Safety Equipment inside a Sailboat

On a sailboat there are a few safety features that should definitely be installed. Undoubtedly there should be a fire alarm installed below deck on the sailboat. It is equally as important to test this boat fire alarm once a month to make sure it is working adequately and properly. Often, fire alarm batteries run out of juice and leave sailors unknowingly vulnerable. The fire alarm which is purchased and installed should definitely be loud in pitch when going off. This will ensure that it will be loud enough to hear all around the boat.

To supplement the fire alarm, there should be a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. Carbon monoxide poisoning claims many victims each year. The most deadly aspect of carbon monoxide is that it is odorless, and even those with a keen nose will miss its presence. There should be one installed in every sleeping area, galley, and confined space to maximize coverage and protection for the crew. Installing a carbon monoxide detector will provide early detection of the situation and prevent needless health injuries.

The interior of the boat should be well lit. Utilize boat interior lighting which is cost beneficial. There are many types to chose from, including attachable LED lights which can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Use a small halogen type lamp in order to control the direction of where the light is cast. This latter type would be ideal for reading. It is also important of course to get a waterproof design. For smaller spaces and other situations, keep a powerful flashlight aboard. Some flashlights even come with built in FM radio.

Beyond safety within the sailboat, the exterior of the boat should also be well lit with boat exterior lighting. These lights are used also for navigational purposes. The best type will be the LED type, since they use half the energy and have a long life. The length of the boat will be a factor when selecting a model and type of external light. At least two miles should be the visibility of the exterior lights chosen. On the sailboat, there should be a floodlight for specific circumstances.

If it is possible, having a generator would also be a good idea. Select a generator that is efficient and worthwhile. The long term benefits will make themselves known, even if this will cost a bit more. There needs to be specific features installed on a boat for safety purposes. To those who sail actively, it becomes known that just as important as maintaining the sailboat is maintaining safety on a sailboat.