Owner`s manual
24
yachts, since they are the most effective fire extinguishers for any type of fire,
14.2 Life Jackets
One life jacket or personal flotation device for each member of the crew must be carried. They
should be approved by the Department of Transport in Canada and by the United States Coast
Guard in the US
14.3 Life Buoys
Most yachts carry life buoys of the horseshoe/pony ring type which can be easily stowed in a
bracket on the stern pulpit or adjacent to the helmsman. This life buoy should have a gravity-
activated strobe or other bright light attached to it and a 50 ft. long line. The other end is
attached to a man-overboard pole. This pole is stowed on the lifeline of the yacht and goes
overboard after the life buoy.
14.4 Safety Harnesses
Just as with life jackets, a safety harness should always be worn by anyone on deck at night
and during heavy weather sailing. These harnesses allow the wearer to be attached to some-
permanent fixture on or above the deck. They should be able to take the full weight of the
wearer falling several feet.
14.5 Lifelines
Lifelines should be checked regularly to ensure their integrity. Always insure that the access
gate (if installed) is closed before leaving the dock or mooring. Always check carefully that the
swage fittings are not pulling and the lock nuts on the bottle screws of the lifeline turnbuckles
and snap shackle are tight.
14.6 Dinghy and Life Raft
For offshore cruising or racing, an inflatable dinghy or life raft must be carried with a capacity to
accommodate every member of the crew. Inflatable dinghies should be checked once every
two years to ensure their good operation.
14.7 Flashlights
Every yacht should be equipped with a number of flashlights in good working condition with well
charged batteries not only as a convenience in moving about the boat at night and in trimming
sails, but as a safety precaution locating people overboard. At least two of the lantern type
should be available on the boat.
14.8 Safety Flares
The U.S. or Canadian Coast Guard regulations apply to your size of yacht.
14.9 Fog Signals and Radar Reflectors
Both of these items are extremely important if sailing conditions deteriorate and visibility is
severely restricted. Fog horns of the canister pressure type are good but a “lung power" type