Cold Water and Hypothermia: Staying Safe in the Water
How cold water affects the body, the danger of cold water shock, how to survive immersion, and how to recognise and treat hypothermia after a rescue.
Equipment, man overboard, emergencies
How cold water affects the body, the danger of cold water shock, how to survive immersion, and how to recognise and treat hypothermia after a rescue.
Learn the recognised distress signals at sea, from flares and radio calls to sound, light and satellite beacons, and how to use each one to attract rescue.
A clear rundown of the safety gear every boat should carry, from lifejackets and flares to fire extinguishers and first-aid kits, and how to keep it ready to use.
How to prevent fires on board, the right extinguishers to carry, and what to do if a fire breaks out, covering galley, engine, fuel and electrical risks.
Essential first-aid knowledge for the water: handling common injuries, seasickness, hypothermia and emergencies when professional help may be hours away.
Understand lifejacket types and buoyancy ratings, how to choose the right one, and how to fit, wear and maintain it so it works when you need it most.
Understand the three levels of marine radio priority calls, Mayday, Pan-Pan and Securite, when to use each, and the exact wording for a distress message.
A calm, practical guide to man overboard recovery: the immediate actions, keeping visual contact, returning to the casualty and getting them safely back aboard.
A beginner-friendly guide to marine VHF radio: how it works, key channels, DSC, correct calling procedure and the radio etiquette that keeps the airwaves clear.