Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015 April 2014 | Page 41

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015

their old flares as they look new and it seems a waste of money to throw
them away, but in the confusion of an emergency you need to be sure
that you are reaching for a new flare which will function correctly. A flare
has an expiry date for a reason!
Finally, let us consider lifejackets.
Lifejackets may look shiny and new
and even be in the original bag they
came in but, have they been used
and put back in the bag to be dealt
with later? Have they been on the
boat for years and do they have have
undetected holes? Your lifejackets
could be hiding all sorts of defects.
If your lifejackets have not been
serviced and maintained annually
they might let you down. Don’t take
a chance; take them to a recognised
service centre for inspection. It is
always better to be safe than sorry.

Seasafe Systems

If you see someone in difficulty on the water, ring the emergency
number 999 and ask for the Coastguard. You can also contact the
Coastguard on Tel: [phone] or for routine traffic use VHF Ch 67
call sign ‘Solent Coastguard’.

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