Keep the Comms open
Communication is very important for safety on the water. Before, during and after a fishing session.
When we chat safety one of the first things we do is run over our equipment, our procedures and our various safety checks. This is all brilliant and of course an excellent habit to get into.
Another very important habit is your communication. And when I talk communication it’s not limited to just your various comm’s devices like radios and cellphones. Good communication actually starts in advance of your fishing session. And the first point of call is your other half, or a land based family member or friend. Tell them where you are going, what your plan is, how far you are going out, and when you expect to be back. That way, if you go missing, any search party has a starting point to look for you.
Next people to chat to, are your fishing buddies. Do you all have the same plan. Are you on the same page regarding launch procedure, and area you are fishing. Are you going to stick together when you are out on the wate. There is no point having a fishing buddy or buddies if you dint even stick together out on the water. Obviously out on the water you might hook a fish and go in a slightly different direction to your mates but at least be within range to assist. Do you have a rendezvous pint or a time to be back on backline to meet up again if you do split up. Be clear in your communication of what the plan is and where you are heading.
FIll in your launch register properly (this is also part of good communication) and then tell someone at the launch site where you plan to go. Don’t be secretive. The ocean is vast, and if someone has a rough idea where you are, they are not going to find your secret spot but they will be able to get an idea of where to search if you get into trouble.
Make sure your cellphone is fully charged and has emergency numbers on speed dial. Make sure it is in a waterproof pouch and is easily accessible. Preferably keep your cellphone on you at all times, strapped around your neck, tucked into your lifejacket, or however you want to do it. If you fall overboard, and are adrift of your craft, at least you have some sort of comms on you.
If you have a handheld VHF, make sure that is fully charged. Always do radio checks on your onboard radios, and make sure they are in good working order.
Do you know how to use your radio properly and call for help if needed? You should do, if you did your course, but do a bit of a refresher every now and again is an excellent idea.
And don’t be scared to communicate. Whether it is simply calling your buddies over to assist, or calling an unknown nearby craft, or the NSRI. If you are in trouble you are not going to get in trouble by calling for help. Obviously if it is not life threatening or urgent try and fix an issue first, but if you need to call in for help don’t let your pride get in the way, and don’t leave it till it is too late. Everyone has to shout for help sometime in their life, make sure you do it in time.
