Safety Advice
Small Boat Safety Advice
Inflatable boats are not a good choice either because their lack of draught lets them be buffeted about at anchor, and also because of the risk of damage from sharp pointed gaffs and large hooks.
The boat should have a strong bow ring for towing and anchoring. Grab lines, fitted around the boat for anyone going overboard.
Carry a spare anchor, chain and warp of good length. Have clothing with you suited to whatever weather may turn up, but thigh length waders are not likely to be of much benefit and could prove disastrous if you fall overboard.
Launching and landing is usually on the beach. Learn to do this properly in calm conditions and then, with more experience, in a moderate surf. Before proceeding to sea tell someone ashore of your intentions and estimated time of return.
When choosing your fishing ground keep within a distance of base or shelter which you can make in good time when weather worsens according to the sort of vessels you have. It is safer to fish in company with others. Anchoring in or close to shipping lanes or buoyed fairways risks being run down and is a nuisance to other shipping.
It is often risky for small craft to round headlands, especially those with no safe haven beyond.
You will usually be anchoring in a current and at greater depths than most small boats. You must learn how to do this properly.
Anglers, like everyone else, should observe the Rules of the Road, but in addition they have to show proper signals of shapes when at anchor or fishing.
- While fishing you have to be on your guard at all times against capsizing the boat. Standing up when the boat is moving is dangerous.
- Keep fish slime and bait from fouling the deck or bottom boards. Spare rods and gaffs etc left lying around can make you lose your footing.
- Make a habit of keeping a good look out for vessels as angling boats not displaying adequate anchor signals will be indicating to ships and other vessels that the boat is under way and be able to keep clear as required by the International Collision Regulations. Be Warned.
- Keep your anchor cable buoyed and ready to slip it in an emergency.
- Keep a lookout for the onset of sea mist and for signs of bad weather coming up. The situation can change in a few minutes.
- Have a radio and listen regularly to the weather forecast especially if you are a long way out.
- Do not forget your compass and flares.
Inflatable boats are not a good choice either because their lack of draught lets them be buffeted about at anchor, and also because of the risk of damage from sharp pointed gaffs and large hooks.
The boat should have a strong bow ring for towing and anchoring. Grab lines, fitted around the boat for anyone going overboard.
Carry a spare anchor, chain and warp of good length. Have clothing with you suited to whatever weather may turn up, but thigh length waders are not likely to be of much benefit and could prove disastrous if you fall overboard.
Launching and landing is usually on the beach. Learn to do this properly in calm conditions and then, with more experience, in a moderate surf. Before proceeding to sea tell someone ashore of your intentions and estimated time of return.
When choosing your fishing ground keep within a distance of base or shelter which you can make in good time when weather worsens according to the sort of vessels you have. It is safer to fish in company with others. Anchoring in or close to shipping lanes or buoyed fairways risks being run down and is a nuisance to other shipping.
It is often risky for small craft to round headlands, especially those with no safe haven beyond.
You will usually be anchoring in a current and at greater depths than most small boats. You must learn how to do this properly.
Anglers, like everyone else, should observe the Rules of the Road, but in addition they have to show proper signals of shapes when at anchor or fishing.
