Do you go boating by yourself? (safety related)

[boatster_sr4]

I ask because I always go with someone in my boat. Especially when I'm crossing the channel here which is roughly 26 miles one way. I have all the safety gear, inflatable pfds, radios, gps, flares, horns, etc ( no aux motor). I figure going with someone adds some measure of safety just in case I were to hit my head or get ejected and go unconscious or just as an extra pair of eyes and brains for when trouble might occur. I wonder what everyones take is on going out by yourself if you do? What extra precautions do you take? Oh I also always leave a float plan with a family member.

I guess cruising along the coast I would have no problems going by myself. The real motivation I guess is that I would like to go by myself at times so I'm not always relying on someone else choosing to tag along.

[Kernow Buoy]

Hi Boatster
I asked that question myself and had some very useful replies on this thread

going solo

[boatster_sr4]

Hi Kernow,

I guess I should have done a search first. Got it. Thanks.

[Alex Brown]

I do go out on the boat by myself, not often, but it does happen from time to time. There is no difference in the safety side as to whether there are 3 people with me or just on my own. Before I leave, I always let a family member know where I'm going and return time. Similarly with the safety equipment I carry - whenever out, I always carry my handheld vhf attached to the lifejacket, and if going far offshore, the handheld gps is attached too.
Unfortunately, most of my family and friends who come out with me aren't exactly great on the water - they love going out on the water, but when it comes to boat handling etc... they're not great. This means that pretty much whenever I go out, I will do just about everything myself anyway.

If we go out to the smalls, which is about 30miles offshore, I'd always prefer to be out there with a 2nd boat if possible since if there was a problem that far out like boat sinking/inverting/other I don't think many people would hear the handheld vhf, and being in the water for a very long period of time would not be great.

There are a couple of things which I don't carry on me, but have thought about - one is a pack of small flares which fit in pocket, have read about them on the forum before, and really should buy. The other is an arm attached epirb like our guys wear at work when they're working at night on their own.... it's expensive, but if you're concerned and did end up in the water you should be picked up eventually.....

-Alex

[boatster_sr4]

Kernow,

That was a good read. Thanks.


Hi Alex,

I do agree having a second boat is the best alternative but thats almost as troublesome to arrange as dragging a passenger along.

Safety precautions I probably would take is to carry the handheld vhf in my jacket. An eprib would be an investment, I'd have to start saving some $ for that. I always clip the kill cord to a belt loop on my pants.

[boatster_sr4]

Has anyone thought of using some kind of man overboard dye so that you could be spotted in the water by Coastguard? Something like military pilots use when they eject into the ocean.

Oh, and I do have a personal strobe attached to my pfd if by any stroke of unluck I end up in the water towards dusk.

[tcwozere]

Deepending on whereabouts your concerned about spending time in the water Boatster, I would consider shark repellant dye instead of the man overboard dye..

[The Jackeens]

Originally Posted by Alex Brown

one is a pack of small flares which fit in pocket, have read about them on the forum before, and really should buy.

Agree. We got these having seen them with an Instructor.

Back-up, back-up, back-up if on your own.

Us

[codprawn]

Lets face it many round the world yachtsmen cope quite well singlehanded.

Obviously having 2 crew is an asset but not always - THEY may be the ones to get into trouble and then you risk yourself by trying to help. Swings and roundabouts I suppose.

I do carry a pack of those small flares in a pocket BUT I wonder which is a greater risk - not being spotted because you haven't got them or them going off in your pocket and blowing you to bits!!!

One invaluable safety product is a small freezer bag with a ziplock top. Put your mobile phone in that and it will still work if all else fails!!!

[Hugh Jardon]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Lets face it many round the world yachtsmen cope quite well singlehanded.

Obviously having 2 crew is an asset but not always - THEY may be the ones to get into trouble and then you risk yourself by trying to help. Swings and roundabouts I suppose.

I do carry a pack of those small flares in a pocket BUT I wonder which is a greater risk - not being spotted because you haven't got them or them going off in your pocket and blowing you to bits!!!

One invaluable safety product is a small freezer bag with a ziplock top. Put your mobile phone in that and it will still work if all else fails!!!

serious question here codders.....

will you be going out in your new rib on your own or will you be typically accompanied by a friend?

myself i will typically be going out with a friend or with family as the norm, and if i was going across the channel i would defo go with another boat or with company, preferably a salty sea dog!!!