On Tuesday evening (13th January 2021) our Lifeboat Community Safety Team kick started their 2021 on-line training programme by hosting a workshop to refresh their knowledge and skills on lifejackets. If you are a follower of our lifesaving work you will be aware that we conduct lifejacket clinic’s at local yacht club and lifeboat stations to help check lifejackets and keep their wearers/owners safe.
Did you know that our team of RNLI Community Safety volunteers can carry out Advice on Board safety advice sessions with you. We will visit you and provide you with practical suggestions on how to improve the safety on your boat and it’s equipment.
When and where will the advice sessions take place?
The session is specifically tailored around your availability and the location to suit you. It is not like an MoT for a car, but a friendly chat where we can help with suggestions on how to improve safety for you and your crew. We will provide you with a summary of the main points covered to take away with you at the end of the session.
Do the advice sessions cost anything?
The sessions are totally free of charge.
Are the RNLI Community Safety Team qualified to undertake these sessions?
All the team that conduct the Advice on Board sessions have attended a course run by the RNLI to qualify them to carry out the checks. They also attend refresher sessions to keep their knowledge up-to-date.
Can the advice session include checking my lifejackets too?
Yes, we can check your lifejackets as well, we also recommend getting them regularly serviced and by a service agent or local chandlers who may have the facility to send off jackets to a manufacturers.
I have a VHF handheld radio and I am unsure whether it is still ok to use, can you check the radio?
Our team are not qualified to service or check VHF handheld or base station radio’s. We would recommend contacting a local dealer or manufacturer for more advice.
How can I book an Advice on Board session with my local Community Safety Team?
If you have your boat is moored at Ramsgate Harbour please send our team a direct message on either our Facebook or Instagram page and we will reply asap. If you live in another area then you can contact RNLI HQ at Poole by going to this link
What happens during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our team are permitted to carry out some RNLI Community Safety work using social distancing. If you would prefer to wait until 2021 then you can still register your interest in having an advice session carried out in the future.
I would like some advice on my engine. Can you help me with this?
Mechanical failure is the single biggest cause of rescue call outs to sailing and motor cruisers, accounting for nearly 20% of all our lifeboat launches. Knowing your boat, carrying spares and being able to fit them could make the difference between having to call for help and being able to help yourself. Our team are not qualified to check over engines. Our advice is to get your engine checked out by a qualified engineer.
Why not download these free RNLI resources:
check list for inboard and outboard engines
check list for outboard engines
The RYA diesel engine maintenance course is designed to help you with engine problems when out at sea
Are you able to take time expired pyrotechnic’s (TEP’s) from me?
We are not permitted to take TEP’s from any members of the public due to the risk involved. Please contact your supplier where you purchased the flares from initially and ask whether they operate a ‘take back facility’. Alternatively, speak with a life raft manufacturer or council recycling centre. Our blog on how to dispose of out of date flares may provide some useful reading.
What happens if I have some more questions?
If you have any questions on Advice on Board sessions or any aspect of safety on your boat then please do not hesitate in dropping us a private message on our social media pages. Thank you for reading and stay safe.
Further useful links
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Acknowledgements
RYA
RNLI
