Safe sailing is fun sailing
We all want to enjoy our time on the water, but we must always think about safety first. Here are some things to consider when you go boating:
1. Always check the weather before you plan to go on the water. Okinawa’s weather is sometimes dangerous.
2. Make sure you and your crew are in good physical and mental condition. Do not drink alcohol when you are operating a boat.
3. Make sure that your boat is in good condition. The boat’s equipment should work and you should have all the legally required and recommended safety gear:
Personal Flotation Devices
Life jackets for everyone onboard (type I or II) plus one type that you can throw (type IV). Inflatable (type V) with harness and tether is recommended if you go offshore.
Flexible bucket and fire extinguisher
Fire extinguisher and a flexible bucket. These can be used for bailing water and putting out fires. The fire extinguisher type is legally specified, it should be government approved and designed to put out oil (B) and electrical (C) fires. The JCI required bucket is useful because it can do two important things and folds and stows easily.
Sound and visual distress signals
Devices for making sound and visual distress signals. Flares and rockets can be purchased at local boat stores and are good for signaling distress from long distances. If you are in danger, you can use the air horn to signal 5 or more short blasts. Use this signal to warn a fast approaching powerboat not to cross your stern when you are trolling!
Navigation equipment
Chart, navigation tools, compass and GPS. You should always know where you are going. Don’t rely on GPS alone- the batteries might die. If you do not know how to navigate the traditional way, please take a navigation class.
Communications equipment
Communications equipment: cellphone, VHF radio and day shapes. There are many ways to communicate on the water- you should use them all. Day shapes are required to keep onboard and they mean: black ball (anchored), upside down triangle (sailboat that is under power). If you get into trouble and need to call for help, the Japan Coast Guard can be reached by dialing 118 on your cellphone or Ch. 16 on VHF.
Mooring lines- the more the better!
Mooring and anchoring equipment. You always need plenty of dock lines on a boat- especially during typhoon season! Strong nylon lines are best for docking. Every boat should carry an anchor (not shown). Plow anchors are good general purpose anchors, but Danforth type are also good for anchoring in sand. You should only anchor in the sand in Okinawa- please don’t anchor on coral!!!
This post is also available in: Japanese
English 
日本語 
