BASIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMUSEMENT BOATS:

Before setting sail:

• Gather information about the weather forecast in the area where you want to sail. Do not leave in the case of bad weather or bad visibility.
• El Instituto Nacional de Meteorología (INM), the Stations Radiocosteras of Telefónica and the Centers of Marine Rescue, spread weather reports constantly. You can consult them by telephone or radio.
• Check your boat using a check list, mainly: fuel, motor, electric system, sailing equipments and communications, rigs, security systems, etc.

More than 50% of emergencies by amusement boats are caused by mechanical or structural failures.

• Leave information of your sailing plans and of the features of the boat in the harbour master’s office, in your Club Nautical, relatives and friends. Do not change this plan except if it is completely necessary.

• Insure the boat and its crew.

During the sailing:

• Watch constantly and respect the international rules in order to prevent boardings.
• Take into account the weather changes. In the case of unexpected worsening, do not take risks and look for a refuge. Your crew must have safety rings and the life jackets.
• Respect the use of the channel 16 VHF and listen to it constantly.
  

Before an emergency case:

• If the boat is in danger, transmit the distress signal MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, through the channel 16 VHF or the frequency 2,182 medium wave. If you have radiobeacon, activate it manually.
• If you need help urgently, but you are not in imminent danger, you must send out the signal PAN, PAN, PAN, in the aforementioned frequencies.
• Mobile phone is not an option when VHS is obligatory. Besides, its reach is limited and its location is difficult.
• If you use VHF, radiogoniometry systems can locate your exact position automatically.
• If you have no means of communication, use the due distress signals: flares, flags, smoke bombs, acoustic signals, etc.
• In the case that you solve the emergency, after you have transmitted the distress signal, inform rescue means. You could have caused a complex and expensive search and rescue operation.
• If you have not been able to solve the situation, do not leave the ship if it is not completely necessary. In the case of overturn, stay near in order to be located more easily. Do not swim to the coast.

• Help it quickly, if you are not in danger.
• Contact (channel 16 VHF or 2.182 Khz.) center of marine rescue or Radiocostera Station and contact other close ships.
• If you have no means of communication, warn other close boats through distress signals. If you cannot help, go to the closest harbour to inform about the situation.