Navigation and Seamanship

5.2.1. Introduction

           

              Every seagoing person is expected to know basic knowledge on life saving appliances and safety practices. Safety of life and properly at sea should be given top most priority while planning for any sea trip.. The minimum safety equipments to be carried on board a vessel is given in the regulations for each class of vessel including fishing vessel. Thorough knowledge on operation and maintenance of life saving appliances, fire fighting appliances, tackling the emergency situations especially during bad weather, is also required for a successful mariner. As far as fishing vessels are concerned emergencies may include fouling of gear and its effect on the stability of the boat, handling huge catches, man overboard, fire, engine breakdown, leak, grounding, and distress and so on. Negligence or ignorance in this regard, will lead to great loss of life and property during emergency or distress at sea. Rules and regulations are framed for each class of vessel regarding the type and number of life saving appliances is to be carried on board a vessel. Life saving appliances should be made of good quality material and workmanship to meet the requirement of the regulations and standards prescribed by the certifying authorities. Every person in the vessel shall be suitably trained on usage of life saving appliances.