Water is a force that does not forgive mistakes, but gives incredible freedom to those who know how to negotiate with it. open-water It becomes a ritual, a way to get away from the bustle of the city and test yourself for strength, but to keep this experience in the memory of only positive, you need to carefully prepare for the encounter with the water element.
Choosing a swimming aid is the first and most important step. PVC inflatable For fishing or a solid metal boat, each model has its own specifications, and it depends on the specifications of your vessel how confident you will feel when the wind is amplified or the wave appears.
In this article, we'll look at the key aspects of human-water interactions, how to get outfitted, what laws govern water travel, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes. security It is not just a set of rules, but a way of thinking.
Selecting a swimming vehicle: a boat as a continuation of the captain
The choice of the vessel depends on where exactly you plan to plow the water. rowing-boat They're quiet, eco-friendly and don't require complex maintenance, making them a great choice for family vacations.
If you're looking for a large reservoir or a boat trip, you're going to need a more serious approach. keel-bottom They're better at handling excitement, making it soft, and it's important to consider not only the power of the engine, but also the load capacity and the materials that make up the body.
When choosing, pay attention to the design of the bottom and the presence transom Also critical is the tightness of the inflatable compartments, as this is your main reserve of buoyancy in an emergency.
When buying a used boat, be sure to pump all the cylinders and leave them for a day - this will reveal even microscopic air leaks.
Navigation equipment and communication on water
Modern navigation has come a long way, and relying on paper maps and a compass is no longer accepted, although it is still necessary to carry them with you. GPS-navigator Or a mapplotter that displays the location, depth and relief of the bottom in real time.
But electronics tend to fail at the most inopportune times, so having a backup power source and autonomous navigation devices is a must for long-distance hikes. echoer helps not only to search for fish, but also to avoid shallow water, which can be fatal for the propeller of the engine.
Why can GPS lie?
Satellite signals can be distorted by high shores, thunderstorm clouds or technical failures. Always check the data against the visual environment and paper maps.
We need to pay special attention to communication. Mobile communication doesn't work everywhere, so it's a must to get to the big waters. VHF radio stationIt allows you to stay in touch with shore services and other vessels, which can save lives in a critical situation.
| Type of equipment | Substantive function | Necessity |
|---|---|---|
| GPS-navigator | Determination of coordinates | High. |
| echoer | Measurement of depth | Medium |
| VHF radio | Communication and call for assistance | Critical |
| compass | Orientation | High (reserve) |
Rescue Equipment: What Should Be on Board
The element of water is unpredictable, and even an experienced swimmer can be confused when caught in cold water or strong currents. lifejackets In terms of passenger numbers, it's not just a formality, it's a necessity, and the vest has to be tailored to fit the size and weight of the person.
In addition to vests, there must be a lifeline and a line (the end of Alexandrov), these simple items allow you to quickly help a person who has fallen overboard without coming close to him, which is especially important when the engine screw is working. rescue-falcon with a carbine.
☑️ Minimum security set
It is important to check the condition of the equipment: the fabric of the vests burns out in the sun, and the foam inserts can lose buoyancy over time. Airtight bag For documents and telephone also refers to mandatory equipment.
⚠️ Attention: The use of inflatable circles for swimming instead of full life jackets is strictly prohibited. In the case of a sudden immersion in water unconscious, the circle will not hold its head above the surface, which can lead to tragedy.
Weather conditions and reading of the water element
Reading water and the sky is a skill that comes with experience, but basic knowledge is essential for everyone. meteorological Not just for the day, but for the day after, and the dramatic changes in atmospheric pressure often precede a storm.
Pay attention to the ripples and waves, and if there are ripples against the wind or characteristic white lambs on the water, it is a signal that the elements are starting to rage, in such cases, you should immediately seek shelter or return to the shore while possible.
Fog is another dangerous enemy of the navigator: in poor visibility, traffic should be stopped, anchored at a safe depth and navigation lights turned on, even if it is daytime. Whistle. Or a foggy sound will help indicate their presence to other boats.
The three-second rule: If less than 3 seconds pass between a flash of lightning and a thunderbolt, the thunderstorm front is dangerously close - get out of the water immediately.
Maintenance and care of the boat
The durability of your boat is directly dependent on the quality of care, and after each operation, especially in salt water, the boat must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, which will prevent the corrosion of metal parts and the destruction of the glue in the seams. PVC materials.
Boat storage also has its own nuances: inflatable models cannot be kept inflated in direct sunlight or in the cold. The optimal place is a dry, ventilated room with temperatures from +5 to +20 degrees Celsius.
Regularly check the condition of the transom, mounts for switches and bottom. the appearance of scuffs or bloating on the material requires immediate repair using special remixes. Ignoring small defects can lead to the appearance of scuffs or bloating on the material. depressurization at the most inopportune time.
⚠️ Warning: Never dry a PVC boat in a fully pumped state under the scorching sun, and the air pressure inside the cylinders will rise dramatically, which can cause the seams to rupture or deform the material.
Legal aspects: GIMS and rules of conduct
Water is not only a recreation, but also a zone of responsibility before the law. Russia, like many other countries, has strict rules, regulated by the law. GIME Owning a boat often requires registration and ownership rights, especially if the power of the motor exceeds certain limits.
Every boat owner must know the rules of the road on water bodies, which regulate the speed limit near the shore, the places for bathing and the priority of passing various types of vessels, and violation of these rules can lead to serious fines and seizure of the vehicle.
You always have to carry your boat and motor ID, and you have to have your ID, and GIMS inspectors have the right to do checks at any time, and compliance with the laws is a guarantee that your vacation will not be overshadowed by legal problems.
Do I need to register a boat without a motor?
Under current Russian law, inflatable boats with a carrying capacity of less than 225 kg and a length of less than 3 meters are not subject to registration unless they are equipped with an engine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum set of things to wear in a boat for a day trip?
Be sure to bring with you life jackets by number of people, anchor with a cable, a scoop, a water pump, a remix, a supply of drinking water, sunscreen and a fully charged phone in a sealer. It is also advisable to have a navigator or a map of the area.
What to do if the boat capsizes in deep water?
The rule is not to panic or try to swim to shore if it is far away. An overturned boat keeps afloat better than a human. Climb on an overturned hull to reduce heat loss and become more visible to rescuers. Signal with your whistle or your hands.
How often do I need to have a boat inspection?
Official inspections for registered small craft are carried out every 5 years, but visual inspections of the hull, seams and equipment are recommended before each launch and after long periods of storage.
Can I go out on the water in a storm warning?
Not at all, going out on the water with a declared storm warning is illegal and deadly, and the fines for violating this rule are well above the usual, not to mention the risk to life.