Off shore safety

[Holokai]

I see a lot of people writing about those kill switches and I while I agree that they’re a good idea in theory I’d venture that in any sort of wind/current/swell only the very best swimmers would be able to catch up to a drifting boat. Ocean conditions may be way different where you are but that is definitely the case here in the middle of the Pacific.

I’d prioritize along the lines of:
EPIRB
PFD use (not just having them onboard)
Backup handheld VHF (check the charge regularly)
Tie off/tether if solo
Survival suits/neoprene wetsuits (better than nothing)

Teach your crew proper safety and emergency protocol and maintain your safety/comms equipment.

Think of going offshore as something to build up to. No amount of safety gear/gadgets will make up for a lack of experience and familiarity with your vessel. Get a few trips offshore as crew on someone else’s boat and head out with another boat the first few times until you’re comfortable.

 

[glacierbaze]

I agreed that you would have a hard time catching up with a boat that was drifting with the wind, current, swell, but you have a 50-50 chance that the boat will be vectoring at some angle into the wind, current, swell when the engine cuts off. We all know that your chances of staying with the boat are zero, if you are watching it motor off in gear.

 

[Holokai]

I agreed that you would have a hard time catching up with a boat that was drifting with the wind, current, swell, but you have a 50-50 chance that the boat will be vectoring at some angle into the wind, current, swell when the engine cuts off. We all know that your chances of staying with the boat are zero, if you are watching it motor off in gear.

Agree with the vectoring idea but I’d rather not fall overboard in the first place. When fishing solo have a tether system and wear an offshore sailing PFD with rings that I tie off to. The tether is anchored to the seat post and is long enough for me to reach the far corner rod holder. Any more stretch (if I fall) and it breaks a light duty zip tie and trips the engine kill switch before pulling tight on the seatpost. Not the prettiest setup but it works. I’d still rather have (competent) crew on board, though.

 

[Fishtales]

Good advice here.
- Full fuel, motors drawing off separate tanks (if you have two), fully charged batts, cell phone, sweatpants and shirts, spare anchor and rode, upgraded first aid kit for injury and signaling
- EPIRB, PLB, life raft, ditch bag, handheld VHF, Type 1 PFDs for crew, float plan given to someone and be smart enough to head for the barn should conditions change - learn not to wait for the last minute.

 

[Harrysea]

I’m beginning to think a basic satellite communication device is the perfect supplement to my EPIRB and VHF radio. It can be used for emergency communication as well as for just staying in touch when I’m offshore. The SPOT X 2-Way Bluetooth Satellite Messenger is on sale everywhere for $200 right now. That’s less than half the price of a Garmin Inreach Mini and the monthly service charge is only $12. Think I’ll get one.

 

[Seafarer_Bob]

I chose inreach because I heard the satellite network spot uses is "spotty". I don't really know but may want to look into that.

 

[Harrysea]

i believe the major difference between the Spot and Inreach is the size of the satellite networks they use. Inreach definitely has better coverage. To be honest, I bought the Spot more for convenience than as a safety device. I won’t be texting the Coast Guard to tell them my boat just caught fire and sank. My EPiRB will do that. I will text my wife, however, and tell her I’ll be late for dinner.

 

[blindmullet]

The inReach mini also connects to newer Garmin plotters. I unfortunately have the full size.

 

[seasick]

Good advice here.
- Full fuel, motors drawing off separate tanks (if you have two), fully charged batts, cell phone, sweatpants and shirts, spare anchor and rode, upgraded first aid kit for injury and signaling
- EPIRB, PLB, life raft, ditch bag, handheld VHF, Type 1 PFDs for crew, float plan given to someone and be smart enough to head for the barn should conditions change - learn not to wait for the last minute.

All good suggestions with one exception. Running off two tanks, one per engine, doesn't add a lot if you gassed up both tanks at the same gas dock.