Are you a boat enthusiast and have you recently bought your first sailing yacht or motorboat? Then you can be considered a novice boater. If, after obtaining your boating licence I or II and purchasing a boat, you go out on the water for the first time, it is important to be well aware of a number of things you need to pay attention to. In this article, we give you the best tips and advice to keep your head above water as a novice captain!
Safety first
Important for novice boat enthusiasts is to ensure that your vessel, whether it's a motorboat or a sailing yacht, is technically in order. Make sure that everything technically and mechanically works properly and that you know the boat. Basic rescue equipment should be on board, such as lifebuoys, life jackets, a first aid kit, ropes, a fire extinguisher, but also personal items, such as a supply of medicines (such as paracetamol and motion sickness pills) and sunscreen because you burn faster on the water. Don't forget to bring a sharp knife for emergencies (if you need to cut a rope) and enough drinking water.
In any case, once a year, before the sailing season begins, do a thorough check to ensure you have sufficient supplies, safety equipment, and rescue materials on board. This way, you'll be well-prepared when you go out on the water and can better cope if an emergency arises. Another tip that makes sailing safer: make sure you always have (spare) paddles on board – in case your boat's engine breaks down – and that you always have a means of communication on board for serious emergencies. Think of a fully charged smartphone (preferably with an extra charger) and flares that you can fire if you are in real distress and want to continue sailing.
Know the sailing rules, practice a lot & anticipate on the water
If you have a small boat and a boating licence is not mandatory for you, it is wise to be well aware of the basic rules that apply to sailing on (open) water. There are five basic rules that you should know anyway. Firstly, commercial shipping always has priority (large goes before small), furthermore, starboard side has priority, and thirdly, you give way to boats turning on the water. Fourthly, you keep as far to the right as possible while sailing and, last but not least in locks, you wait patiently for your turn.
In addition to observing the basic boating rules, as a novice boat enthusiast, it is very important to practice boating a lot. It is best to do this on open water and not in canals, to avoid colliding with other vessels. Especially practice steering, using electronic navigation (if available), reversing, and mooring your boat. By regularly practicing boating, steering, and using your boat, you can learn a lot in a short time and quickly go from a novice captain to a boatman with sufficient self-confidence.
Very important on the water, even more important than when driving a car, is to anticipate situations and look ahead. Unlike a car, a motorboat or sailboat stops much less quickly. You can't just hit the brakes to bring your boat to an immediate stop. Therefore, make sure you look well ahead on the water, so you can quickly respond to changing situations. If an oncoming vessel approaches on the water, already reduce your speed or ease your sails. This way you slow down in time and can safely pass the oncoming vessel. Especially during the boating season, when it's busy on the water, don't go too fast so you have time to anticipate!
Stay on board and prevent nuisance for people, animals & nature
An important rule on the water is to always stay on board, unless there is a reason to go into the water. Boating can become dangerous when people jump off the boat to, for example, go for a swim. In the worst case, you might land incorrectly or be run over. Parts of the boat below the waterline, such as the engine, can also cause serious injury. If you want to swim, consider purchasing a special ladder and calmly enter the water, or moor somewhere and enter the water from the shore or a jetty.
In nature reserves and in places where people live or recreate by the water, it is important to sail calmly and not cause (noise) nuisance. If you adhere to all the rules mentioned here, you are actually no longer a novice boat enthusiast!
