Prepare For Emergencies
Emergencies are a part of the boating experience. Emergencies can occur with anything at all, and boating is not an exception. However, when such cases happen, there are certain structures on the ground to respond to the occasion. This makes it important that you know all you need to know during emergencies.
Although boating is a low-risk activity, this doesn’t erase emergency cases. Several things can lead to emergencies such as bad weather conditions, traffic, or any form of hazard on the way. In all of these cases, there are emergency responses to safeguard you depending on the type of emergency it is.
It is crucial to learn emergency response. Some boaters might disregard this because they think they’ve prepared. For instance, a boater might check the weather condition beforehand and conclude that the weather is safe. This may be true, but weather conditions can change.
When this happens, you may be facing a stormy wind, or your route might have been compromised by traffic or hazardous elements. This means that you may need some help. But if you have not learnt the things to do, this can be extremely challenging. However, it doesn’t have to be. These are some of the things you need to know.
Boat Anchoring
Suppose you’re boating and you got insights that your route has been compromised, you may need to stay put till some help comes. In such cases, you may need to wield your boat anchoring skills. This will help you to prevent the boat from swaying away.
Setting an anchor into the water requires some tactic. To start with, you’ll need to determine the depth level of the water. By doing so, you get to know what you’re dealing with and how deep you should throw. When you know the depth, you’ll know the right depth scope to work with.
The advisable depth ratio is 7:1. It works with many depth levels. Once you release the required scope into the water, tie the anchor to your boat cleat.
VHF Radio
Your VHF radio is your close friend all through your boating experience. You’ll have to know how to use and utilise it. The radio is the most effective way to reach the base. With your radio, you can request for help or request for a new route to follow.
Using your radio starts with listening well and carefully. It is important that you first listen to the radio to check if there is an existing communication. This is to make sure you do not interrupt if there is one. Put the radio to watt-power and get the microphone set. By keying the microphone, it makes it ready for use. Always ensure you radio-check 3 times by stating your name and location the 3 times.
Once you check-in, you’ll have to wait for a response to be sure someone heard your call. Remember that for communication establishment, the channel frequency to call for VHF is channel 16. Once communication is established, you can carry on with what you need to report if there is one. You can also use the radio with other channels, as well as other boats.
Knowing these strategies is essential in your emergency response.