Offshore Safety
Weather, emergencies and safety equipment. Explore step-by-step checklists, practical tips and important precautions before you work on your boat.
Guides in this topic
Choose a guide to read the full steps.
How to Check Offshore Safety Equipment
A practical inventory and inspection routine before a passage.
Read the guideHow to Make a Man-Overboard Prevention Plan
Reduce the chance of losing a person overboard and prepare a response.
Read the guideHow to Prepare Your Sailboat for Heavy Weather
Secure the boat and crew before deteriorating conditions arrive.
Read the guideHow to Prepare a Marine VHF Distress Call
Know where vital information is located before an emergency at sea.
Read the guideHow to Prepare a Sailboat Flooding Response Plan
Map valves, pumps, leak-control tools and distress options before water enters the boat.
Read the guideHow to Check Sailboat Liferaft Service Status
Verify that safety gear is suitable, accessible and within its service period.
Read the guideHow to Review Your EPIRB Registration and Battery Status
Make sure the beacon can be traced to the right vessel in an emergency.
Read the guideHow to Set Up an Offshore Night-Watch Briefing
Give each watchkeeper a clear handover and escalation plan.
Read the guideHow to Inspect Fire Extinguishers on a Sailboat
Check access, condition and service status of onboard extinguishers.
Read the guideHow to Reduce Carbon Monoxide Risk on a Sailboat
Recognize the invisible hazards from exhaust and fuel-burning appliances.
Read the guideHow to Inspect an Inflatable Sailing Lifejacket
Review the condition of inflation systems and service requirements before sailing.
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