When you are out on the water in Tor Bay anything can happen. How well will you cope in an emergency?
Planning ahead is the best way to go and although there are many ways to stay safe the RNLI and Tor Bay Harbour Authority would urge you to read this information and remember and act on the tips.
You can follow this link which will take you to the RNLI website
If you are using power boats, personal watercraft (Jet Ski), yachts, dinghies or leisure angling boats remember the following:
Boating can be extremely unpredictable. If you find yourself in the water, a correctly fitted well maintained life jacket could be a lifesaver.
When was your engine last serviced? Are you sure it will get you home? Do you carry spares? Always check you have enough fuel for the trip and always carry a third in reserve.
On PWC, sports boats ,RIBS and other similar vessels, you should always remember to use/ wear the kill cord.
Tell someone ashore where you are going and when you will be back. They need to know who you are with, what boat you are in and what to do if you are overdue. You can also join the HM Coastguard's CG66 Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme. The scheme is free and is for the benefit of the owners and skippers of all types of leisure vessels and small craft and provides the Coastguard with the information needed to help you in an emergency situation.
Register - CG66 Safety Identification Scheme opens in a new window
How will you call for help in an emergency? VHF is best because you are broadcasting to many others on the water who may be listening to your call. Mobile phones are an option but you may not get adequate reception at sea and the person you are calling may not be able to answer. Flares are essential too.
Before you head out always check the forecast, sea conditions and tide times. Ask for details and advice at your local Harbour Office or visit the Weather & Tides page.
Knowledge of your activity is essential including, for example, rules of the road, sharing the water and navigation marks etc.
A Permit to Work will be required for any of the following activities that take place in harbour limits:
A Permit to Work is required for every occasion that a high-risk activity takes place. However to minimise the administrative burden that this requirement would place on contractors who are routinely undertaking activities, contractors may by agreement request a ‘standing’ Permit to Work which covers an extended period.
Because Permits to Work are a part of the Harbour Authority’s overall Safety Management System, adherence to this process is mandatory. Should a contractor repeatedly fail to obtain a Permit to Work to undertake works on the harbour estate, they could ultimately have their Contractor’s Pass revoked and access to the quayside denied on the grounds of safety.
Delivering Harbour, Beach and Marine Services for Torbay Council.
