First time to sea

[kevinrhead]

I am intending to make my first coastal trip but not to venture far out of Harbour as new to this and would appreciate some advise as to what safety equipment is needed for coastal trips. I already have life jackets/paddles/spare fuel/spare kill cord/fire extinguisher/mobile phone in aquapack/handheld GPS. I am thinking it would probably be a good idea to invest in some flares and a handheld VHF + necessary license/certificate. Have already booked myself on RYA PB2 course (My wife already has her PB2.) Any advise would be greatly apreciated.

[Louise]

Hi Kevin,

Your thinking is sound - all those items are good to have. Have a look at the 'Equipment' section of our website (see below my signature line) to get some more ideas but bear in mind that we have more storage space than you and my other half is a 'belt AND braces (AND a bit of string in case those fail!)' man! I assume you already have an anchor and chain but a sea anchor would be useful too. Also a bailer (which you can make yourself by cutting the bottom off a pop bottle). It's a good idea to have some spare clothing as it can be colder than you think and water, chocolate and a first aid kit are essential too IMHO. HTH

P.S. I'm bound to have forgotten some other essential but another RIBnetter will be along in a minute to add it to the list!

P.P.S. Have fun!

[Scary Des]

Agree with all above and would add that for storage in a small boat consider dry sacks, packed carefully with the soft stuff on the outside and hard bits in the middle they can double as cushions. Don’t forget to tie them on Des .

[gingercoastie]

Originally Posted by kevinrhead

I am thinking it would probably be a good idea to invest in some flares and a handheld VHF + necessary license/certificate.

I would put these down as essential items, but otherwise you seem to have most things covered, alongwith the advice already given.

Make sure that someone ashore knows when you are out and when you are due back, and what to do should you not arrive.

Other than that have a good trip, I am sure you will enjoy it.

[Tim M]

I bought a hand-help VHF before I got my radio licence just as an emergancy backup. There wouldn't be a problem if you used it in a genuine emergancy without all the paperwork.

[ADS]

That sounds about right kevin, and consider investing in a hand held VHF.

I know this sounds obvious but I have fallen for this one , its all very well carrying extra fuel but remember the two stroke oil! Check your autolube reservoir (if relevant) and carry some spare oil, if your outboard is pre-mix it would be best to premix the spare fuel before setting off, I have known someone to connect the spare fuel tank after running the main one dry, but the spare tank had'nt been mixed Result, one seized engine!

Louise, I have read your extensive kit list, I am surprised Blue Ice planes


Good luck Kevin, Im sure you will enjoy it.


Alex

[Louise]

Originally Posted by ADS

Louise, I have read your extensive kit list, I am surprised Blue Ice planes

Oh she certainly does!

I know what you mean though! Come out with us some time if you want proof!

[MeMe]

...........I'd take your wife

[ADS]

Originally Posted by Louise

Oh she certainly does!

I know what you mean though! Come out with us some time if you want proof!

Its good to be well equipped, especially if you are travelling long distances.
Hopefully, we can meet up some time in the summer after the exams.

Regards
Alex

[Louise]

Originally Posted by ADS

Its good to be well equipped, especially if you are travelling long distances.

You're spot on. We want to be able to head off somewhere on a whim without thinking 'Oh but we haven't got x, y and z so better not.' And we did just this last June when we hopped over to Alderney!

Hopefully, we can meet up some time in the summer after the exams.

Look forward to it!