This past week I was talking with a friend that has been offshore for years. After some really close calls with other boats this past summer, he is looking into life rafts and different options. I started to do a little reading trying to get some information for an article when I realized that we had an article sent to us from Captain Mike Crouch of Sea Tow. I hope you do not mind me recycling an article, but this article is still pertinent today as the day it was written.
I’ve received a lot of questions this past week about electronics and safety equipment, specifically E.P.I.R.B.S and life rafts. Let’s talk about life rafts first.
There are far too many fishermen out there, especially those of us that fish beyond what is known as a coastwise route that do not carry sufficient safety gear. A coastwise route as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations is one past 20 nm. As you know the “Code” only applies if you are carrying passengers for hire, but several of you wanted the information for the safety of your crew, friends and family. Kudos to you!
Life rafts or rescue pods are designed for one reason only and that’s to keep you and your crew dry and afloat if your vessel becomes un-seaworthy or sinks. Several months ago there was an article in the paper about a guy in New Jersey who went offshore, sank and was found hanging on to a cooler. Unfortunately this occurs more times than you think. Read the Coast Guard website about the weekly rescues they perform and you’ll get an idea of how often this occurs. But with a little planning and of course a little money, good safety practices are within reach.
There are several reputable companies that put out a great product and Duey at West Marine can point you in the right direction. I suggest that you fisherman who regularly make the trip out past 20 nm consider adding a life raft or rescue pod to your inventory. They take up very little room and the initial cost is well worth the comfort of knowing that in the event you have to abandon your vessel, y