Every year our lifeboats respond to thousands of incidents, many of which could have been prevented with simple safety precautions. Even the most experienced seafarers should prepare for the worst.

The RNLI can help make your boat as safe as possible – you owe it to yourself and your crew.

Lifejackets

Whether they’re training or out on a shout, RNLI crew members always wear lifejackets. They know that, whatever the weather, the sea is extremely unpredictable and can turn at a moment’s notice. They see people caught out all the time, people who’ve risked or even lost their lives. A lifejacket will buy you vital time in the water and could save your life, but only if you’re wearing it.

It is also important that your lifejacket is the correct size and type for you and your sport, that it is properly fastened and that you understand how to operate and maintain it.

It is the skipper’s responsibility to show the crew where lifejackets are stowed, how to don and secure them and when and how to operate them.
The RNLI recommends that, when you use your boat and your tender, everyone wears a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket. Remember, it is important to use the crotch straps.

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The RNLI offers a free, friendly and confidential service that looks at the safety aspects of your boat. Conducted by one of our highly trained volunteers, Advice Onboard is a personal, face-to-face safety advice service that takes place onboard your craft. You set the time and we tailor our visit to your vessel and the type of boating you do.

Benefits

Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced boater, our unique one-to-one service will give you an opportunity to ask any niggling questions on equipment or emergency procedures. To help you safely on your way, we also provide a pack of free publications to ensure that next time you go afloat you are fully prepared.

Other benefits include:

• a free, independent check of safety equipment
• an opportunity to discuss safety matters, tapping into a wealth of knowledge and experience
• a sticker showing your support for the scheme
• your copy of the check completion form, which may attract further benefits in the future
• helping the RNLI in its core activity of saving lives at sea.

The whole Advice Onboard service, even the phone call to book, is free. The service is available in all parts of the UK and the RoI, at your convenience and to anyone who goes to sea in almost any type of leisure craft.

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Or

If you would like to enqiure about any aspect of Sea Safety for a vessel in the Hastings or Rye Area

Derek Phillips – Sea Safety Officer

Please contact Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer Derek Phillips Via the Lifeboat Station on 01424 720828 or Mobile 07752057625. E-mail mjpanddjp@aol.com