Many sailors and boaters enjoy the solitude afforded by taking a boat out single-handed and sailing alone. The water is certainly a calming and yet exciting experience for most of us. However, when an accident occurs, a lone sailor has fewer resources available to them to survive a boating misfortune. Boaters would be well served by following the buddy system advocated by the Boy Scouts. Always take a buddy along for any outdoor activity. At a minimum, a lone sailor should exercise extreme prudence in their seamanship and understand the risks of sailing alone.
Maritime Boating Officers in Australia's New South Wales region reported a rash of four solo boating incidents in the spring of 2007. One boater slipped on-deck, broke a hip, and fell overboard. Their powerboat continued to circle under full power and presented a clear danger to the injured sailor and those around the boat. Officials were able to stop the running craft by fouling the propeller with a line thrown in front of the boat. There are a number of engine kill devices available to boaters.
Statistics show men are more likely than women to be involved in solo boating fatalities are. One major cause is physiological, men are likely to relieve themselves over the transom and fall overboard. Fifty percent of young male drowning victims are reported to have an unzipped fly. It is a perverse, but chilling statistic. Other causes for falls include standing up in a small boat or reaching over to grasp a fish or anchor.
There are many precautions lone sailors can take to ensure their safety:
- Wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device while onboard
- Use an engine kill switch and keep the lanyard connected to your person while underway
- Seek out a vessel safety check (VSC) inspection from the Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Use a pre-departure checklist and check the weather
- File a float plan with a trusted party
- Stay aware of your location and maintain situational awareness
- Avoid the use of alcohol while boating alone
- Carry a personal survival kit and fully understand the use of visual distress signals
- Install a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPRIB)
Solo boaters take on additional responsibility for their personal safety. The joy of the ocean solitude is braced by the reality of the consequences of poor decision making. Consider taking a boating safety course or better yet bring a friend along on your next sailing trip.
