Cruising means adventure, autonomy and freedom, but also rigorous preparation. On the high seas, more than 60 nautical miles from a shelter, you need to be able to cope with any situation. Let's take a look at how to combine regulatory compliance and efficiency to guarantee your crew's safety.
Lifejackets: the essentials for floating in complete safety
What the regulations say when sailing on the high seas, a 150 Newton (N) vest is compulsory for each person on board.
My advice : Choose a vest with automatic activation, incorporating an AIS (Automatic Identification System) beacon. If you fall overboard, you'll be immediately visible on the screens of nearby boats. Choose a model with a minimum rating of 175N to ensure better buoyancy, which comes in handy when you're wearing a watch and boots. Add a flashlight, whistle and anti-immersion hood for night-time visibility in bad weather.
And, above all, make sure you always have spare kits on hand to rearm a vest that has gone off!
Emergency beacons: being easy to spot in all circumstances
What the regulations say : An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon âeuros Balise de Détresse par Satellite) is compulsory on all offshore vessels. Once triggered, it transmits a signal via satellite to alert emergency services.
My advice aIS : Complete with a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon âeuros Balise de Localisation Individuelle), which each crew member wears in their lifejacket in the event of a fall into the water. For maximum safety, an AIS + PLB combo beacon provides an alert via satellite, while remaining visible to other boats.
Liferaft: your life insurance at sea
What the regulations say : An approved raft is required for semi-offshore and offshore navigation, with an overhaul every three years. It must have enough room for the entire crew.
My advice the basic equipment in the raft is basic. Top it off with a grab-bag (waterproof bag) for additional equipment (beacon, binoculars, VHF, food, etc.).
Distress flares: soon outdated?
What the regulations say red flares and smoke flares are still compulsory, but have a limited shelf life. You must therefore keep a close eye on their expiration dates.
My advice invest in LED strobe lights and electronic flares, for their durability and performance. A long-range waterproof torch is also useful. Keep pyrotechnic flares, which are still mandatory, as a complement.
Means of communication: always be able to call for help
What the regulations say a fixed VHF DSC (Very High Frequency with Digital Selective Calling) is mandatory when sailing offshore. It is accompanied by a waterproof portable VHF.
My advice :
- On a long-distance cruise, a satellite phone is indispensable for obtaining help anywhere in the world. This includes medical advice in the event of illness.
- A portable VHF is not very expensive. Don't hesitate to have several on board, and always make sure that the batteries are well recharged.
Conclusion
Equipping yourself for long-distance cruising means finding the right balance between regulatory compliance and efficiency. Complying with regulations is essential, but going the extra mile with equipment adapted to your sailing program makes all the difference, especially if you've taken care to know how to use it properly. After all, as a good sailor often says: "The sea is unforgiving, but it rewards those who prepare well."
