Safety at Sea - SOLAS & MSM
Most new boat owners are keen to learn the basics of boat handling and navigation and to equip their vessels with appropriate safety equipment.
Princess Motor Yacht Sales recommend and provides training for new boat owners with little or no experience and can supply the appropriate safety equipment required by law.
Owners can elect to train for the RYA Day Skipper course (practical) with a qualified instructor, or take their ICC (International Certificate of Competence). This provides a basic level of seamanship, navigation and safety training.
Although qualifications in the UK are not yet mandatory, there are laws which determine what level of safety equipment should be carried on board. These apply to all recreational vessels, not just those operating commercially.
The International Convention of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Regulations have been in Force since 1st July 2002.
These regulations apply to all recreational boat users and require:
- Passage planning i.e. proof that you have taken account of the weather, tides, limitations of vessel and crew capabilities, navagional dangers and contingency planning
- The carrying of an approved radar reflector
- Having on board a copy of the SOLAS life saving signals
- Requirements to report observed hazards to navigation
- Prohibits the misuse of any distress signals
Additionally, if a Vessel is Over 13.7m (45ft approx), it must comply with the Merchant Shipping Regulations of 1999 (MSM 1979 (M))
This means the carrying of:
- An approved and appropriate capacity life-raft
- 2 Lifebuoys, one with a light
- A buoyant lifeline of 18m in length
- Appropriate life jackets for all on board
- 4 Parachute, 4 red handheld, 4 white hand and 2 orange smoke flares
- A training manual
- A copy of the SOLAS tables
- An appropriate maritime radio
While this is not a fully detailed list it is an illustration of some of the legal requirements. Further full details can be obtained from the RYA or the MCA or their websites.
Compliance is not only a legal requirement but also a symbol of good seamanship and probably in most cases a requirement of insurance companies too.
Princess Motor Yacht Sales, via our Parts Department, offers a comprehensive package of safety equipment with every new boat to help ensure as smooth a passage as possible in every sense.
If you would like to contact our Parts Department to discuss the Regulations further, or to order a complete safety kit, please either call Tel: Int: +44 (0)1752 893031 or E-mail: princess-parts@princess.co.uk.
