It might not fall under the SOLAS safety at sea regulations for merchant ships, but safety at sea is just as important for people who enjoy life on the ocean wave aboard a luxury yacht. So how, exactly, do you enjoy the sheer, unbeatable magic of bobbing around on the beautiful blue sea safely?  Here are our tips for wonderful yachting experiences without putting yourself or anyone else in danger. 

How to stay safe on board your luxury yacht 

1. Going barefoot feels great but like high heels, it isn’t safe on board a yacht. You need non-slip shoes with the right kind of grip, and the perfect solution – as stylish as they are safe – is regular deck shoes.
2. If it’s rolling around on deck unsecured, it’s dangerous. Because the ocean can quickly go from calm to choppy, loose bits and bobs on deck are a real hazard. Keep everything tidy below deck so if things get rough you don’t end up falling over loose items. Make it a habit to keep everything where it belongs, not strewn all over the floor. 
3. Check the yacht’s railings before every voyage to make sure they’re undamaged and up to the task. And remember rails aren’t for sitting or leaning, they’re to keep people from falling overboard!  
4. Decks are naturally wet. Now and again they get oily. Watch out for slip and trip hazards and clean spills up straight away. 
5. Watch out for sunburn. Because glittering water reflects the sun’s rays dramatically, you can end up getting unexpectedly burned and could even end up with heatstroke, potentially deadly. 
6. The weather at sea can turn in an instant, so never assume it’ll always stay calm and sunny. Learn what the different weather conditions will mean for your vessel, and keep an eye on things via Marine Weather Radio, satellite phone and various specialist apps. Keep a barometer on board in case the tech fails, learn how to interpret the radar system, and create a rough weather drill to follow if needs be. 
7. Fires can happen on board and they can be lethal, so take fire seriously. You need the right kind and number of fire extinguishers, properly checked and maintained, plus smoke detectors in the galley and bedrooms. 
8. Create a fire drill and practice it before every voyage so everyone knows exactly what to do if something catches light. And set up all the other drills you’ll need to stay safe. Do you know what to do if someone goes overboard or the boat leaks? If you’ve drilled it enough times, you’ll be able to act instinctively to keep safe.  Ideally, formalise an Emergency Plan in writing and display it on board, including clear, simple steps and even diagrams, and go through it together before every trip 
9. Ventilate the indoor spaces frequently and also fit CO1 monitors and detectors to stay safe from deadly carbon monoxide fumes, which you can’t see, taste or smell.
10. Maintain heating systems, engines, and anything that runs on gas so it’s always in good condition and safe. Pay particular attention to the engine room, looking for any wear and tear, leaks, or other issues before they become dangerous. In an ideal world, you’ll keep a detailed log of maintenance, repairs and replacements. PPE is a must for anyone in the engine room: gloves, eye protection, and non-slip shoes. Don’t let children or pets into the engine room. Ideally, the only people in there should be the people who work there
11. Make sure your comms equipment is always working properly so you can call for help if you need to. Maintain everything from your navigation systems to GPS devices, radar systems to electronic charts. 
12. Know that while today’s tech is incredible, you also need to understand how to interpret and act on the information these vital tools provide. Rely too much on the tech, not enough on your brain, and you could end up in trouble. Ideally, you’ll want to understand how to use old-school tools like sextants and physical charts, along with battery-powered, hand-held GPS devices, tools for manually plotting your route, and a good, old-fashioned magnetic compass. 
13. Every modern luxury yacht features brilliant tools like satellite phones, VHF radios and emergency beacon systems to connect you with ports, emergency services and other ships. These also need regular checking and maintenance. 
14. Having fun? Play with your yacht toys safely! Jet skis and snorkelling, diving and swimming, all come with dangers. The trick is to be aware of them and know what to do if something goes wrong. Never dive or snorkel on your own. Get to grips with your jetski controls before going for it. Stay in safe areas and within designated safety zones. Keep away from other vessels. Look out for swimmers. And make sure everyone on board knows exactly how to use the life jackets and lifeboat. 
15. Make good use of the fridges and dedicated food storage areas to keep food safe and hygienic. Keep meat, dairy, and other foods separate. Wash fruit and salad before eating it. Cook meat and fish properly to avoid bacteria and other pathogens. Wash your hands regularly as you would at home when there’s food around. And sanitise everything from the cooking surfaces to the utensils.
16. Water is so important, something humans can’t survive for long without, so make sure it’s stored properly and check for contamination in your big tanks. If you’re taking water on board in a country where you can’t safely drink from the tap, you’ll need an on-board water purifier of some kind. 

Safety at sea – An ongoing journey 

Like so much in life, safety at sea isn’t a destination. It’s a journey. The more you know, the more often you refresh your knowledge, the safer you and your guests will be. Make safety at sea training fun and everyone, including the kids, will understand what to do if something goes wrong.