Important Equipment You Need When You Are Sailing
Are you going to rent a boat for your summer vacation and sail off into the sunset? That sounds like an excellent and fascinating thought. All you have to do is read up on the things to bring on your next sailing adventure, and your boating escapades can begin. While some boating gear is simply fantastic to have, others are essential if you want a safe and fun boating experience. You’ll find the essential boating accessories from safety equipment to navigation systems to communication devices like marine VHF radio. Leaving the land and going sailing is undoubtedly the opportunity of a lifetime.
VHF Radio
During safety inspections, all navigational and electronic equipment on the vessel must be operational and onboard. In addition, you should always check that your radio is working to ensure the vessel’s safety, general communication, and the sending of a distress signal if necessary. It would be best to have all of the above in order when you are stopped for inspection by the Coast Guard, marine patrol, or marine safety inspectors. After all, these strict rules are established on the principle that prevention is better than cure. It is an excellent complement to the ship’s VHF radio. A compact VHF radio is self-sufficient of the boat’s antenna and direct current system. So it makes sense to have one in your fishing bag, but don’t forget the extra alkaline batteries.
Compass
The compass and also the stars have played an important role in navigation for us. Throughout history, they have helped navigators orient themselves in the desired direction and stay on course. My compass is handy and is always a valuable and reliable guide. In the sailing world, choosing the right compass will help you navigate the open sea. The importance of a compass is directly linked to your safety in your maritime journey. This will help you chart the right course and keep you on track once you’ve started sailing.
Satellite Phone
It would be best to consider purchasing a satellite phone for voice calls, e-mail, and marine weather that can be mounted on a chart table. In addition, it is regarded as a reliable communication system and, of course, can be used anywhere on the planet, regardless of location. But the flight time is expensive, and the speed of information transmission is relatively slow. Technology is constantly evolving in this area, and, at best, it is becoming less and less expensive. So we are continually re-evaluating our satellite phone communication.
Bottom Line
Whether you’ve been boating for decades or are just starting on this fantastic adventure, planning is the key to safe and enjoyable boating. Part of preparation is thinking about all the essential accessories you need to have on your boat. Hopefully, you are now in a better position when it comes to essential boating equipment.