Don't go out without checking the weather forecast
To obtain the weather forecast, you can :
- Listen to special bulletins for navigators: Radio France, VHF
- Check weather forecasts: harbour master's offices, refuelling stations
- Web, dedicated applications: Météo France, Windy, Meteorem, Météo Consult Marine
Your lifejackets must always be readily accessible.
Keep an eye on their condition. Don't use them as cushions or pillows, as in some cases they may lose buoyancy.
If you capsize, do not attempt to swim to shore.
Vessels are fitted with buoyancy reserves to keep them afloat, so you can hang onto them until help arrives. Staying together makes it easier for rescuers to spot you.
A fall overboard by a crew member is always serious.
Statistically, this eventuality accounts for a large proportion of fatal accidents. Children must wear their lifejackets. On a motorboat: make sure your passengers stay in their seats, especially when traveling at high speed. Weight shifts combined with wave action can cause capsizing. Your passengers must not sit on the deck or side decks, as they could be ejected and caught by the propeller during a sharp turn. Use the safety device to cut the ignition or throttle in the event of pilot ejection.
Always stay in control of your speed.
Excessive speed can cause accidents, injuries...
For waterskiing, wakeboarding and towed buoys.
2 people must be on board, and one of them must be entirely dedicated to operating the boat. These activities are prohibited in bathing areas.
Know your engine's fuel consumption and your range.
Consider your fuel reserves. Extra fuel tanks or jerry cans stored in various places on board are additional sources of danger. Nipples containing fuel must be red or marked red.
Handling gasoline is always dangerous.
If possible, fill your removable fuel tanks outside the boat. If you spill gasoline on board, clean it up carefully. Very little gasoline in the bilges is enough to create an explosive atmosphere. Always ventilate holds when refueling.
Mooring lines are compulsory for all boats.
Don't think of it as useless dead weight. You'll be glad to find it in the event of engine failure, lack of wind or current reversal; it can save you from drifting out to sea.
You can't go to sea if your vessel isn't equipped with safety equipment...
...required by maritime regulations for your rescue. Please refer to the regulations concerning mandatory safety provisions and equipment.
If you're planning a long crossing...
Inform a friend or acquaintance and the port of your departure and expected arrival at your destination. At the same time, give them a good description of your vessel (type, color, sails, etc.). Keep this person informed of your safe arrival or of any changes in your plans. These simple precautions will greatly assist the search services should the need arise. Before setting sail, yachtsmen are urged to fill in a notice of departure, which can be found in every port and forwarded by the harbour master's office to the regional CROSS.
Respect the rules.
Even if you are not required to have a pleasure boat driver's license, study the rules of the road and the lights and markings of vessels. All boats, ships or craft engaged in maritime navigation must comply with them.
Do not test your extinguishers by operating them.
Even for a short time. They could fail you at the critical moment. But be sure to read the instructions carefully. The earlier a disaster is tackled, the greater the chances of extinguishing it; a few seconds' delay can be fatal.
Engine compartment ventilation, sometimes neglected, is very important.
A good precaution is always to open the compartment before starting, so that you can quickly check that there are no leaks or fuel residues in the bilges. If you have a bilge fan, run it for at least 5 minutes before starting.
Don't overload your boat.
The number of people on board must never exceed that shown on the plate affixed by the manufacturer to the inside of the boat.