Boat Trailer Safety Checks Before Towing and Launching
Boat trailers can develop problems while sitting unused. Tyres age, brakes can seize, bearings are repeatedly exposed to water and straps deteriorate. A quick inspection before towing can catch these problems before they become much harder to deal with. Check the trailer particularly carefully after winter storage, before a long journey or if it has […]
Do You Need Flares on a Boat in the UK?
For many privately owned leisure boats in UK waters, there isn’t a blanket legal requirement to carry pyrotechnic flares. That doesn’t mean every boat should go without them. Whether flares are appropriate depends on the boat, where you use it and how easily you could raise the alarm if something went wrong. A small motorboat […]
What Should You Do If Someone Falls Overboard from a Motorboat?
Getting back to someone who has fallen overboard is only part of the problem. You also need to keep them in sight, decide whether to call for help, bring the Motorboat back without putting them at risk from the propellers and work out how you are actually going to get them aboard. That final point […]
What to Do If Your Motorboat Engine Fails
An engine stopping unexpectedly gets your attention very quickly. The important thing is not to let the mechanical problem become a boating emergency while you are trying to work out what has gone wrong. Where the failure happens makes a considerable difference. Losing propulsion in open water may give you time to investigate. Losing it […]
Motorboat Engine Checks Before You Leave the Berth
Engine problems are much easier to deal with while the boat is still tied up. A few minutes spent checking the engine before departure can reveal a leak, low fluid level, cooling problem or weak battery before you need to rely on the engine for manoeuvring. The checks will vary between boats. An outboard installation […]
What Safety Equipment Should You Carry on a Motorboat?
Safety equipment is only useful if it suits the boat, works properly and can be reached when something goes wrong. A short trip into the Solent does not necessarily call for the same equipment as a longer coastal passage, but every skipper should know what is aboard, where it is kept and when it was […]
How to Prepare for Boating at Night
Darkness changes boating faster than many people expect. A route that feels straightforward in daylight can become much less familiar once shore lights appear, depth perception drops away and navigation marks become harder to identify. Knowing how to prepare for boating at night is less about making night passages complicated and more about removing avoidable […]
Why Winter is a Smart Time to Refresh Marine Training Before the New Year
When winter arrives and the busy season eases off, many marine crews take time to wind down, maintain vessels and prepare for the year ahead. With colder weather, shorter days and rougher seas, it can be a quieter operational period — which makes it the ideal window to complete or refresh professional marine training. Christmas […]
How Professional Marine Training Keeps Crews Safe and Shipments Smooth
Commercial vessels operate in an environment that leaves little room for error. Open water can be unpredictable, weather changes quickly, machinery is powerful, and navigation requires skill, awareness and teamwork. A well-trained crew is the backbone of every successful voyage, and professional marine training is what keeps operations safe, compliant and efficient. From safety procedures […]
Why the Right Footwear Matters When You’re Sailing
When it comes to sailing, most people think about life jackets, navigation equipment, and weather forecasts. Footwear is rarely top of mind until you slip, stub a toe, or end the day with sore, soggy feet. Wearing the right shoes isn’t just a matter of comfort; it’s a crucial part of staying safe and enjoying […]