Ocean crossing or deep-sea sailing
When you are about to sail for a long time and far from the coasts, it is important to be well prepared for this long cruise. We prepare the supplies, we check the safety equipment, we check the general state of the boat and its equipment, we prepare the route, the stopovers and we study the weather. These basic but essential steps will ensure the comfort and safety of the navigation. Many boaters stick to these basic principles. However, some administrative steps are essential to ensure the safety of the trip and to facilitate taking charge of the rescue in case of need. Certainly, when you go sailing, you avoid thinking "worst case scenario" and the majority of cruises go off without a hitch, but as the saying goes "better safe than sorry."
"Whenever an international crossing, an ocean crossing or an offshore navigation between two States is carried out, for example between the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands, it is justified to establish a crossing declaration sent to the competent CROSS" explains Marc Bonnafous, Director of CROSS Gris-Nez.
Declare your crossing to CROSS Gris-Nez
In the event that you need help during an ocean voyage, having prepared a crossing declaration will save time. This "Crossing Declaration" form, which can be downloaded from the CROSS Gris-Nez website, allows you to inform the rescue services about your voyage. You can communicate information on :
- Your ship,
- Your means of communication on board,
- Your navigation program,
- Your crew,
- Your contacts on land,
- And any other information you deem useful to communicate.
Thanks to this document, which must be returned to the CROSS Gris-Nez and which can be directly modified online, the CROSS will have in its hands all the essential information for the rapid management of searches in case of concern or rescue operations if a distress beacon is triggered. You can also inform the CROSS of any change in route, crew, stopover... via the 196 or from your VHF.
"We advise long-distance boaters to make a crossing declaration. It is an optional declaration system that allows us to collect all the data before the crossing. It saves us from having to go fishing for information on the composition of the safety equipment, the people on board, their age, their experience. This way, we have all the elements we need for a rescue" explains the director of the CROSS.
Similar formalities for the medical profession
In case of health problems on board and at sea, we may also be required to consult a doctor . In the same way as for the declaration of crossing to the CROSS, it is good to communicate the medical file of each team member before departure. This is the CCMM of Toulouse which is the referent organization for health at sea. They will have all the information they need to establish a diagnosis in addition to the information you provide.
