#1 Rule: Never Go Overboard
In hazardous weather, we wear our inflatable lifejackets that have a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) inside. When the lifejacket comes into contact with water, it inflates, a light beacon goes off and the SOS button can be pushed. The SOS button deploys the local Coast Guard and the PLB is registered with NOAA and has the emergency contact info for the owner of the PLB. We also clip ourselves to the boat using a safety lanyard in bad weather.
We have a VHF radio with AIS that can be used to contact the port harbormaster or other cruising boats. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, the “Mayday” or “Pan-Pan” call would be done over the VHF radio ( if you are in close-enough range for anyone to hear you).
We also have an Iridium GO!, which is a small but powerful satellite communication device allowing users to use voice, text messaging, map and weather data, as well as SOS and GPS navigation. We plan to use the Iridium mostly for allowing others to track our location and obtain GRIB FILES from satellites. GRIB files are weather data files that come from satellites. Iridium GO! Service requires a monthly subscription fee.
Life Raft: We don’t have an emergency life raft on Kite. Our 10-foot aluminum hull inflatable dinghy could be used for such a purpose.
First Aid: Minor injuries can be common on boats. We have a fully-stocked First Aid kit and before we go, will plan to be stocked with prescription antibiotics in case in the event of an infection.
Man Overboard: This is every sailor’s nightmare and can ensure death if not addressed right away. We do have a MOB protocol on the boat that we practice when we get on the water.
Kite Cruising 