top of page
Image by Clarissa Watson

Safety in Yachting

My Personal Approach and Responsibility for Passengers

I often say one simple thing: “Safety first!”
Beautiful bays, fishing, sunrises at sea — all of it only makes sense when the people on board feel calm and protected.

That is why I give maximum attention to safety — not formally, but genuinely. For me, it’s not just about meeting requirements. It’s about doing everything necessary so you can truly relax and enjoy your time without worry.

The yacht is equipped with all essential safety equipment: individual life jackets for every passenger on board, a life raft, VHF radios for communication with the coast guard, distress signaling equipment, fire extinguishers, and a fully stocked first aid kit.

But behind this short list stands far more than it may seem at first glance.

Why Safety in Yachting Is Not a Formality

The sea does not forgive carelessness.
Even in good weather, even on calm routes, a responsible approach is the foundation of everything.

I follow a simple principle:
the best vacation is the one where you never think about risks — because someone has already thought about them for you.

This is especially important when there are:

  • families with children on board

  • guests without sailing experience

  • participants of fishing tours

  • people going to sea for the first time

My job is to ensure that everyone feels safe.

Life Jackets: Not “Somewhere on Board,” but Ready to Use

There are always individual life jackets for every passenger — and this is not just a box to tick.

What matters to me:

  • life jackets are the correct size

  • they are stored in an accessible place

  • before departure, I explain where they are and how to use them

If there are children on board, that is a separate conversation and a separate level of control. Children’s safety is an absolute priority.

An additional safety option is installing protective netting along the railings to minimize the risk of small children falling overboard.

Life Raft: A Plan You Hope Never to Use

A life raft is equipment no one wants to think about — but it must be on board and fully operational.

Before heading out to sea, I check:

  • service validity

  • accessibility

  • proper placement

Most importantly, I know in advance exactly how to act if a situation ever requires its use. There is no room for panic in such moments.

Communication with Shore and Emergency Services

Reliable communication is a key element of safety at sea.

On board:

  • VHF radios for contact with the coast guard

  • emergency communication equipment

  • clear understanding of which channels to use and when

This provides the most important thing — confidence that we are never alone and always connected.

 

Distress Signals: Hopefully Never Needed

Distress signaling equipment is another mandatory element.

Most guests will never see it used.
And that is exactly how it should be.

However, I make sure that:

  • all equipment is on board

  • it is fully operational

  • I know exactly where it is stored and how to deploy it

 

Fire Safety on a Yacht

Fire on the water is a serious matter and must be treated with maximum attention.

On board there are always:

  • functioning fire extinguishers

  • clear knowledge of their locations

  • basic onboard safety rules

Before departure, I explain simple but important points:

  • how to use the stove safely

  • where smoking is prohibited

  • why certain areas require extra caution

First Aid Kit and Basic Preparedness

A first aid kit is not just a box “just in case.”

For me, it is important that:

  • it is properly stocked

  • its contents are up to date

  • additional tools are available for situations that may occur during fishing

  • I understand how to respond to common issues such as cuts, seasickness, minor burns, or bruises

At sea, there are no “small details.” Sometimes preparation is exactly what makes a vacation truly спокойным and enjoyable.

Safety Briefing Before Departure

Before every trip, I conduct a short and clear safety briefing.

No complicated terminology or information overload — just what matters:

  • where everything is located

  • how to behave on board

  • what to do in an unusual situation

My goal is not to frighten anyone, but to provide a sense of control and confidence.

 

Weather, Route Planning, and Saying “No”

 

One of the most important elements of safety is knowing when to say “no.”

Throughout the route, I check the weather forecast daily so that if conditions become unsafe, we can adjust the plan immediately.

If:

  • the weather raises concerns

  • conditions change

  • the route becomes unsafe

I always choose safety over “at any cost.”

The sea will still be there tomorrow.

My Main Task — Your Peace of Mind

I sincerely believe that great yachting means that during your trip you:

  • do not think about technical details

  • do not worry about safety

  • simply enjoy the sea, fishing, and the moment

That is why I treat safety with such seriousness.
Not because “it’s required,” but because there are people on board for whom I am responsible.

Your vacation is my responsibility.
And I take that seriously.

© 2025  Leonovichoutdoors SL​

Organizing yachting and fishing tours
in the paradise corners of our Planet

in sail we trust

Yachting in the Caribbean
Yachting in the Canaries
Yachting in Phuket
Yachting in Seychelles
Fishing in the Caribbean
Fishing in the Seychelles

 

bottom of page