Safety at sea: key recommendations to navigate with confidence
Safety at sea is essential to enjoy boating responsibly. To reinforce this message, Club Nàutic l’Escala recently hosted a conference on maritime safety, where recommendations and best practices for sailors were shared.
Below are some key points to consider before and during any trip at sea.
Planning ahead helps prevent risky situations. Safe navigation always starts at the port. Before leaving, it is essential to:
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- Check the overall condition of the vessel
- Verify fuel levels and batteries
- Ensure all safety equipment is operational (life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers)
- Check the weather forecast
Having the right equipment and ensuring it is accessible and in good condition is key to safety on board:
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- Approved life jackets for all crew members
- Communication equipment (VHF radio)
- Signalling and emergency devices
- First aid kit
While navigating, it is important to maintain a prudent and respectful attitude. Responsible boating protects both people and the marine environment:
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- Adjust speed to sea conditions and surroundings
- Respect safety distances from the coast and other vessels
- Properly identify channels, bathing areas and regulated zones
- Avoid unnecessary risks
In case of an incident, it is important to act quickly and calmly. Knowing basic procedures can make a difference:
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- Contact Maritime Rescue via VHF channel 16
- Provide location and nature of the emergency
- Follow rescue services’ instructions
Safety at sea is a shared responsibility. Taking part in training activities such as talks or information sessions helps improve knowledge and confidence when navigating. The Club will continue to promote initiatives to encourage safety and best practices among its users.
Safety along our coast relies on coordination between specialised organisations. On the Costa Brava, Maritime Rescue and Red Cross are key reference bodies for preventing and responding to maritime emergencies.
- Maritime Rescue (Salvamento Marítimo): State public body responsible for search and rescue operations and marine pollution response, operating 24/7 through its coordination centres and aerial and maritime resources.
- Red Cross: Humanitarian organisation with extensive experience in coastal rescue, particularly through local bases such as L’Escala. With trained teams and volunteers, it provides rapid response to rescues and emergencies near the coast.
Learn about the Club’s commitment and actions towards quality and environmental preservation: Visit the Responsible Marina section.
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