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Safety manuals to help prevent tragedies
01 Dec 2002
Plymouth-based DJ Marine has specialised in boat handling and safety training for many years and founder Dave Morrish realised a properly thought-out and produced boat safety manual could help prevent such a tragedy occurring again Each manual is specifically designed for an individual vessel. Presented in a waterproof folder, the personalised manual explains clearly and concisely where all the safety equipment is stored.
Clear, simple instructions are given on how to operate the boat's equipment, together with a step-by-step guide on how to act in an emergency.
To compile each manual, D J Marine Services photograph the boat's equipment and its location. A written explanation - along with the photographs - guides the crew to its use, including operation of the VHF radio, location and handling of flares, operation of lights and finding the location of the vessel.
Morrish points out that whilst the structure of a particular type of vessel might be the same, storage of equipment and various types of equipment differ, hence the necessity for personalised manuals.
The manual will enable crew and guests to familiarise themselves with safety procedures and can be used by the skipper to give safety briefings before the boat sails.
Stored in a dedicated place, the manual is an instant reference guide.
An added advantage during the preparation of the manual is that it gives the owner/ skipper a chance to question his or her own safety procedures, to check if items such as flares are still usable, lights are working properly and first aid kits are sufficiently well stocked.
"It has not been unknown for serious shortcomings to come to light during the preparation of the manual, " said Morrish.
