Safety equipment on board Five Senses

When sailing you are very directly exposed to the forces of nature. Especially with our children as part of the crew, we naturally attach great importance to safety on board, not just with regard to the danger of falling into the water. Should it happen anyway, there is a rescue loop, a marker buoy and handheld searchlights in addition to the mandatory floating ring. There are automatic life jackets and harnesses for everyone on board to use. Safety lines can be deployed on both sides for the entire length of the ship. The children wear their life jackets as soon as we leave a marina. For adults, the usual rules for strong winds or night driving apply.

Before each departure, we repeat the sequence of a man overboard maneuver together and we prepare guests for such a situation. Exercise regularly with an empty canister.

Provision is also made for other possible emergencies: First aid equipment for accidents or illnesses (first aid bag, first aid suitcase, medication in a waterproof box), I'm still thinking about bying an AED. It would be almost crazy if I hadn't considering having such a device on board.

There are two GMDSS-capable VHF radios on board, one of which is our main VHF and the second one is a mobile/hand-held unit, waterproof and buoyant. An EPIRB is on board and is attached in such a way that it can also be easily reached from the cockpit. The life raft is in the port locker and the emergency tiller is on the starboard side.

Should we really have to leave the ship quickly, there is a floating emergency bag at the navigation station. This is where the passports are, there is space for the handheld radio and the EPIRB and I have some food and water in my pocket. The emergency signals are in the immediate vicinity. On board are red and white hand torches, orange smoke and a signal transmitter with parachute missiles. The life raft is designed for a maximum of 10 people and ekes out its existence in the locker on the port side.

There are three fire extinguishers available for fire fighting, which are located near the engine, in the galley and in the foredeck. This year all extinguishing agents were checked for their usability. There is an extinguishing opening for the engine compartment and an extinguishing blanket is available near the gas stove. The gas system is checked annually and the electrical installations were overhauled and newly secured this year. I hope no trouble threatens from this side.

If water penetrates through the sea cocks, wooden leak stoppers and a special sealant are ready to hand. All through-hull fittings were renewed last year, so there shouldn't be any danger from this side. The shaft's stuffing collar has also undergone refit.

Tools to quickly get to a leak are easily accessible. Two electric and one hand-operated bilge pumps are ready for use. I'm still thinking about a leaking sail. In addition to a good crew and a lookout, radar and AIS also serve to avoid collisions. This of course leads me to the subject of navigation: there are two chart plotters with the latest electronic nautical charts on board. Updated paper maps are also available, along with navigation tools, a bearing compass and marine binoculars.
In the event of rig damage, i.e. shrouds or mast breakage, there is a large turnbuckle on board. The rig was checked last year and the shrouds were replaced. A bosun's chair is on board for regular checks. Luis uses it to check all relevant parts of the standing rigging during almost every journey ;-)