Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1376560
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 MAY 2021 8 BOATING AS the owner/skipper of the vessel you are responsible for the safety of all the persons on board your craft. Before ven- turing out at sea it is highly recommend- ed that you go through this basic check- list which is aimed at assisting you in addressing very basic safety issues. Questions to ask yourself before going out at sea: • Have I checked the weather fore- cast? • Have I reviewed all relevant No- tices to Mariners? (Notices to • Mariners can be downloaded from www.transport.gov.mt) • Have I checked the boat for de- fects or damage? • Do I have enough fuel for the trip, plus reserve? • Do I have sufficient water and food? • Is all the recommended safety equipment on board and • in good order? • Have I shown my passengers where the safety equipment • is and how to use it? • Have I advised a reliable person of my boating plan? • What means of communication do I have on board in • case of emergency? A valid nautical licence, insurance policy cover and boat registration doc- umentation should be kept on board at all times. Recommended Equipment and Safety Gear It is the responsibility of the Master (Person in Charge) of the boat to ensure that there is appropriate life saving equip- ment on board and that everyone knows how to wear and use this equipment. • Personal Floating Devices (PFD) for all persons on board including children plus an extra of each type (that is, one for adults and one for children). • Fire extinguisher of an appropri- ate size on all boats equipped with an engine. • Waterproof First Aid kit and wa- terproof flashlight. • Liferaft or dinghy. • VHF Radio. • GPS, fixed or handheld. • Visual distress signals (minimum 1 orange smoke and 1 red flare) • Bucket, bailer or bilge pump. Always ensure that all equipment is within its expiry date Safety is paramount