Sailboat Safety Equipment to have Installed
23rd August 2009 by Boating Laws No CommentsOn a sailboat there are a few safety features that should definitely be installed. Undoubtedly there should be a fire alarm installed below deck on the sailboat. It is equally as important to test this boat fire alarm once a month to make sure it is working adequately and properly. Fire alarm batteries are known to run out of energy, which leaves unaware sailors in potential danger. The fire alarm which is purchased and installed should definitely be loud in pitch when going off. This will ensure that it will be loud enough to hear all around the boat.
To supplement the fire alarm, there should be a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. Poisoning by carbon monoxide happens annually to hundreds of people. The most deadly aspect of carbon monoxide is that it is odorless, and even those with a keen nose will miss its presence. There should be one installed in every sleeping area, galley, and confined space to maximize coverage and protection for the crew. Installing a carbon monoxide detector will provide early detection of the situation and prevent needless health injuries.
The boat interior should be well lit without a doubt. Utilize boat interior lighting which is cost beneficial. Mount an LED light on the ceiling or the wall, as one of the many types to chose from. Use a small halogen type lamp in order to control the direction of where the light is cast. This latter type would be ideal for reading. It is also important of course to get a waterproof design. For smaller spaces and other situations, keep a powerful flashlight aboard. Some flashlights even come with built in FM radio.
Beyond safety within the sailboat, the exterior of the boat should also be well lit with boat exterior lighting. These lights are used also for navigational purposes. The best type will be the LED type, since they use half the energy and have a long life. External light types and models will vary depending on the boat length. At least two miles should be the visibility of the exterior lights chosen. On board for certain circumstances there should also be a floodlight on the sailboat.
A good idea would be to have a generator aboard as well. An efficient and worthwhile generator needs to be selected. This may cost a little bit more, but the long term benefits will eventually make themselves clear. There needs to be specific features installed on a boat for safety purposes. To those who sail actively, it becomes known that just as important as maintaining the sailboat is maintaining safety on a sailboat.
