Safety equipment on charter yachts is regulated, and the rules are strictly enforced. The exact list depends on the country where the boat is registered and on its size, but on a charter yacht you will usually find:
- an anchor of adequate size with at least 25 m of anchor line
- mooring lines and cleats or bollards for mooring
- an emergency tiller
- a bilge pump, or a bucket and bailer
- navigation lights
- a compass
- up-to-date nautical charts and pilot books, with plotting tools
- a foghorn or other sound signal
- a fire extinguisher
- a first-aid kit
- tools and spare parts for the engine
- a torch
- red hand flares or rockets
- enough life jackets for everyone on board
The safety briefing
At check-in, the charter company walks you through the boat. Make sure the briefing covers where the safety equipment is, how to use it, and what to do in an emergency. Ask if anything is unclear: it is much easier to find the flares at the dock than in a storm.
What to do if something breaks at sea: What happens if my yacht breaks down?
