Safety at sea

For many sailors, the dream of a bluewater voyage – crossing oceans, island hopping and exploring new places – is what inspires them to own a yacht. But before you set sail towards distant shores, preparation is key. Beyond the route planning, provisioning, and servicing, one aspect underpins every successful long-distance passage: safety.

To explore how best to prepare for extended offshore cruising, we spoke with Alistair Hackett, Managing Director at Ocean Safety. With over 30 years of experience supplying marine safety equipment to sailors, offshore racers, and commercial fleets around the world, Alistair and his team know exactly what’s needed to make sure you’re well prepared and able to relax, knowing you’ve done everything right.

“Bluewater cruising is one of life’s great adventures,” Alistair says. “And the best preparation ensures you can enjoy it fully, confident that you’re ready for anything.”

Planning for peace of mind

For sailors heading offshore for days or weeks at a time, safety preparation isn’t about expecting problems; it’s about making sure you’re equipped to handle the unexpected calmly and efficiently.

The World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations (OSR), which guide events such as the World Cruising Club’s ARC and World ARC rallies, set a clear framework for what offshore-ready yachts should carry. Following them reassures skippers that every reasonable precaution has been taken.

Personal safety

When preparing for bluewater sailing, personal safety begins with making sure every crew member has the right equipment – properly fitted, regularly checked, and ready for use.

The goal is simple: to minimise individual risk on board and ensure everyone is protected.

Lifejackets

A modern, ocean-rated lifejacket is the foundation of personal safety offshore. Choose one certified to ISO 12402 or an equivalent international standard, and make sure it includes crotch straps, a sprayhood, a whistle, a light, a lifting loop, and an integrated harness. These features aren’t just regulatory requirements – they’re designed for comfort and security in real-world conditions.

“A good lifejacket will keep you safe and comfortable,” Alistair explains. “It’s something you wear with confidence, not reluctance. When bluewater cruising, it should ideally be worn whenever you’re on deck – particularly at night, in rough weather, or whenever visibility is poor. Making it part of your normal routine gives you the best chance of staying safe and enjoying your voyage.”

Harnesses and tethers

For deck work or movement in challenging conditions, harnesses and tethers are essential. These clip onto jackstays running the length of the deck, allowing you to move freely while staying securely connected to the yacht. Double tethers are particularly useful offshore, providing one point of attachment while moving to the next.

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

Technology has transformed personal safety at sea. Every lifejacket should ideally be fitted with a Personal AIS beacon or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). These small, powerful devices should be mounted high on the lifejacket, typically on the shoulder strap or within a dedicated pocket, so the antenna faces upwards when the jacket inflates.

If a crew member falls overboard, the beacon automatically activates, transmitting their position to the yacht, nearby vessels and rescue authorities. “Personal AIS beacons have changed the way we approach safety at sea,” Alistair notes. “They give you the best chance of being found quickly and brought home safely – and that’s what preparation is really about.”

Survival equipment

In the unlikely event that you have to abandon your yacht, the right survival equipment makes all the difference. While bluewater sailors hope never to touch them, a properly equipped liferaft and grab bag provide peace of mind on every long passage.

Liferafts & Grab bags

A liferaft suitable for offshore cruising must have space for all crew and meet standards such as ISO 9650. “For those who only cross oceans occasionally, liferaft hire is a great solution,” says Alistair. “You get a fully serviced, certified raft that’s compliant with all the latest regulations – without the cost or maintenance of ownership.”

Alongside the liferaft, a grab bag should always be ready to take at a moment’s notice. Packed in a waterproof, buoyant bag, it should include essentials such as a handheld VHF, flares, a first-aid kit, an EPIRB or PLB, a torch, a knife, water, and some food. Think of it as your emergency toolkit, ready to sustain you until help arrives.

Distress and signalling – Being seen and heard

If you do need assistance offshore, clear signalling is vital. A well-prepared yacht carries a mix of pyrotechnic and electronic flares, covering both short- and long-range use:

• Red parachute rockets reach high altitudes and can be seen for miles.
• Red handheld flares work best when a vessel or aircraft is already in sight.
• Orange smoke flares provide excellent daytime visibility.
• Electronic Visual Distress Signals (EVDS) offer a safer, reusable supplement to traditional pyrotechnics.

Add a waterproof torch, spare batteries, a whistle, and a foghorn to your emergency grab bag, too.

“It’s all about making yourself visible and heard,” Alistair says. “You might never use them, but knowing you could makes all the difference.”

Communication and navigation – Staying connected offshore

Beyond safety signalling, maintaining communication offshore brings both security and convenience. A fixed VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is essential, but also carry a handheld waterproof VHF for backup if power is lost or for use in the liferaft.

For true long-distance passages, a satellite phone or messenger device offers an invaluable connection to the outside world. “Satcoms let you download weather data, send updates home, or contact help if needed,” Alistair notes. “It’s practicality as much as reassurance.”

To enhance visibility, fit a radar reflector to ensure large vessels can detect your yacht, particularly at night or in heavy weather.

Fire safety

Few skippers expect fire at sea, but prevention and preparation are vital. “Fires onboard are rare, but they escalate fast,” Alistair cautions.

Ensure your yacht carries multiple fire extinguishers of suitable types and sizes, mounted in key areas such as the galley, engine bay, and cabins. A fire blanket should be accessible near cooking appliances, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in enclosed spaces.

Check gas systems and electrical wiring regularly, and make sure everyone aboard knows how to isolate power and fuel lines if needed.

Hull and general equipment

Even the most robust yacht can face surprises offshore, from minor leaks to damaged gear. Keep softwood bungs near and easily accessible to every through-hull fitting, and ensure that at least one manual bilge pump can be operated from on deck if the electrics fail.

A reliable anchor and chain, first-aid kit, knife, and binoculars round out the essentials. “It’s often the simplest tools that make the biggest difference when you need them,” Alistair says. “Being prepared keeps small problems from becoming emergencies. The goal is always to have small issues stay small.”

Training and familiarisation

All the right equipment means little if you and your crew are not familiar with it. “Before you leave port, spend plenty of time going through everything with your crew,” Alistair advises. “Show them where safety gear is stowed, how to launch the liferaft, and how to send a Mayday. And do a man overboard drill – it builds teamwork and confidence.”

Regular training by qualified professionals is equally important. “Good safety preparation lets you relax,” Alistair concludes. “When you know your yacht and your crew are ready, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the voyage and the incredible adventure of bluewater sailing.”

Whether you’re preparing for your first transatlantic crossing or another long offshore season, Ocean Safety can help ensure you’re equipped, compliant, and ultimately confident.

For expert advice and servicing, visit www.oceansafety.com or speak with your local Ancasta team for guidance on preparing you and your yacht for safe, enjoyable bluewater cruising.