Ocean Safety has this great safety advice for anyone planning a charter holiday in the Caribbean this year.
It is Caribbean charter time. You have packed your sunscreen and bikini, topped up your Spotify downloads and bought a new floppy hat. All that personal stuff can be left to common sense, but what about safety?
In the winter months when most of us want to be there, the trade winds blow up to Force 7 in a lively week. You can certainly expect Force 4 – 5. For much of the time you will be in calm water in the lee of the islands, but you may venture out into the open with seas of up to 8 feet coming all the way from Africa. You will not be sailing after dark, because most charter operators ban this unless a special arrangement is made. Against this background, think ‘safety equipment’.
ONBOARD KIT
Partly due to the warm conditions and partly because of more relaxed regulations, Caribbean charter yachts are not equipped to the same high standards as yachts in home waters. Here is what you will probably find onboard:
LIFEJACKETS – The kit supplied may be the modern units you are used to, but some older yachts still have the unwieldy foam jackets of yesteryear. You certainly will not want to wear these all the time, so if that is going to be an issue, call your operator and see what the boat has. If you do not like it, take your own, especially if you have children with you. Standard onboard kit is adults only. Also, check on the procedure for what you should do if a lifejacket goes off and needs re-arming.
SAFETY LINE – A safety line, also known as a tether, connects a boat’s jackstay to a sailor’s safety harness. Bear in mind that the jackstays which are a legal requirement if you are chartering from the Hamble are not mandatory in the Caribbean and most boats do not have them. Some charterers who like these have taken a roll of webbing with them in their luggage and lashed up jackstays on the boat.
LIFERAFT – Sunsail boats, for example, carry one. All charter yachts tow dinghies and in the past these were considered adequate. With some operators they still are. Check with your company if you are concerned.
FLARE PACK – Most companies carry a useful flare pack, however you may want to pack your own LED flare.
VHF – All charter yachts will be equipped with a VHF, but most do not have a hand-held option. If you want this, bring your own.
FIRST-AID KIT – These vary from useful to very basic. It is worth discussing what you are going to find with your operator, then top up if necessary via your hold baggage.
TORCHES, FIREFIGHTING… – All boats from reputable firms carry proper fire extinguishers. Most will have torches. However, it is always advisable to bring your own. Top Tip – clip small waterproof bike lights onto kids’ lifejackets for any nighttime tender transfers.
EPIRB AND PLB – Yachts do not have EPIRB. If you want a PLB, pack your own! If unsure, check with your operator.
When you board the yacht it is worth checking that all their kit is in date where appropriate. Do not assume it is. If it is not, make a fuss and demand a substitution. Check where all the pumps are and that they work, inspect any man-overboard gear, make sure it is functional and that you know where it is.
Like any sailing, the best safety equipment is the skipper and crew, looking out for trouble before it happens and making sure it does not. Sailing in the Caribbean is some of the best the world has to offer. Sheet in, hang on tight and have a great time!
