With the summer boating season getting underway, boat owners are being reminded about the importance of safety and pre-season checks in order to avoid costly and dangerous problems. Many of the common problems can be easily avoided but if not completed can leave boat owners on dry land.
Navigators & General, the UK's number one in yacht and motorboat insurance, is raising awareness of the consequences of failing to conduct thorough checks before boats are launched. Common problems include boats sinking through failing to replace hull fittings after the winter, engine failure and dismasting.
Whilst completing pre-season checks, it is also a great opportunity to check that owners have the most up to date safety equipment on board, including distress flares, lifejackets and fire extinguishers.
Following the introduction of new legislation, owners should have now replaced any Halon fire extinguishing systems which became illegal on 31 December 2003. The Halon extinguishers need to be replaced with ones of equal efficiency and which meet legal requirements.
The popularity of boating is increasing - total revenue for the boating industry has increased by 31% over the last five years and is forecast to grow again this year. With this growing popularity, however, comes an increased risk of boat owners getting themselves in deep water if they haven't made the necessary checks.
Navigators & General has put together a full safety & maintenance checklist which is available free of charge by phoning 01273 863400.
For a summer of safe sailing and boating, Navigators & General offers the additional following advice:
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Have an annual pre-season maintenance check by a qualified boat engineer
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Conduct a visual inspection of the boat, particularly through hull fittings
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Do not assume that a boatyard has conducted maintenance checks on your behalf
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Ensure that distress flares & lifejackets are still in date
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Ensure that navigation equipment is on board and working properly
Common problems include:
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Flooring, steps and handles not being properly reattached after servicing which can lead to injury
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Forgetting to return crucial safety and navigation equipment to the boat. In addition to this being extremely dangerous, this can also lead to prosecution by the Marine Coastguard Agency
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Failing to replace Hull fittings or re-connecting hoses incorrectly which can lead to sinking
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Rigging not being securely attached after the mast is put in or securing pins not fastened or taped over for security, could potentially leading to a dismasting
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Not checking that engines are fully re-commissioned can mean that they break down at the most crucial times
Joe Field, Marketing Manager for Navigators & General commented: "Spending time on these basic pre-season checks will be time well-spent. Rain, damp and storms over the winter, as well as vermin in boatyards, can cause wear and tear to a boat and its equipment and could result in tragic consequences. It is also essential to ensure that there is no misunderstanding about who will complete the maintenance - whether it's the boat owner or the boatyard.”
"Conducting basic maintenance checks, before re-launching a boat onto the water, will reduce the risk of damage to the boat and potential personal injury. The onus is on the boat owner to maintain their vessel in a seaworthy condition and ensure that ongoing maintenance is completed.”
“It is also important to remember that insurance does not replace the need for regular maintenance and will not cover damage caused as a result of wear and tear.”
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