Exploring what our planet has to offer is arguably best done on the deck of a ship, breathing in the sea air. Being at sea, however, can be a dangerous experience, particularly if you don’t have the right safety tools. So, strap on your lifejacket, hang on to your captain’s hat, and keep reading to find out everything you need to know about preparing your ship for safe travels.
Reasons to Sail
To work out which equipment is needed for your boat, it’s a good idea to determine what your vessel is mostly being used for. Different tools are designed for different applications, meaning often they are unsuitable for tasks carried out at sea. Read on to find out some popular reasons why boats go sailing.
Transportation
Without transportation, our world would not look the same. From fruit to building materials, products are regularly transported across the globe, giving us access to a range of high-quality goods which aren’t readily available in the UK.
It isn’t just materials being transported, however. Humans routinely travel to new destinations for business and for pleasure, which requires a mode of transportation. Boats are a great way to travel shorter distances, while also transporting vehicles. Ferries, for example, are popular ways to get about and visit nearby islands with the luxury of the family car coming too.
Fishing
Currently, the recommended amount of fish we should eat per week is at least two portions, including one type of oily fish. Great for heart health, oily fish is an important part of our diet, alongside white fish and shellfish.
The fish we eat can be caught through fishing, performed on small and large scales. Commercial fishing requires large marine vessels, with large nets and winches found on deck. Recreational fishing, on the other hand, tends to be done in smaller boats, such as specially designed motorboats.
Research
Surprisingly, many species in our oceans are thought to still be undiscovered. With deep sea creatures living in total darkness, it can be difficult to locate these species in particular. Without marine transportation methods, discovering creepy creatures like the stoplight loosejaw fish would have been impossible.
To find out more about the animals that live in these waters, research needed to be carried out. Boats and submarines are therefore used to help scientists and other professionals gather information about underwater ecosystems, alongside discovering what lurks in our seas.
Conservation
With human population growth and climate changes, it’s important to understand what is happening with our seas and how the creatures that inhabit them can be protected. While many of us are familiar with the creatures that are endangered on land, many underwater species are at risk too. The angel shark, for example, has been listed as critically endangered, due to habitat destruction, water pollution and trawl fishing.
To protect vulnerable sea creatures, boats are used to monitor the health of local creatures, as well as the condition of the water itself. This helps conservation trusts to understand what is happening in our waters, resulting in better regulation of boating practices.
Dangers at Sea
While popular movies have made us all a bit frightened of sharks, there are other dangers to watch out for while in the water. The sea can be a dangerous place to sail, particularly without the right preparation and awareness. Read on for some of the dangers you should be aware of while sailing.
Crashes
Unfortunately, tragedy can strike while sailing. Crashes have become rarer today, thanks to sailing advancements and other technologies, however, there are still risks while on board. Crashes happen when a boat collides with another surface, be it another boat or the environment. These collisions can be dangerous, causing leaks within the boat that lead to the ship sinking.
If you’re involved in a boating accident, there are some steps you should take to ensure everyone’s safety. Ensure that the boat is stopped from moving, to stop further damage from occurring. Contact your local authorities soon after, to get your help.
Fires
While it might seem unlikely, boat fires can occur. Similar to fires on land, fires can get out of control quickly. Being contained vehicles too, there are limited places for those on board to go before the ship is engulfed.
Boat fires can begin in several different ways, so it’s important to stay prepared. Some boat fires are due to electrical faults, where power surges and damaged wiring can result in flames. Similarly, for ships with a galley, fires can happen like any home kitchen fire. Ensure that fire alarms are installed onboard to help detect fires quickly.
Rough Waters
Water, while seemingly harmless when pouring from our tap, can be lethal at sea. Stormy weather can result in abnormally tall waves, which create a risky environment for all onboard. Thankfully, most boats are equipped to deal with the conditions created and can be safely guided out by a knowledgeable captain.
If you’re on a boat during rough and choppy water conditions, it’s important to get inside to prevent being thrown from the deck. Boat control can be difficult during this weather, however, it is essential to take measures to prevent your ship from being upturned.
Failing Equipment
To avoid failed equipment, it’s vital to make sure you’re purchasing any products from reputable companies, particularly if they’re second-hand. Our team at Atlas Winch & Hoist Services Ltd are experts in servicing, maintaining and refurbishing used products, so visit our website to learn about our available pre-owned items.
Essential Equipment
Boats, as heavy vessels, require certain equipment to ensure those aboard can stay safe. These can be difficult to know about without the right information and advice, leaving boat owners unprepared for safe sailing. So, whether preventing drowning or putting out fires, you can find out about the right tools for the job below.
Fire Extinguishers
As mentioned, fires are still possible at sea. To protect yourself and any passengers from harm, it’s essential to keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Electrical fires, for example, cannot be stopped using water, and require the use of a fire extinguisher to be put out.
Lifebuoys
In the event of an emergency, sometimes there is no other option than to jump off the ship. Similarly, passengers can accidentally fall off the deck, particularly in bad weather. To prevent drowning, lifebuoys and other preservers can be thrown and worn to keep a person afloat until they can be rescued, making them essential for any boat.
Mooring Equipment
Boats can drift when not properly secured, which is why mooring equipment is essential for any boat. Anchors are great examples of mooring equipment, helping to keep the ship securely in place. Similarly, a mooring buoy can be used to help your vessel stay in one place, without causing significant damage to the surrounding seabed. You can purchase anchors and mooring buoys from our team at Atlas Winch & Hoist Services, as high-quality safety measures for your boat.
Fairleads
For bigger ships, many ropes and cables can be required for proper function. Without proper storage, these cables can become a trip hazard for those aboard. Fairleads supplied by a professional marine winch company are designed to guide ropes and cables around objects and out of the way. Similarly, they prevent winch cables from becoming damaged while in use, increasing their overall longevity.
Safe Sailing with Atlas Winch & Hoist Services Ltd
Searching for the right equipment for your ship, yet not sure where to start? Look no further than our products at Atlas Winch & Hoist Services Ltd. In this section, you can find out more about us and how we can assist you.
Our Products
At Atlas Winch & Hoist Services Ltd, we offer a range of products to help you stay safe while sailing. Specialising in winch hire services, our team are happy to provide advice and support on the best products for commercial boating needs, helping you to get high-quality machinery quickly.
Get In Touch
Working across the UK, we pride ourselves on our top-quality products and customer services at Atlas Winch & Hoist Services Ltd. We work across different industries, from marine to renewable energy, utilising our expertise every step of the way. To learn more about us and our services at Atlas Winch Hire, please visit our website. Alternatively, please get in touch directly with our friendly team today.
