Safety Archives - American Sailing Learning To Sail Is Just The Beginning Tue, 24 Oct 2023 16:05:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.4 https://asa.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-american-sailing-logo-07-32x32.png Safety Archives - American Sailing 32 32 Free PDF Download: A Guide to VHF Channels https://asa.com/news/2023/10/23/guide-to-vhf-channels/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:21:58 +0000 https://asa.com/?p=62691 For coastal cruising sailors, the VHF radio serves as the foremost lifeline. It also plays a crucial role in sharing safety-related information both with fellow vessels and the shoreline. Check out this helpful guide to become proficient with VHF channels and message protocols.

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]]> How and Why to Heave To https://asa.com/news/2023/10/05/how-and-why-to-heave-to/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 21:12:04 +0000 https://asa.com/?p=62556 "Heaving-to" is a classic technique employed to endure severe weather conditions while at sea. Heaving-to is an essential skill for all mariners, as it proves valuable in various situations. This maneuver allows you to delay your arrival at a port until more favorable light or tide conditions prevail or simply "park" the boat while attending to necessary repairs.

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]]> How to Deal With Seasickness While Sailing https://asa.com/news/2023/06/14/how-to-deal-with-seasickness-while-sailing/ https://asa.com/news/2023/06/14/how-to-deal-with-seasickness-while-sailing/#comments Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:54:00 +0000 https://asa.com/?p=53911 Don't let seasickness ruin your ability to enjoy sailing. There are plenty of seasoned sailors who started out with complications from motion sickness and they have since earned their sea legs. There isn't a one-size fits all solution, but most people seem to find their personal combination of actions to keep from missing a day on the water.

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]]> https://asa.com/news/2023/06/14/how-to-deal-with-seasickness-while-sailing/feed/ 1 Tips for Diving Into the Sailing Season https://asa.com/news/2023/05/25/tips-for-diving-into-the-sailing-season/ Thu, 25 May 2023 14:47:00 +0000 https://asa.com/?p=60723 As you embark on the sailing season, it is always a good idea to be well-prepared. Here are some early-season tips to get you off to a great start with sailing this year, and a helpful link to our reference cards.

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]]> Handling Marine Emergencies https://asa.com/news/2023/04/13/handling-marine-emergencies/ Thu, 13 Apr 2023 14:27:00 +0000 https://asa.com/?p=59462 Emergencies at sea are extremely serious and require a prepared crew to take control of the situation. While you may take sailing courses to become proficient out on the water, emergencies can arise, and being prepared for anything that comes your way is essential. Experience will teach you how to determine whether an incident is an irritant you can remedy with onboard resources or an emergency. If there is any doubt, call for help. In an emergency that threatens or has caused injury, your first resort is VHF 16. Everyone with “ears on” will hear you. If you must call ...

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]]> What is a PFD (lifejacket) https://asa.com/news/2022/12/27/what-is-a-pfd-lifejacket/ Tue, 27 Dec 2022 15:54:00 +0000 https://asa.com/?p=57752 In the official language of the USCG, a wearable device that will keep you afloat should you fall in the water is a “personal flotation device” or “PFD.” Lifejacket and PFD are interchangeable terms. PFDs are officially classed as Types I, II, III, IV, and V, according to their design, construction, and intended use. The specific type required aboard depends on the type of vessel, its use, and the waters in which it sails.  Life jackets save lives.  A vessel underway must carry a USCG-approved life jacket for every person aboard. The jackets must be readily available for use and ...

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]]> Handling Emergencies: Man Overboard https://asa.com/news/2022/12/20/man-overboard-drill/ Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:54:00 +0000 https://asa.com/?p=57759 Every man or woman overboard situation should be treated as a very serious matter, even in seemingly balmy conditions. In cold waters or cold weather, in restricted visibility or at nighttime, or in rough seas, the chances for a positive outcome diminish. Any delay in recovering the person in the water stacks the odds against his chances of survival. the best advice is to do all you can to prevent anyone from ever going overboard, but be prepared to handle the situation if it does occur. Focus on Recovery  If somebody does go overboard, the entire crew must focus on ...

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]]> Safety Equipment Required on a Boat https://asa.com/news/2022/07/21/safety-equipment-required-on-a-boat/ Thu, 21 Jul 2022 18:16:00 +0000 https://asa.com/?p=54805 The USCG requires certain safety equipment on a boat and it is imperative that you make sure that your vessel is properly outfitted with this equipment.  These minimum standards require U.S Coast Guard “approved” or “certified” equipment. This equipment includes: Life Jackets All recreational vessels must carry one wearable life jacket for each person on board. Any boat 16 feet and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable (Type IV) device.  Life jackets should be worn at all times when the vessel is underway. A life jacket can save your life, but only if you wear it. ...

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]]> Should You Wear A PFD? https://asa.com/news/2022/07/01/should-you-wear-a-pfd/ Fri, 01 Jul 2022 14:07:00 +0000 https://asa.com/?p=55757 The question that is asked most often when going on a daysail has to be: Should I wear a lifejacket? The answer is YES, you should wear a life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD)  while sailing.  Is the answer clear? The data suggest that drowning is the leading cause of death aboard vessels.  An overwhelming majority of these victims were not wearing life jackets. Capsizing and falling overboard are leading causes for boaters unexpectedly entering the water. Increasing the proper use of lifejackets can lessen the chances of drowning. PFD -Personal Flotation Device It is a simple statement but ...

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]]> Operating a Dinghy Safely and Responsibly https://asa.com/news/2022/06/01/dinghy-safety-and-operation/ https://asa.com/news/2022/06/01/dinghy-safety-and-operation/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:04:00 +0000 https://asa.com/?p=43000 Dinghies are an integral part of sailing for the charter customer or for the cruiser who hopes to step onto shore once they reach their desired destination. However, do you know the rules and the etiquette that are the best practices with regards to dinghy use? Those sailors who have earned ASA 103 and ASA 104 certifications have learned about best practices when utilizing dinghies but it is always a good idea to brush up on what you should and should not do when operating a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB) or a dinghy.  Before Your Charter Begins: Inspect your dinghy. ...

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