on tops too.

Take the right preventative actions before you take your position on the water. Doing so will ensure your welfare as well as those in your company.

When it comes to sourcing equipment, remember – lots of activity providers not only rent equipment, they also provide instructions on how to use it safely. Pay attention to these instructions, especially if you have never used the equipment before.

BE SAFE AT SEA

Check the Weather Forecast for the Area and Wear a Lifejacket at All Times