Onboard safety

Onboard safety includes everything needed to prevent accidents and manage emergencies at sea: life jackets, ring buoys, visual signaling devices, fire-fighting equipment, an anchor windlass, and first-aid kits. The starting point for choosing is the type of boating—coastal or offshore—and the minimum equipment required for your boat. Leggi la guida

Le marche di Onboard safety

Trem Osculati Plastimo Typhoon Veleria San Giorgio Quick Fni Forniture Nautiche Italiane Jobe Sports Fireboy Anaf Nuova Rade Ocean Signal Segura Anaf Antincendi P.v.s.

How to choose safety equipment for boating

Every boat has different equipment requirements depending on its cruising category and the number of people on board. Before purchasing, it is advisable to check what you already have and what is missing compared to the requirements for the waters where you intend to operate.

Life jackets: material and buoyancy rating

The choice of life jacket depends on the type of use and the user's weight. Neoprene models from brands such as Jobe are widely used for kayaking, water sports, and coastal boating; they offer thermal protection but provide less buoyancy. Inflatable life jackets — such as those in the Plastimo Pilot and Typhon range — are distinguished by their buoyancy rating (100N, 150N, 165N) and activation mechanism: manual or automatic. The 150N rating and above is recommended for offshore boating and challenging weather conditions. Dedicated models with specific sizes and buoyancy ratings are available for children and teenagers.

Ring buoys, cushions, and throwing accessories

A ring buoy is mandatory on most boats and must be easily accessible on deck. It should be paired with a bracket that includes a line and buoy holder. Trem life jackets are an alternative for small boats, but they do not replace a ring buoy when required by regulations.

Visual signals: buoys, flares, and radar reflectors

SOLAS-approved LED light buoys indicate the position of a person in the water even at night. Shape signals — black ball, black cone — are required when boating under certain conditions. A passive radar reflector increases the boat's visibility to ship radar systems in high-traffic areas.

Firefighting and first aid equipment

Fixed fire extinguishing systems, such as those from Osculati using FK-5-1-12 agent, are recommended for engine compartments and enclosed spaces; some models are RINA-approved. First aid kits differ in content depending on the equipment category: it is important that they are suitable for the intended boating and that the contents have not expired.

Anchor windlasses and MOB systems

Electric anchor windlasses — including Lofrans and Quick models — are chosen based on the boat's voltage (12V or 24V), power, and chain diameter. Wireless MOB devices, such as the Osculati/Fell Marine model, activate an automatic alarm when a crew member falls overboard, enhancing active safety on board.

Domande frequenti

Come si sceglie la classe di galleggiamento giusta per un giubbotto di salvataggio?

La classe di galleggiamento (100N, 150N, 165N) indica la forza di sostentamento in acqua. Per navigazione costiera protetta è spesso sufficiente 100N; per offshore e condizioni impegnative si preferisce 150N o 165N, che garantisce il raddrizzamento automatico anche di una persona priva di sensi.

Qual è la differenza tra un giubbotto automatico e uno manuale?

Il modello automatico si gonfia al contatto con l'acqua grazie a una capsula solubile, senza intervento del naufrago; quello manuale richiede di tirare la maniglia di attivazione. I modelli automatici sono più indicati per chi naviga da solo o in condizioni in cui si potrebbe perdere conoscenza.

La boetta luminosa deve essere omologata SOLAS?

Per le imbarcazioni soggette a obblighi di dotazione di sicurezza, le boette luminose devono rispettare i requisiti previsti dalla normativa di navigazione applicabile, che spesso richiama gli standard SOLAS. È bene verificare le norme specifiche per la propria categoria di navigazione.

Come si sceglie il salpa ancora giusto per la propria barca?

I parametri principali sono la tensione dell'impianto di bordo (12V o 24V), la potenza del verricello e il diametro della catena o della cima da utilizzare. Anche il peso dell'ancora e la posizione di installazione incidono sulla scelta del modello più adatto.

Nella stessa sezione

Blanket and leg warmers Onboard comfort Plumbing and Toilets Mooring and anchoring Electrical system Engine Electronics Maintenance and hardware Inflatables, trolleys and sports