Safety Inside a Sailboat
On a sailboat there are a few safety features that should definitely be installed. Undoubtedly there should be a fire alarm installed below deck on the sailboat. It is equally as important to test this boat fire alarm once a month to make sure it is working adequately and properly. Often, fire alarm batteries run out of juice and leave sailors unknowingly vulnerable. The fire alarm which is purchased and installed should definitely be loud in pitch when going off. This will ensure that it will be loud enough to hear all around the boat.
To supplement the fire alarm, there should be a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. Many people each year fall victim to having carbon monoxide poisoning. The most deadly aspect of carbon monoxide is that it is odorless, and even those with a keen nose will miss its presence. There should be one installed in every sleeping area, galley, and confined space to maximize coverage and protection for the crew. Installing a carbon monoxide detector will provide early detection of the situation and prevent needless health injuries.
The boat interior should be well lit without a doubt. Utilize boat interior lighting which is cost beneficial. Mount an LED light on the ceiling or the wall, as one of the many types to chose from. Light can be cast where it is needed by using a small halogen type lamp. This latter type would be ideal for reading. It is also important of course to get a waterproof design. For smaller spaces and other situations, keep a powerful flashlight aboard. Some flashlights even come with built in FM radio.
Beyond safety within the sailboat, the exterior of the boat should also be well lit with boat exterior lighting. These lights are used also for navigational purposes. The best type will be the LED type, since they use half the energy and have a long life. Depending on the length of the boat, the models and types of external lights are going to vary. Two miles at the least should be the visibility allowed by the exterior lights. There should also be a floodlight aboard that will be used for certain situations.
If it is possible, having a generator would also be a good idea. An efficient and worthwhile generator needs to be selected. This may cost a little bit more, but the long term benefits will eventually make themselves clear. There needs to be specific features installed on a boat for safety purposes. To those who sail actively, it becomes known that just as important as maintaining the sailboat is maintaining safety on a sailboat.