Passage planning 

Before you set out on any trip, it is important that you plan your journey properly.

You must have an understanding of meteorology and navigation, ensure that you have sufficient equipment onboard your craft, and brief your crew on safety matters.

Crew

You must always take into account the experience and physical ability of your crew.

Being the skipper of a vessel means taking responsibility for your actions. Your safety and the safety of your crew are in your hands. You must match your knowledge to the conditions and never put either the crew or the vessel at risk.

You should ensure that you brief your crew on the following:

Procedures

• man overboard drills
• how to operate flares
• sending a distress message
• launching the life raft
• leaving / returning to a mooring / berth
• how to anchor
• safety procedures

Engines, VHF and GPS

• operating and disabling the engine
• isolating the boats batteries and gas supply
• operating the VHF
• using the GPS system

Equipment

• location of the first aid kit
• location of flares
• grab bag location
• fire extinguishers

Clothing

• how to wear lifejackets and harnesses
• where to locate extra clothing

Limitations of vessel

You should consider whether your boat is capable of undertaking the proposed trip and be aware of the limitations of your craft. Do not overestimate its speed or ability to handle difficult conditions. Remember that the sea and weather can change rapidly.

You should also make sure that there is sufficient safety equipment and stores on board.

Weather and tidal observations

You should always check the weather forecast before you set off, and get regular updates if you are planning to be out for any length of time. Be prepared to change your plans or cancel the trip if the forecast is unfavourable.

Check the tidal predictions for your trip and ensure that they fit with what you are planning to do and the route you are planning to take. If the tide turns to a wind-against-tide direction, the sea may become much rougher. An ebbing tide may create dangerous areas of shallow water.

Speed limits

The Boats and Surf-riding (Control) (Jersey) Regulations 1969 states that all vessels in local waters must not exceed a speed of 5 knots when:

• within any harbour at any time
• in any bay at any time in any case where the boat is being used to tow a person engaged in parascending
• within 200 yards of the water’s edge in any bay between the hours of 1000 and 1900 on any day from 1st May to 31st October in any year
• within 200 yards of the water’s edge in any bay at any other time except in any case where the boat is being used to tow a person engaged in water ski-ing, and then only at the start of such tow

There are specific regulations relating to the operation of jet-skis in local waters.

Jersey Coastguard monitors and enforces these regulations with modern technological equipment. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Navigational dangers

Make sure you are familiar with any navigational dangers you may encounter during your boating trip. Check up-to-date charts and a current pilotage book or almanac.

If you are unfamiliar with the area, seek advice before you set sail.

It is vital that you know, and remain familiar with, the meanings of different navigational marks.

Precautionary area

A precautionary area for all vessels exists off St Helier.

St Helier approaches

All vessels should approach St Helier using the approved routes.

Correct equipment

You should ensure that you carry the correct equipment during any voyage. Pleasure vessels in excess of 7 metres long are legally required to carry the following:

• a properly adjusted standard magnetic compass
• a hand bearing or other compass
• charts and navigational publications
• radar reflectors

Contingency plans and information ashore

Always have a contingency plan. Before you go, you should consider the places where you can take refuge if conditions deteriorate or you suffer an incident or injury.

It is sensible and good practice to make sure you are not over-reliant on your GPS unit and can navigate yourself to safety if it should fail to work.

You should also make sure that someone ashore knows your plans and understands what to do if they become concerned for your wellbeing.

Jersey Coastguard will receive, log and when requested amend traffic reports (TRs) received from pleasure vessels on VHF 82 or by telephone on +44 (0) 1534 447705.