Yachts Equipment and it's Use
Personal Safety

A Lifejacket has the advantage that, when fully inflated, it will turn an unconscious person to float face upwards, with mouth and nose clear of the water. Look for the British Standard BS3595 and the BSI "kitemark". There are several different types of standard lifejacket, some relying on gas inflation from a small cylinder, others being inflated solely by mouth. The most common type seen in AY Yachting Centers has some built-in buoyancy, which is augmented by oral inflation. The disadvantage of a lifejacket is that it can be bulky to wear and can restrict your movements.

A Buoyancy Aid looks like a padded waistcoat and should be made of closed-cell foam with a simple, secure zip or buckle. Buoyancy aids are ideal for use in sheltered or inshore waters to provide a degree of buoyancy in a lightweight garment that will not obstruct your movement in the water

Neither a buoyancy aid nor a lifejacket will be any use to you at all if it is not properly fastened. In fact, it will be a real hindrance in the water, as it will try to ride up around your neck and make movement difficult. Learn how to fasten it securely.

Using Yachts Basic Equipment

At this level of seamanship sailors should be becoming very familiar with a small yachts sailing equipment and running gear. If the yacht has an interior fitted with Toilet, Bilge Pumps and Galley with cooking stove, intending operators should first seek advice on the present status of the equipment and if using it for the first time ask your AY Instructor for a quick display on how to use this particular apparatus. This may save personal embarrassment at a latter stage and contributes to the safety of the crew on lengthy passages.

The Safety Prescriptions of the ISAF Yacht Racing Rules stipulates various safety requirements for interior installations like gas lines and connections, warning signs, instruction guides for the Galley and clonical shaped timber plugs attached permanently at all through hull fittings in the toilet or head. Sailors should become familiar with the ISAF Safety Rules and get involved in practical use and open discussions when becoming acquainted with the safe operation of these essential items.